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This hearty BBQ chicken slider recipe combines juicy marinated chicken with the bold flavors of bacon and ranch for the perfect handheld meal. These sliders strike the perfect balance between smoky, sweet, and creamy with every bite.
I first made these for a neighborhood potluck last summer, and they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Now they're a regular in our rotation for everything from game days to casual weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Cut into slider-sized pieces perfect for quick cooking and easy eating
- Hawaiian rolls: Their slight sweetness complements the smoky BBQ flavor beautifully
- Bacon: Adds a crispy texture and savory depth that elevates these sliders
- Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite style—smoky, sweet, or spicy, all work wonderfully
- Mayonnaise: Creates a moisture barrier that keeps the bottom bun from getting soggy
- Ranch dressing: Adds creaminess and herb flavor that pairs perfectly with the BBQ
- Shredded lettuce: Provides fresh crunch and lightness
- Red onion: Adds sharp bite and color contrast; look for firm onions with tight skin
- Colby jack cheese: The perfect meltable cheese with enough flavor to stand up to the BBQ
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place chicken pieces in a zip-top bag or bowl and pour 1 cup of BBQ sauce over them. Massage the sauce into the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes but for best flavor marinate for 4 hours or overnight. The longer marinating time allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
- Cook the Bacon:
- While the chicken marinates, prepare your bacon. Cook it slowly over low heat in a skillet, turning occasionally until it reaches your desired crispness. Low and slow cooking renders the fat properly and prevents burning. Transfer to paper towels to absorb excess grease and allow to cool before breaking into slider-sized pieces.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 375°F. Place marinated chicken pieces on the grill and cook for approximately 3 minutes per side. As you flip the chicken, baste with additional BBQ sauce to build up layers of flavor. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes before assembling sliders.
- Prepare the Buns:
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected if possible. This makes assembly easier. Spread mayonnaise evenly across the bottom half of the buns, creating a moisture barrier that prevents the BBQ sauce from making the buns soggy.
- Assemble the Sliders:
- Place the grilled chicken pieces on the mayo-coated bottom buns. Brush each chicken piece with a thin layer of additional BBQ sauce. Top with cheese squares, allowing the residual heat from the chicken to slightly melt the cheese. Add bacon pieces, red onion slices, and shredded lettuce. Drizzle ranch dressing over the lettuce layer.
- Finish and Serve:
- Place the top buns over the assembled ingredients. If you kept the buns connected, use a sharp knife to cut along the seams, creating individual sliders. Serve immediately while still warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
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My favorite part of this recipe is the contrast between the sweet Hawaiian rolls and the smoky BBQ chicken. It reminds me of summer cookouts with my family where everyone would customize their own slider with exactly the toppings they wanted.
Make Ahead Options
These sliders work beautifully for meal prep or party planning. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and cook the bacon a day ahead, storing it in the refrigerator. For best results, keep all components separate until ready to serve. If you need to assemble ahead of time, wait to add the lettuce and ranch dressing until just before serving to maintain the fresh, crisp texture. Fully assembled sliders will keep well for about an hour at room temperature before the buns start to soften.
Variations to Try
The basic formula for these sliders is incredibly versatile. Try swapping the BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing instead of ranch for a spicy twist. For a southwestern version, use pepper jack cheese and add sliced avocado. You can also make these with leftover rotisserie chicken mixed with BBQ sauce for an even quicker preparation. For a lighter option, swap the mayo for Greek yogurt and use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon.
Serving Suggestions
These sliders pair perfectly with classic cookout sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob. For a healthier spread, serve them alongside a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables. If serving at a party, arrange them on a large platter and surround with small bowls of extra ranch and BBQ sauce for dipping. For an impressive presentation, insert a decorative toothpick with a pickle slice or olive through each slider to help them stay together.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Colby jack cheese with cheddar, provolone, or your preferred cheese.
- → How can I make these ahead of time?
Assemble the sliders without the ranch dressing, cover them, and refrigerate. Add the ranch dressing just before serving for the best taste.
- → Can I cook the chicken on the stovetop instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- → What sides pair well with these sliders?
They pair wonderfully with coleslaw, potato salad, or a side of fries for a complete meal.
- → Can I use a store-bought BBQ sauce?
Yes, store-bought BBQ sauce works great, but feel free to use homemade sauce if you prefer.