Welcome to a culinary delight that’s about to become your new family favorite: Crack Chicken Sliders! These irresistible bite-sized sandwiches are packed with creamy, cheesy shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch seasoning, all nestled between soft Hawaiian rolls.
Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is a simple yet scrumptious way to elevate your chicken game. Join us as we explore the mouthwatering world of Crack Chicken Sliders, where every bite is a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds begging for more!
What is Crack Chicken?
Crack Chicken is a delicious combination of shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and bacon. This harmonious blend results in a creamy, savory dish that is incredibly addictive—hence the catchy name “Crack Chicken.” The dish often serves as a comforting meal on its own, but when transformed into sliders, it becomes a portable delight.
The Perfect Party Food
One of the standout features of Crack Chicken Sliders is their suitability for various occasions.
They can easily elevate any gathering, whether it’s a casual family cookout or a more formal celebration.
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal ingredients, the preparation becomes a breeze.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of flavors appeals to a wide range of palates, making them a safe bet for feeding a group.
- Serve as Finger Food: Their bite-sized nature allows for easy eating, making them perfect for mingling guests.
Nutritional Aspects
While Crack Chicken Sliders are undeniably indulgent, they also offer nutritional benefits, particularly from the chicken and any additional toppings.
- Protein-Packed: Chicken serves as a great source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
- Customizable: Depending on one’s dietary needs or preferences, toppings and sides can be varied. For instance, adding fresher ingredients like lettuce and tomatoes not only enhances nutritional value but also adds freshness to the dish.
Cooking Methods
Preparing Crack Chicken Sliders can involve various methods, each yielding its distinct flavor and texture.
- Slow Cooker: Perfect for those looking for a hands-off approach, allowing the flavors to meld over several hours.
- Instant Pot: Offers a quicker way to prepare the dish without sacrificing flavor.
- Oven Baking: Once the chicken mixture is ready, sliders can be baked for a crispy exterior while preserving a soft interior.
Variations to Consider
While the traditional Crack Chicken Sliders are undeniably delicious, there are numerous variations that can cater to different tastes.
- Spicy Version: Adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce can take the flavor to another level for those who enjoy heat.
- BBQ Twist: Incorporating BBQ sauce instead of ranch can create a smoky alternative.
- Vegetarian Options: Substitute the chicken with plant-based proteins or legumes, providing a delicious option for vegetarians.
Serving Suggestions
Crack Chicken Sliders pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, enriching the overall dining experience.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw complements the sliders well and adds a refreshing element.
- Potato Wedges: A hearty choice for those looking for comfort food.
- Pickles: Their tangy flavor offers a palate-cleansing effect that balances the richness of the sliders.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Sliders are more than just a meal; they represent a blend of flavors and textures that bring people together. Their simplicity in preparation, combined with their ability to impress, makes them a valuable addition to any food lover’s repertoire.
With the option to customize and adapt recipe elements, they can be tailored to suit any gathering or palate, ensuring that anyone presented with the dish will find joy in enjoying these delightful sliders. Whether for a casual weekday dinner or a festive occasion, Crack Chicken Sliders are sure to delight and satisfy, keeping everyone craving more.
Crack Chicken Sliders
Ingredients
- 16 ounces (2 8-ounce) packages cream cheese softened
- 1 ounce packet dry ranch dressing mix
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced green onion
- 2½ cups chicken breast cooked, shredded boneless, skinless
- 12 ounce package cooked, crumbled bacon
- 2½ cups mild shredded cheddar cheese (divided 1 cup and 1 ½ cups)
- 12 count package sweet Hawaiian Rolls sliced in half
- 6 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter melted
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh chives
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Prepare the baking dish:
- Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Set it aside.
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture:
- Add the cream cheese to a 4 – 5 quart heavy bottom stock pot over medium heat.
- Stir often until the cream cheese is melted.
- Sprinkle the ranch mix, onion powder, and cracked black pepper over the melted cream cheese.
- Stir to combine and then remove from the heat.
- Combine additional ingredients:
- Stir in the green onion, shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar.
- Mix until completely incorporated.
- Assemble the sliders:
- Place the bottom rolls into the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the chicken ranch mixture evenly over the bottom rolls.
- Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture.
- Lay the top rolls over the shredded cheese.
- Add finishing touches:
- Use a pastry brush to spread melted butter over the top rolls.
- Evenly sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the buttered rolls.
- Evenly sprinkle chopped chives over the Parmesan layer.
- Bake the sliders:
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 – 8 minutes, until golden.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and allow the sliders to rest for 5 minutes before cutting into individual servings.
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