Easy Crack Chicken Sliders
This post may contain affiliate links, read our disclosure policy.
My Easy Crack Chicken Sliders are layered with shredded ranch chicken, crispy bacon and melted cheddar on soft Hawaiian rolls. The filling bakes up creamy with classic ranch flavor and the rolls come out golden and buttery. This is the ultimate 20‑minute slider recipe for parties, game days or a quick weeknight meal.
Best Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe
Crack chicken has become one of the most popular flavor combinations on my site, from my Crack Chicken Soup to my Crack Chicken Stuffed Shells. So, I decided to take those same flavors and turn them into warm, cheesy pull apart sliders. The result is hands down one of the very best slider recipes I’ve ever made.
I started making these when I needed a quick appetizer that I knew everyone would actually eat, and since my crack chicken recipes are always a hit, I used those same flavors here. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, ranch, and melted cheese is one I’ve made over and over, so I knew it would work. Now these little sandwiches are something I rely on when I’m short on time. They’re ready in about 20 minutes, and I’ve served them as everything from a last-minute party appetizer to an easy weeknight dinner with a simple side.
Why My Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe is the Best
- Well-seasoned, full-flavor filling – I use the full ranch packet and plenty of bacon so the flavor comes through in every bite.
- Holds their shape – I skip the mayonnaise that some recipes add, which keeps the mixture thick and easy to pull apart without spilling out the sides.
- Tested and foolproof: With my recipe, you get balanced flavor, soft rolls that don’t get soggy, and golden tops every time
Ingredients Needed to Make Crack Chicken Sliders
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe. Scroll down to the full recipe card for the specific amounts.
- Hawaiian sweet rolls – They have the perfect soft texture and slightly sweet flavor.
- Shredded chicken – Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and keeps things easy.
- Cream cheese – Gives the filling its signature creamy base.
- Ranch seasoning mix – Adds the classic crack chicken flavor.
- Cooked crumbled bacon – Brings a smoky, salty crunch to the filling.
- Sharp cheddar cheese – Melts smoothly and adds flavor.
- Unsalted butter – Helps the tops brown and adds flavor.
- Garlic powder – Seasons the buttery topping.
- Green onions – Optional, but they add a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Substitutions or Variations
- Out of cheddar? Colby Jack works well and melts beautifully.
- Not a pork fan? Turkey bacon can be used instead.
- Can’t find ranch mix? My easy Homemade Ranch Seasoning is always a great choice.
- No rotisserie chicken? Cooked chicken breasts or canned chicken both work.
How to Make My Easy Chicken Sliders
Here are my step-by-step instructions so you can make this recipe with ease. For the full, printable recipe with amounts and temperatures, scroll down to the recipe card below.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until creamy and fully blended.
- Fold in the crumbled bacon and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. The mixture should be thick and evenly combined.
- Using a serrated knife, slice the rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the crack chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns, pressing gently into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Place the top half of the rolls over the filling.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter and garlic powder. Brush evenly over the tops of the rolls.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and the tops are lightly golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing along the roll lines. Garnish with green onions if desired.
- Let the cream cheese soften fully – Room temperature cream cheese cream cheese helps the filling blend smoothly.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the rolls – This prevents the rolls from tearing when you slice them apart.
- Cover loosely with foil – Cover for the first few minutes to prevent them from browning too quickly.
- Let the sliders rest – Let them rest for about 5 minutes before cutting so the filling sets slightly.
FAQs
You can assemble the sliders, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Then just bake them the next day when you’re ready.
You can but the filling will not be quite as thick and creamy.
This recipe does not add sour cream or mayonnaise so the filling stays thick and creamy. This prevents the rolls from getting soggy.
If you like a little heat, you can add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the filling.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze – Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat – You can warm them in the oven at 300 degrees until heated through.
More Party and Game Day Appetizer Recipes
- Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Dill Dip
- Philly Cheesesteak Jalapeno Poppers
- Crockpot Rotel Dip
- Bacon Wrapped Smokies
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Crescent Ring
- Pizza Dip
Pin this recipe to find it later
Crack Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 Hawaiian sweet rolls keep connected
- 2 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken rotisserie works great
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- ¾ cup cooked crumbled bacon
- 1 ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon chopped green onions optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir until creamy and fully blended.2 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken, 4 ounces cream cheese, 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- Fold in the crumbled bacon and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. The mixture should be thick and evenly combined.¾ cup cooked crumbled bacon, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Using a serrated knife, slice the rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected. Place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.12 Hawaiian sweet rolls
- Spread the crack chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns, pressing gently into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top.0.5 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Place the top half of the rolls over the filling.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter and garlic powder. Brush evenly over the tops of the rolls.2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and the tops are lightly golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing along the roll lines. Garnish with green onions if desired.1 Tablespoon chopped green onions
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Don’t forget to share it with me on @thebalancingmom and follow on Tiktok @balancingmotherhood and Pinterest @thebalancingmom for more!
