Description
Quick and kid-approved sliders featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing, perfect for busy weeknights and back-to-school dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450g)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup (120ml) creamy full-fat ranch dressing
- 12 small slider buns (Hawaiian rolls recommended)
- 6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
- Optional add-ins:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Pickles, sliced
- Small handful of lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add bacon strips and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan.
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet with reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Cook 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and golden. Remove from heat and shred chicken with two forks in a mixing bowl.
- Pour ranch dressing over shredded chicken and toss gently until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Slice slider buns in half horizontally. Spread butter on cut sides and toast on a baking sheet under a broiler or in a hot oven for 2-3 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
- Assemble sliders by layering bottom buns with a scoop of ranch chicken, a slice of cheddar cheese, and 1-2 strips of crispy bacon. Add optional toppings like pickles or green onions. Top with bun lids.
- Serve sliders warm, optionally with extra ranch or favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
[‘Cook bacon first and save 1 tablespoon of bacon fat to cook the chicken for extra flavor.’, ‘Toast buns with butter to prevent sogginess and add crunch.’, ‘Use freshly shredded chicken for better ranch absorption.’, ‘Make ahead by cooking chicken and bacon in advance and assembling just before serving.’, ‘Add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder to chicken seasoning for a spicy kick.’, ‘Thin ranch dressing with a splash of milk if too thick.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Protein: 18
Keywords: chicken sliders, bacon ranch sliders, easy dinner, back-to-school recipe, kid-friendly, quick dinner, slider recipe