Quick Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe

Savory Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe: Addictively Good Bites

Whipping up these delectable crack chicken sliders brings pure comfort straight to your plate.

Juicy shredded chicken melts into a creamy, zesty blend that sparks instant cravings.

Soft rolls cradle the savory filling, promising a mouthwatering experience with every bite.

Weeknight dinners or game-day gatherings demand something special, and this recipe delivers big flavor without complicated steps.

Quick assembly means you can have a crowd-pleasing meal ready in minutes.

Simple ingredients combine to create an irresistible dish that’ll make everyone ask for seconds.

Take the first bite and watch these sliders disappear faster than you can say “delicious”!

FAQs

  • What makes the chicken mixture so creamy?

The combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar creates a rich, smooth texture that binds the chicken together and adds incredible flavor to the sliders.

  • Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken work perfectly. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the other ingredients as directed.

  • Is ranch seasoning necessary for the recipe?

Ranch seasoning adds a tangy, herbal flavor that makes these sliders special. If you don’t have a packet, you can substitute with dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt to create a similar taste profile.

Crack Chicken Sliders That Impress Every Time

  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Satisfy hungry guests with these cheesy, creamy sliders that pack a flavor punch and bring everyone together around the table.
  • Speedy Meal Solution: Prepare these sliders quickly with minimal ingredients, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings when you need a delicious meal fast.
  • Customizable Culinary Fun: Mix and match ingredients like adding bacon bits, swapping cheeses, or experimenting with different seasonings to create your own unique slider variation that suits your taste.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this simple baking dish method that brings all ingredients together seamlessly, reducing dishes and saving precious time after meal preparation.

Building Blocks of Crack Chicken Sliders

Main Protein:
  • Shredded Chicken: The star ingredient that provides a hearty and tender base for the sliders.
Dairy and Cheese Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Adds a rich and creamy texture to the chicken mixture.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp and tangy flavor that melts beautifully.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Ranch Seasoning: Creates a zesty and herbal flavor profile for the chicken mixture.
  • Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, aromatic depth to the butter topping.
Bread Component:
  • Slider Buns: Serves as the perfect soft and fluffy vessel for the chicken mixture.
Butter and Topping:
  • Melted Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy top for the sliders and adds richness.
Optional Garnish:
  • Chopped Parsley: Offers a fresh, green finish to the dish.
Additional Kitchen Essentials:
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
  • Foil: Helps control the cooking process and prevent over-browning.

Method to Create Crack Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Create Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Ranch seasoning
  • Cream cheese
  • Shredded cheddar

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended and create a creamy, uniform mixture.

Step 3: Arrange Slider Base

Slice the slider buns horizontally, keeping them connected as one sheet.

Carefully place the bottom half of the buns in the prepared baking dish, creating a foundation for the sliders.

Step 4: Layer Chicken Mixture

Spread the prepared chicken mixture evenly across the bottom bun layer.

Ensure complete and consistent coverage for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Top With Bun Layer

Gently place the top layer of slider buns over the chicken mixture, creating a complete slider sandwich.

Step 6: Prepare Butter Glaze

In a small bowl, mix:
  • Melted butter
  • Garlic powder

Brush the butter mixture generously over the top of the slider buns, creating a golden, flavorful crust.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and the cheese becomes fully melted.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Optional: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for added color and freshness.

Serve the sliders warm and enjoy the delicious, creamy goodness.

Tips to Intensify Crack Chicken Sliders Flavor

  • Opt for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to your sliders quickly.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Swiss for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
  • Prepare slider mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to enhance flavor development.
  • Swap regular buns with gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.

Alternative Flavors to Try in Crack Chicken Sliders

  • Vegetarian Buffalo Sliders: Replace chicken with crumbled cauliflower or jackfruit, swap ranch seasoning for buffalo sauce, use plant-based cream cheese and cheddar alternatives.
  • Gluten-Free Lean Protein Sliders: Use gluten-free slider buns, substitute chicken with ground turkey, replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt, maintain ranch seasoning for flavor.
  • Spicy Mexican Chicken Sliders: Add diced jalapeños, mix in taco seasoning, top with pepper jack cheese, sprinkle chopped cilantro instead of parsley for a zesty southwestern profile.
  • Low-Carb Keto-Friendly Version: Skip buns, use lettuce wraps, add extra cheese, incorporate crispy bacon bits, increase ranch seasoning for enhanced flavor intensity.

Complementary Sides to Serve with Crack Chicken Sliders

  • Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Cut sliders into smaller portions for easy sharing during sports events or movie marathons, making them perfect finger food for gatherings.
  • Lunch Box Delight: Wrap individual sliders in foil for a delicious, portable meal that stays warm and tasty until lunchtime at work or school.
  • Picnic Perfect Bites: Pack these sliders in a cooler for outdoor adventures, offering a quick and satisfying meal that's easy to transport and enjoy anywhere.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the chicken mixture in advance and assemble sliders just before baking, creating a convenient make-ahead option for busy weeknights.

Keeping Crack Chicken Sliders Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Refrigerate crack chicken sliders for up to 3-4 days, keeping them tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
  • Separate slider layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking when storing in the container.
  • Label the container with the date to track storage time accurately.
Print
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Quick Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe

Quick Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delectable crack chicken sliders combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning in a mouthwatering sandwich. Hearty flavors meld together, creating an irresistible meal perfect for gatherings or quick weeknight dinners you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 12 slider buns
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Binding and Topping Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Arrange the oven rack to the middle position and heat to 350F (175C). Create a protective lining in the baking dish using parchment paper.
  2. Combine shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese in a mixing bowl, ensuring thorough integration of ingredients.
  3. Slice slider buns horizontally while maintaining their structural connection, positioning the bottom layer within the prepared baking dish.
  4. Distribute the chicken mixture uniformly across the bottom bun layer, then carefully place the top bun layer over the filling.
  5. Merge melted butter with garlic powder in a separate container, then generously apply the aromatic butter mixture across the slider bun surface.
  6. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the buns develop a golden-brown crust and cheese becomes completely melted.
  7. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley as a final garnish. Serve immediately while the sliders remain warm and enticing.

Notes

  • Customize the heat level by adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken mixture for spice lovers who crave an extra kick.
  • Swap cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or plant-based diets.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation method that saves time without compromising the rich, creamy flavor profile of the sliders.
  • Prep these sliders ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake just before serving to make entertaining easier and more convenient.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 278
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 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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