If you’re looking for a family favorite that checks all the boxes—easy, delicious, cheesy, and perfect for game day—these Crack Chicken Sliders are it. From the moment you lift that first golden bun and pull apart the warm, gooey layers, you’re hooked. This recipe brings together everything I love about comfort food: juicy shredded chicken, savory ranch, crisp Turkey bacon, and creamy cheddar, all tucked inside soft Hawaiian rolls. I remember the first time I made these on a chilly Sunday afternoon—my kids devoured them before halftime even started.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why We’re Obsessed with Crack Chicken Sliders
Comfort Food That Wins Every Time
Crack Chicken Sliders are everything comfort food should be—rich, satisfying, and irresistibly cheesy. The “crack” in the name comes from the addictive combo of ranch, Turkey bacon, cheddar, and tender shredded chicken. It’s a dish that’s become a legend in potluck circles and football watch parties. I first came across a version of this when experimenting with leftover rotisserie chicken and a packet of ranch mix. With a few tweaks, including cream cheese and buttery Hawaiian rolls, it became one of my go-to recipes for family gatherings. The best part? You can prep them in under 20 minutes before popping them in the oven.
Easy to Make and Easy to Love
You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to whip up these sliders. With pantry staples like mayo, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and shredded cheese, this recipe comes together with very little effort. Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken makes it even faster. Just like my Easy Cheeseburger Sliders, these are low-effort, high-reward. And if you’re already a fan of BBQ Pulled Chicken Mini Sandwiches, you’ll absolutely love this twist.
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Crack Chicken Sliders
These Crack Chicken Sliders are creamy, cheesy, and full of bacon and ranch flavor, baked inside soft Hawaiian rolls with a garlic butter topping. Perfect for game day, parties, or a weeknight family dinner.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Ingredients
1 pound chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
8 oz package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup mayo
1/4 cup sour cream
1 oz package ranch dressing mix
1/2 cup crumbled bacon
3 green onions, chopped
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1, 12-count Hawaiian sweet rolls
Topping:
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix together cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, ranch mix, bacon, and green onions until smooth and creamy.
3. Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and shredded chicken. Mix until fully combined.
4. Slice Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally without separating the individual rolls. Place the bottom half in a baking dish.
5. Spread the chicken mixture over the bottom rolls. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Add the top half of the rolls.
6. In a small bowl, combine melted butter with garlic powder, onion powder, parsley flakes, and parmesan.
7. Brush the seasoned butter over the top of the rolls using a pastry brush.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
10. Cut into individual sliders and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
You can prepare these sliders ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. For a crisp top, wait to brush on the butter until just before they go in the oven. Rotisserie chicken works great as a time-saving option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Game Day
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
The Secret Sauce: Ingredients That Make Crack Chicken Sliders Irresistible
What’s Inside the Filling—and Why It Works
At the heart of these Crack Chicken Sliders is the creamy, savory filling. Start with shredded chicken—about 1 pound of cooked breast meat works best. You can roast your own or use rotisserie to save time. From there, the mix gets a serious flavor boost thanks to a package of softened cream cheese, which creates that rich, velvety base. Add a quarter cup each of mayo and sour cream for even more creaminess and balance.
Now here’s where the magic happens: the ranch dressing mix. One ounce of this powdery goodness packs in the zesty, herby flavor that’s so iconic in crack chicken. Crumbled Turkey bacon (yes, real crispy Turkey bacon!) adds saltiness and crunch, while chopped green onions give it a light, fresh bite. Then, there’s the cheddar—two whole cups, divided. Half melts into the chicken mix, and the rest forms that golden blanket of cheese on top. The contrast between the creamy interior and cheesy top makes these sliders crave-worthy from the first bite.
What’s fantastic about this recipe is its flexibility. If you’re like me and always have ingredients like ranch powder or cream cheese in the fridge, it comes together with no stress. It’s no surprise these remind people of other favorites like Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders or Ham and Cheese Croissant Sliders, but the ranch-Turkey bacon-cheddar combo takes it to the next level.
Hawaiian Rolls: The Pillowy Foundation
No slider is complete without the right bread, and Hawaiian sweet rolls are the perfect match. Their slight sweetness contrasts beautifully with the savory filling. Slice the entire 12-count roll pack in half horizontally, keeping them intact like one big sheet. This makes assembly super fast and keeps the filling evenly distributed.
After layering the chicken mix and more shredded cheese, you’ll top everything with the remaining rolls and brush on the irresistible seasoned butter. It’s what gives the sliders that golden, buttery crust.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Shredded Chicken | Main protein, tender base |
| Cream Cheese | Creamy, rich texture |
| Ranch Mix | Bold flavor enhancer |
| Turkey Bacon | Crunch and saltiness |
| Hawaiian Rolls | Sweet, soft slider base |
From Oven to Table: How to Bake Crack Chicken Sliders to Golden Perfection
Step-by-Step Assembly for Foolproof Results
When it comes to making Crack Chicken Sliders, the process couldn’t be more straightforward—and that’s part of the reason I return to this recipe again and again. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and stir together the cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, ranch seasoning, chopped Turkey bacon, and green onions until smooth. Add in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the cooked shredded chicken, then mix everything again until it’s creamy and well blended.
Next, slice the Hawaiian sweet rolls horizontally, keeping them connected so the whole sheet lifts off in one piece. Place the bottom half into a lightly greased baking dish. Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the surface, making sure it reaches all the edges. Top it with the remaining shredded cheese, then add the top half of the rolls.
Before baking, melt your butter and mix in garlic powder, onion powder, parsley flakes, and grated parmesan. Brush this savory mixture generously over the top of the rolls—this is where the flavor boost really shines. The result is a buttery, herby crust that sets these apart from your average slider.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to lock in the moisture. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes to crisp up the tops. That cheesy center should be bubbling and the rolls golden brown.
Serving Tips for Any Occasion
These sliders are best served hot and fresh out of the oven. Use a sharp knife to cut between the individual rolls and separate into sandwich-style sliders. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, party trays, or tailgates. I always serve mine with a crisp veggie tray or a tangy salad like this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Salad for a refreshing balance.
And here’s a pro tip: If you’re planning ahead, assemble everything the night before and bake the next day. Just wait to brush the butter topping until right before baking.
Speaking of occasions, Crack Chicken Sliders have been a game-day lifesaver in our house, right next to fan-favorites like Apple Cranberry Chicken Salad. One bite in, and nobody even asks for chips.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Crack Chicken Sliders?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken makes the process faster without sacrificing flavor. Just shred the meat and mix it right in with your filling.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Shredded cheddar is the classic choice because of its sharp, melty goodness. But you can experiment with Monterey Jack or a cheddar blend for extra depth.
Can I make Crack Chicken Sliders ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Just wait to add the butter topping until right before baking for the crispiest finish.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Once baked, Crack Chicken Sliders can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 300°F until warmed through to maintain the texture. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can make the rolls soggy.
You can also freeze the fully assembled sliders before baking. Wrap the dish tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This trick is perfect for busy weeks or prepping for events.
Conclusion
These Crack Chicken Sliders are more than just a snack—they’re a tradition. Whether you’re prepping for a party, feeding a hungry family, or just craving something cheesy and warm, this recipe delivers every single time. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. And once you serve them, don’t be surprised when you’re asked to make a double batch next time.
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