Irresistible Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe: Addictively Good

Whipping up these mouthwatering crack chicken sliders will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Crispy buns cradle a creamy, savory filling that sparks instant cravings.

Tender shredded chicken mingles with tangy cream cheese and zesty ranch seasoning.

Memories of backyard barbecues and casual gatherings flood your mind with each bite.

Everyone from kids to adults will devour these irresistible sliders in minutes.

Quick to assemble and packed with flavor, you can’t go wrong with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Serve them hot and watch people smile with pure culinary delight.

What Makes Crack Chicken Sliders Shine

  • Quick Party Pleaser: Perfect for game days, movie nights, or casual gatherings where you want to serve something delicious that feeds a crowd without complicated preparation.
  • Customizable Crowd-Lover: Easily adaptable to different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients like adding vegetarian options or adjusting spice levels for picky eaters.
  • Speed Meal Magic: Ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal solution for busy families or last-minute entertaining needs.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required since everything bakes together in a single baking dish, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after cooking.

What You Need For Crack Chicken Sliders

For the Proteins:
  • Shredded Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein base that forms the main filling of these delicious sliders.
  • Crumbled Bacon: Adds a crispy, smoky element that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
For the Dairy:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, creamy texture that helps bind the chicken mixture together.
  • Shredded Cheddar: Contributes a sharp and melty cheese component that adds depth to the slider filling.
For the Seasonings and Extras:
  • Ranch Seasoning: Brings a tangy and herbaceous flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic punch to the buttery bun topping.
  • Chopped Parsley: Offers a fresh, green garnish that brightens the appearance of the sliders.
For the Base:
  • Slider Buns: Soft, compact bread that serves as the perfect vessel for the creamy chicken mixture.
  • Melted Butter: Creates a golden, glossy finish on the bun tops and adds richness to the dish.

How To Cook Crack Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get ready for some delicious slider magic.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Explosion

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Cream cheese
  • Shredded cheddar
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Ranch seasoning

Mix everything until it’s perfectly blended and looks irresistibly creamy.

Step 3: Prepare the Slider Base

Gently slice the slider buns in half and lay the bottom halves on a greased baking sheet.

Step 4: Layer on the Goodness

Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom bun halves, making sure every bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 5: Top and Glaze

Place the top bun halves on the chicken mixture. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with garlic powder.

Brush this mixture generously over the bun tops. Sprinkle chopped parsley for an extra touch of freshness if you want.

Step 6: First Bake

Cover the sliders with foil and pop them in the oven for 15 minutes. This helps everything melt and meld together perfectly.

Step 7: Final Golden Touch

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-7 minutes. Watch for golden-brown tops and melted, bubbly cheese.

Step 8: Serve and Devour

Pull these mouthwatering sliders out of the oven and serve them while they’re hot. Get ready for some serious flavor celebration!

Handy Insights For Crack Chicken Sliders

  • Swap cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese to make this recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant guests.
  • Prep chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to enhance flavor development and save cooking time.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut that adds extra moisture and reduces meal preparation effort.
  • Add diced jalapeños for extra heat or substitute ranch seasoning with taco seasoning for a different flavor profile.
  • Line baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup and to prevent slider bottoms from sticking.

Taste Tweaks For Crack Chicken Sliders

  • Spicy Southwest Sliders: Replace ranch seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Buffalo Blue Cheese Sliders: Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, crumble blue cheese instead of cheddar, and garnish with chopped green onions.
  • Mediterranean Chicken Sliders: Incorporate feta cheese, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle with dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders: Swap ranch seasoning for BBQ sauce, use pulled chicken instead of shredded, and top with crispy onion strings for added crunch.

Best Pairings With Crack Chicken Sliders

  • Potluck Party Pleaser: Slice sliders into smaller portions for easy sharing at gatherings. Perfect for game nights or neighborhood cookouts where everyone loves grabbing a quick bite.
  • Picnic Perfect Picks: Pack these sliders in a cooler for outdoor adventures. Wrap individually in foil to keep warm and transport easily to parks or beach outings. They're compact and delicious cold or reheated.
  • Game Day Touchdown Treat: Prepare sliders ahead of time and reheat during sports events. Serve alongside crisp coleslaw or chips for a complete crowd-pleasing meal that keeps fans satisfied between plays.
  • Lunch Box Star: Slice sliders in half and pack in lunch containers for kids or adults. They're protein-packed and can be enjoyed at room temperature, making them an excellent midday meal option with minimal fuss.

Keeping Crack Chicken Sliders Fresh Longer

  • Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out and maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual sliders or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
  • Warm refrigerated sliders in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. For frozen sliders, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake just before serving for maximum flavor and texture.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make the chicken mixture creamy and flavorful?

Cream cheese and ranch seasoning provide richness and tangy flavor, while shredded cheddar and crumbled bacon add depth and savory notes to the chicken mixture.

  • Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sliders in advance and refrigerate them. Just cover tightly and bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the refrigerator.

  • How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?

Spreading the chicken mixture evenly and using a greased baking sheet helps maintain the buns’ texture. The foil-covered baking and final uncovered baking also help keep the buns crisp.

Print
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Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Delectable crack chicken sliders fuse creamy ranch, shredded chicken, and crispy bacon into irresistible mini sandwiches. Home cooks savor this quick comfort meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 12 slider buns
  • 6 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 4 tablespoons (60 ml) butter (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with light grease.
  2. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crispy crumbled bacon, and ranch seasoning until the mixture is uniform and well-integrated.
  3. Carefully slice the slider buns horizontally, separating the top and bottom halves.
  4. Arrange the bottom bun halves evenly on the prepared baking sheet, creating a stable base for the chicken filling.
  5. Distribute the chicken mixture generously and uniformly across the bottom bun halves, ensuring complete coverage.
  6. Gently place the top bun halves over the chicken mixture, creating complete sliders.
  7. Melt butter and blend with garlic powder, then generously brush the mixture over the slider tops for enhanced flavor and golden appearance.
  8. Optional: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley across the slider tops for added color and herbaceous notes.
  9. Cover the sliders loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to soften.
  10. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes until the bun tops turn golden brown and the cheese becomes fully melted.
  11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving warm for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

  • Customize the chicken mixture by adding diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or swapping ranch seasoning with taco or Italian seasoning for different flavor profiles.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation and more convenient weeknight meal option.
  • Opt for low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar to create a lighter version of the sliders without sacrificing taste.
  • Prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, making party prep or meal planning easier and more efficient.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 282 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 16 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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