Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe

Irresistibly Juicy Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe for Game Day

Crispy, cheesy crack chicken sliders burst with flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Shredded chicken mingles with creamy ranch and melted cheese, creating an irresistible combination.

Each bite promises a delightful mix of textures and tastes.

Comfort food meets party snack in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, these sliders work magic at any gathering.

Weeknight dinners or game day celebrations suddenly feel special with this simple yet addictive dish.

You won’t be able to stop at just one slider, so make plenty.

Helpful Tips for Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe

  • Use two forks to pull apart rotisserie or boiled chicken for consistent, tender texture.
  • Add extra ranch seasoning or a dash of hot sauce to intensify the savory profile.
  • Pat chicken mixture dry before spreading to maintain crisp slider bottoms.
  • Replace cream cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or vegan cheese for lactose-intolerant guests.
  • Assemble sliders up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for convenient meal prep.

Flavor Variations for Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe

  • Vegetarian Sliders: Replace chicken with crumbled tofu or jackfruit, use plant-based bacon bits, and swap dairy cheese for vegan cheese alternatives.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps, ensuring all seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap ranch seasoning for taco or southwest spice blend to create a zesty flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Skip buns entirely, serve mixture in bell pepper halves or use cheese wraps as a base for a protein-packed, carb-conscious meal.

What to Serve With Crack Chicken Sliders

  • Party Platter Perfect: Arrange sliders on a rustic wooden board with fresh herb garnish for stunning visual appeal.
  • Picnic Power Lunch: Pack cooled sliders in airtight containers for delicious outdoor meal with crisp side salad or chips.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Slice each slider into quarters for easy finger food during sports watching or casual gatherings.
  • Dipping Delight: Serve alongside ranch, buffalo sauce, or honey mustard for extra flavor variety and guest customization.

How to Store Crack Chicken Sliders Properly

  • Store sliders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping them fresh and delicious.
  • Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
  • Warm sliders at 350F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Remove foil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp the tops.
  • Heat sliders for 30-45 seconds on a microwave-safe plate, checking halfway through to ensure even warming and prevent sogginess.

FAQs

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Shred it before mixing with other ingredients.

  • Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat mayo, and turkey bacon to cut down on calories while keeping the flavor.

  • Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?

Assemble the sliders up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.

  • What if I don't have ranch seasoning?

You can substitute with a mix of dried dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to create a similar flavor profile.

Why Crack Chicken Sliders Remain a Favorite

  • Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: These crack chicken sliders deliver irresistible flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds, perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
  • Simplify Meal Prep: With just one mixing bowl and minimal ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute entertaining.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add your favorite toppings to personalize these sliders, creating a versatile dish that appeals to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Indulge in Comfort Food: Packed with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and tender chicken, these sliders offer a satisfying combination of textures and rich, decadent flavors that comfort and delight.

Ingredients for Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe

Main Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: A tender and flavorful base that provides the primary protein for these delicious sliders.
  • Bacon: Crispy and savory meat that adds a rich, smoky flavor to the chicken mixture.
Dairy and Creamy Components:
  • Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy ingredients that melt beautifully and create a rich, indulgent texture in the slider filling.
  • Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Smooth condiments that enhance the overall creaminess and tanginess of the chicken mixture.
Bread and Seasoning Group:
  • Slider Buns: Soft, small rolls that serve as the perfect vehicle for the creamy chicken filling.
  • Ranch Seasoning: A blend of herbs and spices that adds a zesty and distinctive flavor to the chicken mixture.
  • Garlic Powder, Parsley: Aromatic seasonings that provide extra depth and a fresh herb touch to the top of the sliders.
  • Butter: A rich ingredient used to brush the buns, helping them achieve a golden and slightly crispy exterior.

How to Prepare Crack Chicken Sliders Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect cooking environment for these mouthwatering sliders.

Step 2: Create the Magical Filling

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine your delicious ingredients:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Cream cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Ranch seasoning
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sour cream

Blend everything together until the mixture becomes a creamy, irresistible blend of flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Slider Base

Gently slice your slider buns in half, creating a perfect foundation for your cheesy chicken creation.

Carefully place the bottom halves in a well-greased baking dish.

Step 4: Layer on the Goodness

Spread the luscious chicken mixture evenly across the bun bottoms, ensuring every bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 5: Complete the Slider Sandwich

Lovingly place the top buns back onto the chicken-covered bottoms, creating perfect little flavor packets.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Brush melted butter over the top buns, then sprinkle with garlic powder and fresh parsley.

This will create a golden, aromatic crust that’ll make mouths water.

Step 7: Initial Baking

Cover the baking dish with foil and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt.

Step 8: Final Golden Crisp

Remove the foil and return the sliders to the oven.

Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown and the filling becomes wonderfully bubbly.

Step 9: Serve and Devour

Pull out these heavenly sliders and serve immediately while they’re warm and at their absolute most delicious.

Get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

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Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe

Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible crack chicken sliders deliver a mouthwatering fusion of shredded chicken, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning nestled between pillowy buns. Hearty comfort meets crowd-pleasing flavors that will make you crave these delectable mini sandwiches at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups shredded chicken
  • 12 slider buns
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon parsley (optional, for garnish)

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C), ensuring proper temperature for optimal cooking.
  2. Create a harmonious blend of shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
  3. Carefully separate slider buns into top and bottom halves, positioning bottom sections in a generously greased baking dish.
  4. Distribute the savory chicken mixture uniformly across the bun bases, ensuring even coverage.
  5. Gently reposition the top bun halves, creating a complete slider sandwich.
  6. Apply a lavish coating of melted butter over the bun surfaces, then delicately sprinkle with aromatic garlic powder and fresh parsley.
  7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, allowing the sliders to bake for 15 minutes, which helps retain moisture and develop rich flavors.
  8. Uncover the dish and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the bun tops to transform into a golden, crispy texture while the filling becomes delightfully bubbly.
  9. Remove from the oven and serve immediately while warm, presenting a mouthwatering appetizer or casual meal.

Notes

  • Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the sliders.
  • Swap regular bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter, lower-fat version that’s equally delicious.
  • Use gluten-free slider buns to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to enhance the flavors and streamline meal prep.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 292 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 477 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 61 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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