These Crack Chicken Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining creamy, cheesy chicken with soft, buttery rolls for a bite-sized flavor explosion. In just 35 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s irresistibly savory, with a perfect balance of tangy ranch, smoky bacon, and melty cheddar. Each slider is a mini masterpiece, delivering a satisfying mix of textures and bold, comforting flavors.
Whether it’s game day, a family gathering, or a quick weeknight dinner, these sliders are a guaranteed hit. The tender shredded chicken, infused with rich cream cheese, pairs beautifully with the crisp bacon and pillowy rolls. Plus, they’re easy to make and even easier to devour—perfect for sharing (or not!).
Ingredients for Crack Chicken Sliders
- 12 King Hawaiian Rolls, sliced in half (use slider buns or dinner rolls as a substitute)
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened (leave at room temperature for 30 minutes)
- 3 Tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning (or use homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 2 stalks green onions, diced (optional, for garnish)
- 12 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled (turkey bacon can be used for a lighter option)
- 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded (swap with pepper jack for a spicy kick)
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnishing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, dry ranch dressing seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Use a spatula or electric mixer to blend until smooth and well combined.
- Mix the Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced green onions, and crumbled bacon. Add the cream cheese mixture and mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Sliders: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the bottom halves of the King Hawaiian Rolls in the dish in an even layer. Spoon the chicken mixture evenly over the rolls, spreading it to cover the surface. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, ensuring full coverage. Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese to form complete sliders.
- Prepare the Butter Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir well. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the tops of the rolls with the butter mixture.
- Bake the Sliders: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
While these sliders are already packed with flavor, you can take them to the next level with a few extra toppings or dipping sauces. Try serving them with a side of ranch dressing or spicy buffalo sauce for dipping. For a fresh twist, add a dollop of avocado crema (blend avocado, sour cream, lime juice, and salt) or a drizzle of honey mustard. If you love a bit of crunch, top each slider with a few pickled jalapeños or a handful of crispy fried onions before serving.
How to Store and Reheat for Maximum Freshness
If you have leftovers (which is rare with these sliders!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker option, microwave individual sliders for 20-30 seconds, but be aware the rolls may lose some crispiness. To freeze, wrap each slider tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Short on time? Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked bacon crumbles to cut down on prep work. You can also prepare the cream cheese mixture and chicken filling up to a day in advance—just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble. If you’re hosting a crowd, double the recipe and bake in two 9×13-inch dishes to save time. For an even quicker bake, skip the foil step and bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes, keeping an eye on the tops to prevent over-browning.
Recipe Variations to Mix It Up
Feel free to customize these sliders to suit your taste! Swap the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese and turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. If you’re a fan of heat, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture. Vegetarian? Replace the chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a meatless version that’s just as satisfying.
Essential Equipment for Easy Prep
To make this recipe a breeze, you’ll need a few key tools. A stand mixer or hand mixer is great for blending the cream cheese mixture smoothly. A 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect for assembling the sliders, and a pastry brush ensures even distribution of the butter topping. If you don’t have one, a spoon works too—just spread the butter mixture carefully. For shredding chicken, a handheld mixer or two forks will do the trick. And don’t forget a sharp knife for slicing the rolls and chopping garnishes!
Crack Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
- 12 King Hawaiian Rolls, sliced in half
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 3 Tablespoons dry ranch dressing seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 2 stalks green onions, diced
- 12 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped; for garnishing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, dry ranch dressing seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Use a spatula or electric mixer to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This seasoned cream cheese will add a rich and flavorful base to the sliders.
- Mix the Chicken Filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken breast, diced green onions, and crumbled bacon. Pour the prepared cream cheese mixture into a mixing bowl and combine thoroughly, ensuring all the ingredients are evenly distributed with the cream cheese mixture. This step ensures that each slider is packed with a delicious filling.
- Assemble the Sliders. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Place the bottom halves of the King Hawaiian Rolls in the dish in an even layer. Spoon the chicken cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom halves of the rolls, spreading it out to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken mixture, ensuring full coverage. Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese layer to form complete sliders.
- Prepare the Butter Topping. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, Italian seasoning, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir well to create a savory butter topping. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the butter mixture over the tops of the rolls. Make sure each roll is well-coated with the buttery mixture to achieve a golden, flavorful crust.
- Bake the Sliders. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the rolls from browning too quickly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt. After 10 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for 5 minutes, or until the tops of the Chicken Sliders are golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve. Remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the sliders warm and enjoy.