Creamy Chicken Bacon Sliders

These Crack Chicken Sandwiches are a game changer for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender shredded chicken and crispy bacon, they come together quickly and transform simple dinner rolls into irresistible sliders everyone will love.

I first made these when I needed something easy yet decadent for game day. Since then my friends and family keep asking me to bring them whenever we get together.

Ingredients

• Cream cheese: softened for smooth melting and creaminess — use full fat for best results
• Dry ranch dressing mix: adds tangy herb flavor and seasoning punch
• Onion powder: enhances the savory base without overpowering
• Fresh cracked black pepper: gives a subtle bite and aroma
• Thinly sliced green onion: for freshness and a mild onion crunch
• Cooked shredded chicken breast: as a tender, lean protein backbone
• Cooked crumbled bacon: for a smoky, crispy contrast
• Mild shredded cheddar cheese: for meltiness and a mellow sharpness
• Sweet Hawaiian rolls: bring soft, slightly sweet bread to balance savory filling
• Salted sweet cream butter: for a golden, flavorful finish on the tops
• Grated parmesan cheese: adds a sharp nutty crust after baking
• Fresh chopped chives: sprinkle a delicate oniony color and taste on top

Instructions

Preheat oven:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.

Melt cream cheese:

Melt the cream cheese over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed stockpot. Stir frequently to keep the texture smooth and avoid burning.

Mix seasonings:

Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix, onion powder, and cracked black pepper into the cream cheese and stir thoroughly to combine the flavors. Remove this mixture from heat once blended well.

Add ingredients:

Mix in the green onions, shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything until it is fully incorporated and creamy.

Arrange rolls:

Arrange the bottom halves of the Hawaiian rolls neatly inside the prepared baking dish to create an even layer.

Spread filling:

Spread the chicken ranch filling evenly over the bottoms of the rolls, making sure every bite will have plenty of that creamy chicken mixture.

Add cheese:

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the filling layer. This will melt into a luscious cheesy blanket during baking.

Top rolls:

Place the top halves of the rolls over the cheese layer, covering the filling completely.

Brush butter:

Brush the melted butter generously over the tops of the rolls with a pastry brush to help them brown gorgeously and add rich flavor.

Sprinkle parmesan:

Evenly sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the buttered tops to create a beautiful savory crust.

Add chives:

Scatter the finely chopped fresh chives on top for a pop of green and a mild onion flavor.

Bake covered:

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.

Bake uncovered:

Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for five to eight more minutes until the top turns golden brown and slightly crisp.

Rest sliders:

Take the dish out of the oven and let the sliders rest for five minutes before slicing to allow them to set and prevent the filling from spilling out.

My favorite ingredient is definitely the ranch seasoning mix. It ties all the flavors together with that zesty herbal note that makes this sandwich unforgettable. I remember making these for a birthday party and watching them disappear within minutes with everyone asking for seconds.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the tops crispy or microwave covered for convenience.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cream cheese can be swapped for Neufchâtel for a lighter version. Use turkey bacon or omit bacon entirely for a milder taste or to reduce grease. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sandwiches with a simple green salad or coleslaw to cut through the richness. Pair with pickles or a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or chipotle mayo for extra flavor.

These Crack Chicken Sandwiches combine ease and decadence perfectly for any occasion.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What type of chicken is best for this dish?

Cooked, shredded boneless and skinless chicken breast works best for tender, easy-to-mix chicken layers.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and assemble the sliders in advance. Refrigerate before baking for fresh flavor.

→ What cheese varieties are used in this dish?

Mild shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan add creamy texture and rich flavor layers.

→ How do the herbs contribute to the overall taste?

Green onions and fresh chives add brightness and a mild oniony freshness that balances the creamy and savory notes.

→ Can I substitute the Hawaiian rolls with another bread?

Yes, soft dinner rolls or slider buns can be used, but Hawaiian rolls add a subtle sweetness that complements the savory filling.