These Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders bring together juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken, crispy bacon, and melty mozzarella on soft, buttery Hawaiian rolls.
Packed with protein from chicken and bacon, and balanced with good fats from cheese and butter, this recipe is a wholesome indulgence.
Quick to prepare, satisfying to eat, and perfect for casual lunches or weekend gatherings, it’s a flavorful option for everyday cooking or meal prep.
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
- 1 grill (medium-high heat)
- 1 cold cast iron skillet
- 1 foil baking pan or oven-safe skillet
- 1 Basting brush
- 1 sharp knife
- Measuring spoons (various sizes)
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 8 –10 chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- Buffalo sauce as needed
- Canola oil as needed
Homemade Ranch:
- 2.5 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1.5 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped dill
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Buttermilk to desired consistency
- Salt to taste
Sliders:
- 1 pack King’s Hawaiian rolls
- 8 –10 cooked bacon slices
- 8 –12 slices mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup melted butter
- Ranch seasoning to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Homemade Ranch: Ranch Mixing: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped parsley, chopped dill, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until smooth. Gradually add buttermilk to reach your desired consistency—thicker for dipping or thinner for drizzling. Taste and adjust with salt as needed. Set the ranch aside while you prepare the chicken; this allows the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Season the Chicken Thighs: Chicken Prep: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure they sear beautifully. Lightly coat each piece with a thin layer of canola oil, which will help the seasoning stick and prevent sticking on the grill. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. For a more intense flavor, you can also use your favorite chicken rub. Once seasoned, place the chicken in the refrigerator while you prepare your grill and bacon.
- Cook the Bacon to Crispy Perfection: Bacon Cooking: Preheat a cold cast iron skillet on medium-high heat. Lay out the bacon slices evenly and cook until crispy, flipping occasionally for even browning. Remove the bacon carefully and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces. Crispy bacon adds texture and savory depth to the sliders, so don’t rush this step.
- Grill the Chicken Thighs: Chicken Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 375°F) and set up two-zone cooking for indirect heat. Place the chicken on the grill over direct heat for an initial sear, about 3–4 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat to cook through. Cook the thighs until the internal temperature reaches 170°F. After flipping once during grilling, generously baste the chicken with buffalo sauce and continue basting as it cooks to ensure a flavorful, spicy glaze.
- Rest and Slice the Chicken: Chicken Resting: Remove the chicken from the grill and transfer to a clean cutting board. Allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes—this helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips, making it easier to layer inside the sliders.
- Prepare the Slider Rolls: Roll Prep: Take your King’s Hawaiian rolls and slice them horizontally, keeping the rolls together like a single sheet for easier assembly. This creates a top and bottom layer for each slider. Using a foil baking pan or oven-safe skillet, place the bottom halves of the rolls in the pan, ready to build the layers of cheese, chicken, and bacon.
- Layer the Sliders: Slider Assembly: Start with a layer of mozzarella cheese directly on the bottom rolls. Next, add a generous layer of the sliced chicken. Sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly over the chicken. Drizzle your homemade ranch sauce on top, then finish with another layer of cheese before placing the top roll layer over everything. This layering ensures every bite has a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors.
- Add Butter and Seasoning: Butter Brushing: Melt the butter in a small bowl. Using a basting brush, lightly coat the tops of the slider rolls with the melted butter. Sprinkle ranch seasoning over the top for extra flavor and a slight golden crust once baked. This simple step elevates the sliders to a professional-quality finish.
- Bake or Grill the Sliders: Slider Cooking: Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat (350–375°F). Place the prepared slider pan on the indirect heat side of the grill or inside the oven. Bake or grill for approximately 10–12 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the cheese inside is fully melted. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking—perfect sliders are warm, gooey, and slightly crisp on top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Final Touch: Remove the sliders from the heat and let them cool for 2–3 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with additional homemade ranch sauce on the side for dipping. These sliders are perfect for a hearty lunch, appetizer at gatherings, or a casual dinner. Each bite delivers a delicious combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and soft, buttery rolls.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicy, tender meat that stays flavorful when grilled.
- King’s Hawaiian rolls are ideal for their soft texture and slight sweetness, which balances the savory chicken and bacon.
- Make the homemade ranch ahead of time to allow the flavors to blend; it also helps speed up assembly.
- Cooking bacon in a cast iron skillet ensures even crispiness and renders the fat perfectly for flavor.
- Two-zone grilling is recommended for chicken—searing over direct heat and finishing over indirect heat prevents burning while locking in juices.
- Basting the chicken with buffalo sauce during grilling enhances flavor and adds a mild kick without overpowering the sliders.
- Slice the chicken thinly for even layering and easier bites; thicker pieces may overpower the roll and cheese balance.
Chef’s Secrets for Maximum Flavor
The key to elevating these sliders lies in layering flavors and textures.
First, season the chicken generously and allow it to rest in the fridge; this ensures the seasoning penetrates the meat.
Basting with buffalo sauce during grilling gives a subtle heat that complements the creamy ranch.
Don’t rush the bacon—it’s essential for crunch. When assembling, layering cheese both below and above the chicken helps hold everything together while melting into a gooey, savory layer.
Brushing the top rolls with butter and sprinkling ranch seasoning before baking gives an irresistible golden finish.
These small techniques transform simple sliders into restaurant-quality bites.
Serving Suggestions for Perfect Pairings
Serve these sliders warm with extra homemade ranch on the side for dipping.
Pair with a fresh side salad, roasted vegetables, or sweet potato fries for a balanced meal. For parties or casual gatherings, stack sliders on a large platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
A cold, crisp beverage like sparkling water, iced tea, or a light beer complements the rich flavors of chicken, bacon, and cheese beautifully.
These sliders are also ideal for meal prep; simply reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to preserve crispiness.
Storage Tips for Freshness
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To maintain texture, avoid stacking them too tightly; separate layers with parchment paper if necessary.
Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore the melted cheese and crispy top.
The homemade ranch should be stored in a separate container for up to a week and stirred before serving.
For longer storage, freeze assembled sliders (without butter on top) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can work, but they tend to be leaner and may dry out faster.
Cook them slightly shorter and consider adding a light oil coating or marinating to retain moisture.
2. Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Increase the amount of buffalo sauce or add a pinch of cayenne to the ranch dressing.
You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper on the chicken for extra heat.
3. Can I prepare the sliders ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the chicken and bacon in advance, then assemble the sliders without baking.
Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours and bake when ready to serve.
4. Are there vegetarian alternatives?
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with grilled plant-based protein or roasted vegetables like portobello mushrooms or eggplant.
Use vegetarian bacon or tempeh for similar smoky flavors.
5. How can I prevent the sliders from becoming soggy?
Avoid over-saucing the chicken before layering and toast the bottom rolls slightly before assembly.
Baking the sliders just until the cheese melts and the top browns also helps maintain a perfect texture.
