What happens when you combine crispy, salty bacon, cool and creamy ranch, juicy chicken, and a ridiculous amount of melty cheese inside a soft, golden-toasted bun? You get these Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders—the absolute pinnacle of comfort food. This isn’t just another sandwich; it’s an experience.
Baked together in one pan for minimal cleanup, these sliders are the perfect solution for a hectic weeknight dinner, a guaranteed party hit, or the star of your next game-day feast. The combination of flavors is legendary for a reason, and this Recipe delivers it in the most delicious, shareable format imaginable.
This flavor combination is a classic for a reason. The salty crunch of bacon, the cool and herby tang of the ranch, the savory chicken, and the gooey, melty cheese create a symphony of textures and tastes that is universally loved.
It’s the kind of food that brings smiles and makes any meal feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned pro in the kitchen or just looking for something simple and delicious, this Recipe is for you.
If you’re ready for a flavor explosion, you’re in the right place. And if this gets you hooked on sliders, check out our fiery Buffalo Chicken Sliders and our sweet-and-smoky BBQ Chicken Sliders next!
Table of Contents
The Ingredients That Make It Unbeatable
The magic of these sliders comes from a few key players working in perfect harmony. Think of this as your flavor formula — not just a list, but the building blocks of cheesy, savory perfection.
🥣 Ranch Dressing
Ranch brings creamy tang and herbal lift to every bite — and if you’re curious about its origin, here’s a quick look at the history of ranch dressing on Wikipedia.
The creamy, herby base that ties it all together. Ranch brings a tangy kick from buttermilk and an herbal lift from dill and chives. Use your favorite store-bought brand or go homemade if you’re feeling fancy.
🥓 Crispy Bacon
Not just a flavor boost — it’s a texture game-changer. Make sure it’s pan-fried until crisp. The salty crunch cuts through the creamy filling and soft buns like magic.
🧀 Cheese Blend
Melt is everything. We go for a combo of sharp cheddar (for bold flavor) and Monterey Jack (for smooth meltability). Want a swap? Try provolone or Colby Jack for a twist.
🍗 Shredded Chicken
Juicy and tender, it’s the perfect blank canvas. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or repurpose leftovers — like from our Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans — to make it extra flavorful. Just like in our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, the chicken soaks up all the creamy, cheesy goodness.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
Forget complicated, numbered steps. Building these sliders is a simple, narrative journey to deliciousness. Think of it as assembling layers of pure joy.
Start with the Base: First, you’ll want to lay the foundation for flavor. Take your entire slab of slider buns—Hawaiian rolls are a favorite for their subtle sweetness—and slice them in half horizontally. Place the bottom half snugly into a lightly greased baking dish. This is your canvas, ready to be loaded with goodness.
Mix the Magic: Now for the best part, where the iconic flavors come together. Combine the creamy ranch dressing, the juicy shredded chicken, those irresistible crispy bacon bits, and about half of your shredded cheese in a medium-sized bowl. Give it all a good stir until every piece of chicken is coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed. This glorious, flavor-packed filling makes every single bite so incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of simple, fun food that brings everyone to the table, just like other family-favorite chicken meals such as our Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken.
Assemble & Bake: Once your filling is ready, spread that magical mixture evenly over your bun base, making sure to go all the way to the edges. Now, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top—don’t be shy! Place the top buns on, then brush them with a generous layer of melted garlic butter. This final touch gives the sliders that beautiful, golden-brown sheen and an extra savory flavor. Pop them in the oven and bake until the cheese is irresistibly gooey and the tops are toasted to perfection. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be incredible!
Add a Twist – Easy Customizations
One of the best things about this Recipe is its easy customization. Want to change things up? Here are a few simple swaps and additions to inspire your next batch.
| Add-In | Flavor Boost |
|---|---|
| Diced Jalapeños | Adds a spicy kick that perfectly cuts through the richness of the ranch and cheese. |
| Monterey Jack Cheese | Use this exclusively for an extra-stretchy, super-melty, satisfying cheese pull. |
| Brioche Buns | Swap the Hawaiian rolls for brioche for a richer, more buttery, and decadent texture. |
| Turkey Bacon | A great lighter option that still provides that essential salty crunch and savory flavor. |
| Sliced Green Onions | Stir these into the filling for a fresh, mild onion bite that brightens everything up. |
| Everything Bagel Seasoning | Sprinkle this on top of the garlic butter for an extra pop of savory flavor and texture. |
Serving Ideas for a Complete Spread
While these sliders can easily be the show’s star, pairing them with the right sides can turn them into a full-blown feast.
