- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or chopped chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and mayonnaise. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves connected if possible.
- Place the bottom halves of the buns in a baking dish or on a sheet pan.
- Spread the chicken bacon ranch mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the buns.
- Place the top halves of the buns over the chicken mixture.
- Prepare the Butter Mixture:
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried parsley, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.
- Brush the Sliders:
- Using a brush, spread the butter mixture evenly over the tops of the sliders.
- Bake the Sliders:
- Cover the sliders with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Serve:
- Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Use a sharp knife to cut the sliders into individual portions.
Tips for Perfect Sliders:
- Cooked Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even canned chicken for this recipe. Make sure the chicken is well-seasoned for the best flavor.
- Crispy Bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, as it will add a nice crunch to the sliders.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss, for a different flavor profile.
Variations to Try:
- Spicy Sliders: Add a few tablespoons of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick.
- BBQ Sliders: Replace the ranch dressing with barbecue sauce for a tangy twist.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
Conclusion:
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of savory chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch, all sandwiched between soft slider buns, is sure to be a hit with everyone. Follow this detailed recipe to create a mouthwatering dish that will leave your guests asking for more. Enjoy making and savoring these fantastic sliders!