Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Published: June 30, 2025

by Sofia

Grilled barbecue chicken is a summertime classic, and there’s nothing better than enjoying these flavors in the form of Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders. Perfect for parties, cookouts, or weeknight dinners, these sliders combine smoky sweetness with creamy ranch, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies. They’re easy to make, utterly delicious, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of total prep and cook time, you can whip up these sliders in no time.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and crispy bacon creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a backyard barbecue, these sliders are suitable for any event.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or swap ingredients to suit your taste.
Kid-Friendly: These sliders are small and manageable for little hands, making them a hit with kids.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, ensure you have the right tools handy. Using the right equipment can make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Skillet
Zip-top bag or bowl
Paper towels
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: Essential for achieving that smoky flavor in your chicken while ensuring it cooks evenly.
Skillet: Perfect for frying bacon to crispy perfection without any hassle.
Zip-top bag or bowl: Ideal for marinating the chicken thoroughly to enhance its flavor.

Ingredients

For these delicious Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken

1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 4-inch pieces
2 cups barbecue sauce, divided

For the Sliders

1 pack Hawaiian rolls, 12 count
8 slices bacon
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ranch dressing
2 cups shredded lettuce
1/4 red onion, sliced
12 squares Colby jack cheese, cracker-cut size is perfect

How to Make Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a zip-top bag or bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 cup of barbecue sauce.
Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or ideally for 4 hours or overnight).

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a skillet over low heat, cook the bacon until it is crispy.
Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium heat.
Remove chicken from marinade and grill each piece for about 3 minutes per side.
Baste with an additional 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce as they cook.
Check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Prepare the Buns

Slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally to create sandwich bases.
Spread mayonnaise generously on each bottom bun.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

Place grilled chicken on each bun and add more barbecue sauce if desired.
Top with Colby jack cheese slices followed by crispy bacon, red onions, and shredded lettuce.
Drizzle ranch dressing over the top before adding the top buns.

Step 6: Serve

Place top buns on each slider.
Slice into individual servings and enjoy!

These Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are not just tasty but also incredibly fun to eat! Perfect for sharing with friends or family during those warm summer nights!

How to Serve Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or a summer cookout, these sliders will impress your guests. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your slider experience.

For Game Day

Serve with Chips: Pair the sliders with a variety of chips for a fun and crunchy side.
Create a Slider Bar: Set up toppings like jalapeños, pickles, and extra sauces for guests to customize their sliders.

At a Picnic

Wrap in Foil: Keep the sliders warm by wrapping them in foil before heading out.
Add Fresh Fruit: Complement the savory flavors with a side of fresh fruit salad for a refreshing touch.

For Family Dinners

Serve with Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds crunch and balances the rich flavors of the sliders.
Include Sweet Potato Fries: Oven-baked sweet potato fries make for a healthier side that pairs well.

As Appetizers

Mini Skewers: Cut the sliders into smaller pieces and serve on skewers for easy handling.
Offer Dipping Sauces: Provide additional barbecue sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

How to Perfect Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

To ensure your Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are always a hit, follow these simple tips for perfection each time you make them.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh chicken breasts and high-quality bacon for the best flavor.
Marinate Longer: If time allows, marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor absorption.
Grill at Medium Heat: Cooking over medium heat prevents burning while ensuring thorough cooking.
Customize Your Toppings: Experiment with different cheeses or add spicy elements like pepper jack cheese for variation.
Keep it Warm: If serving at gatherings, use a slow cooker on warm to keep sliders hot without drying them out.

Best Side Dishes for Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders pair wonderfully with many sides that enhance their flavors. Here are some ideas to consider when planning your meal.

Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is a classic choice that complements BBQ flavors perfectly.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter adds sweetness and crunch alongside your sliders.
Baked Beans: Rich and hearty baked beans create a satisfying balance to the smoky chicken.
Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad provides crispness and lightness to offset the richness of the sliders.
Macaroni and Cheese: This cheesy comfort food is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with BBQ dishes.
Veggie Platter: A colorful assortment of veggies with dip offers a healthy option that balances indulgence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for a perfect result.

Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always allow at least 30 minutes for the chicken to soak in barbecue sauce for maximum flavor.
Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken too long can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for juicy sliders.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap ingredients can affect the taste of your sliders. Invest in good-quality barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and fresh vegetables for better flavor.
Not Toasting the Buns: Skipping the step of toasting buns can lead to soggy sliders. Lightly grill or toast them for added texture and flavor.
Adding Ranch Too Early: If you’re prepping these sliders ahead of time, adding ranch too soon can make buns soggy. Keep ranch dressing separate until just before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container.
They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Place individual sliders in a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap sliders in aluminum foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place sliders on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add sliders and cover with a lid, warming each side for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders that may help you in your cooking journey.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella based on your preference.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are great for meal prep. Just store them separately until you’re ready to eat.

How can I customize my Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders?

You can customize them by adding different toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or even switching out the meats!

What sides pair well with these sliders?

These sliders go well with coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them according to your taste preferences. Whether it’s a summer cookout or a cozy family dinner, these sliders will surely impress everyone at your table. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the smoky sweetness combined with creamy ranch and crispy bacon!