- For Crispy Potatoes: Every good sandwich deserves a worthy potato sidekick. Serve these sliders with our hearty and flavorful Potatoes O’Brien for a classic, satisfying combination.
- For Soft & Cheesy Sides: If you want to lean into the ultimate comfort food experience, pair them with a side of our incredible, addictively delicious Brazilian Cheese Bread Recipe.
- For Something Fresh: To balance out the richness of the sliders, a bright, crisp salad is the perfect partner. Our Pineapple Cucumber Salad Recipe offers a cool, refreshing contrast.
- To Cool It Down: For the adults at your gathering, a cool, tangy drink is the perfect pairing for these savory sliders. Try our Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita to complement the flavors beautifully.
Pro Tips for Slider Success
A few little tricks can take your sliders from great to perfect.
- How to Keep Buns from Getting Soggy: The key is to ensure your filling isn’t too wet. If your ranch dressing is thinner, use less so you don’t oversaturate the chicken. Assembling the sliders before you bake them is the best way to ensure the bottom buns stay nice and fluffy.
- The Best Way to Reheat: The oven is your best friend for reheating sliders! Unfortunately, a microwave will make the buns steamy and soft. For the best results, reheat sliders in a 350°F oven or an air fryer for about 5-10 minutes until they are warmed through and the tops have re-crisped.
- Make-Ahead and Freezer Notes: These sliders are perfect for prepping in advance. You can assemble them completely, cover the dish tightly, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you bake them. They also freeze beautifully before baking! If you love low-effort dishes that save you time, check out more of our Easy 30-Minute Meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prep these sliders ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! This is one of their best things and a real game-changer for hosting. You can fully assemble the sliders in their baking dish, cover them tightly with foil, and pop them in the fridge for up to a day. When guests arrive, bake them off for a hot, fresh, effortless appetizer.
Will turkey or rotisserie chicken work in this Recipe?
Yes, both are fantastic options, and they make this recipe incredibly flexible. This Recipe is a perfect way to use leftover shredded turkey from a holiday meal. A quick store-bought rotisserie chicken is our favorite shortcut for getting perfectly tender shredded chicken in minutes.
What’s the best cheese to use for chicken bacon ranch sliders?
You want a good melting cheese for that perfect gooey texture. We love a sharp cheddar because its tangy flavor stands up well to the ranch and bacon. However, if you’re chasing that glorious, satisfying cheese pull, Monterey Jack or Provolone are your best bets. Our favorite trick? Use a mix of both!
How do I make these sliders less greasy?
The main culprit for any unwanted grease is usually the bacon. To minimize it, make sure your bacon is cooked until it’s very crispy, which renders out a lot of the fat. After cooking, let it drain on a plate lined with paper towels and pat it gently to absorb any excess grease before you crumble it into the filling.
One Bite, Endless Possibilities
These Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are the Recipe that makes everyone happy. They are cheesy, savory, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. They perfectly encapsulate everything we love about comfort food: simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create something truly special and memorable.
We encourage you to use this Recipe as a starting point and personalize it to your heart’s content. Add jalapeños, try a different cheese, or grab some extra veggies—make it your own!
Ready to try all our fan-favorite slider variations and find your family’s new favorite? Don’t miss out!
- The Original Classic Chicken Sliders Recipe
- Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Sweet & Smoky BBQ Chicken Sliders
Printable Recipe Card – Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns Hawaiian or brioche
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon chopped or crumbled
- 3 tbsp butter melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, ranch dressing, bacon crumbles, and half of the cheese.
- Slice the buns horizontally (keeping the top slab whole) and place the bottom half in the dish.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the buns. Top with the remaining cheese and the top half of the buns.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley. Brush the garlic butter evenly over the tops.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 5–7 minutes until the tops are golden and slightly crisp. Let cool briefly, then slice and serve.
Video
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 6 hours before baking.
- Bacon Swap: Try turkey bacon or omit for a lighter option.
- Cheese Ideas: Swap cheddar with Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or mozzarella.
- Serving Tip: Great for game day, lunchboxes, or weeknight dinners.
