Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe

Juicy Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe: Crowd-Pleasing Party Magic

Crafting these mouthwatering crack chicken sliders will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Small sandwiches pack an incredible flavor punch that leaves everyone wanting more.

Tender shredded chicken blends seamlessly with creamy ranch and crispy bacon bits.

Each slider becomes a mini celebration of comfort food magic.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum satisfaction without complicated cooking techniques.

Quick assembly guarantees you can whip up these delectable bites in under thirty minutes.

Dive into this irresistible recipe that promises to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser.

Why Everyone Loves Crack Chicken Sliders

  • Create Delightful Party Pleasers: These crack chicken sliders transform ordinary dinner into a crowd-pleasing celebration with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Slow cooker method allows you to set ingredients and walk away, returning to a perfectly prepared, flavor-packed meal without constant monitoring.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping cheeses, adding different herbs, or experimenting with protein variations to match your family's taste preferences.
  • Stress-Free Entertaining Solution: Perfect for game day gatherings, potlucks, or casual family meals where everyone craves something delicious yet simple to prepare.

Ingredients for Crack Chicken Sliders

Main Proteins:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender meat serves as the primary protein base for the slider filling.
  • Bacon Bits: Cooked bacon adds smoky and crispy flavor to the chicken mixture.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese provides rich, melty texture and additional savory notes.
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Dried Ranch Seasoning Mix, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Spices create a bold and zesty seasoning profile for the chicken.
  • Chives: Fresh herbs offer a mild onion-like flavor and bright green color to the dish.
  • Ranch Dressing: Creamy condiment adds extra tangy and herbal taste to the sliders.
Binding and Base Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Soft cheese helps create a creamy and rich texture in the chicken mixture.
  • Slider Buns: Soft bread serves as the foundation for assembling the chicken sliders.

How to Make Crack Chicken Sliders Step by Step

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker Magic

Grab your slow cooker and gently place chicken breasts across the bottom, spreading them out evenly.

Step 2: Season Like a Pro

Sprinkle these flavor-packed ingredients over the chicken:
  • Ranch seasoning mix
  • Garlic powder
  • Black pepper

Coat the chicken thoroughly to ensure every bite is bursting with deliciousness.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Goodness

Dollop cream cheese right on top of the seasoned chicken, creating a luxurious blanket of flavor.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Let the magic happen for 6-7 hours until the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 5: Shred and Mix

Grab two forks and shred the chicken completely. Mix it with the melted cream cheese and seasonings until beautifully combined.

Step 6: Mix in the Extra Goodies

Fold in these mouthwatering ingredients:
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Freshly chopped chives
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir until everything is perfectly blended.

Step 7: Prepare for Baking

Heat the oven to 350°F and line up your slider buns on a baking sheet.

Step 8: Build Your Sliders

Spoon the creamy chicken mixture generously onto the bottom half of each slider bun.

Step 9: Add the Final Touch

Drizzle ranch dressing over the chicken filling for an extra flavor explosion.

Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the top bun halves on the sliders and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for lightly toasted buns and melted cheese.

Step 11: Serve and Devour

Pull the sliders out of the oven, let them cool for a quick 2-3 minutes, then dig in while they’re warm and irresistible!

Tips for Making Crack Chicken Sliders Better

  • Shred Chicken Perfectly: Use two forks to pull meat apart while it's still warm for the most tender, easily separated strands.
  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Add extra ranch seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a more robust and zesty taste profile.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top before final baking to create a golden, crispy cheese crust.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chicken mixture in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, making meal prep super convenient.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Replace slider buns with lettuce wraps or gluten-free rolls to accommodate dietary restrictions without losing deliciousness.

Different Ways to Enjoy Crack Chicken Sliders

  • Spicy Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Replace ranch seasoning with buffalo sauce and add red pepper flakes for a fiery kick. Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to enhance the heat.
  • Mediterranean Chicken Sliders: Substitute ranch seasoning with dried oregano and basil. Replace cream cheese with crumbled feta and add diced kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean flair.
  • BBQ Pulled Chicken Sliders: Switch ranch seasoning for BBQ seasoning and mix in smoky BBQ sauce instead of ranch dressing. Top with crispy onion straws for added crunch and texture.
  • Pesto Chicken Sliders: Use Italian seasoning instead of ranch mix. Blend in store-bought pesto sauce with cream cheese and sprinkle with fresh mozzarella before baking for a herbaceous, creamy version.

Perfect Sides for Crack Chicken Sliders

  • Crisp Craft Beer Companion: Pair these sliders with a hoppy IPA that cuts through the rich, creamy chicken filling and complements the tangy ranch flavors.
  • Zesty Pickle Sidekick: Add crisp dill pickle spears alongside the sliders to provide a sharp, refreshing contrast to the creamy, cheesy chicken mixture.
  • Cool Coleslaw Partner: Serve a light, tangy coleslaw with a hint of apple cider vinegar to balance the slider's rich and decadent profile.
  • Fresh Garden Salad Boost: Prepare a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to cleanse the palate and add a fresh, nutritious element to the meal.

How to Store Crack Chicken Sliders the Easy Way

  • Store leftover crack chicken sliders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sogginess and maintain texture.
  • Wrap individual sliders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place sliders on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, ensuring cheese melts evenly.
  • Reheat individual sliders for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add additional 15-second intervals if needed.

Your Crack Chicken Sliders Questions Answered

  • What makes the ranch seasoning so important in this recipe?

The ranch seasoning provides a tangy, herbal flavor that perfectly complements the chicken and adds depth to the overall taste profile of the sliders.

  • Can I use other types of cheese instead of cheddar?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with monterey jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for different flavor variations while maintaining a similar creamy texture.

  • Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or use a spicy ranch seasoning mix to increase the heat level of the chicken mixture.

  • How do I ensure the chicken stays moist during slow cooking?

Keep the cream cheese and ranch seasoning on top of the chicken, and avoid lifting the slow cooker lid too often to prevent moisture loss during the cooking process.

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Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe

Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 7 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Delicious crack chicken sliders blend creamy ranch, tender shredded chicken, and crispy bacon into irresistible mini sandwiches. Comfort food meets crowd-pleasing appetizer that you’ll crave at every gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz cream cheese

Slider Components:

  • 12 slider buns
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing

Seasonings and Add-ins:

  • 2 tbsp dried ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped chives
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts in a slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly distributed across the bottom of the appliance.
  2. Sprinkle dried ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and black pepper directly over the chicken breasts, creating an even coating.
  3. Add cream cheese on top of the seasoned chicken, covering the meat as uniformly as possible.
  4. Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, allowing the chicken to cook for 6-7 hours until it becomes tender and easily shreds.
  5. Once cooking is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken thoroughly, mixing it with the melted cream cheese and seasonings.
  6. Stir in cooked bacon bits, chopped chives, and shredded cheddar cheese, blending all ingredients until well combined.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F and arrange slider buns on a baking sheet.
  8. Generously spoon the chicken mixture onto the bottom halves of the slider buns.
  9. Drizzle ranch dressing over the chicken filling for additional flavor.
  10. Cover with the top bun halves and bake for 10-12 minutes until buns are lightly toasted and cheese is melted.
  11. Remove from oven, let cool for 2-3 minutes, then serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Experiment with different types of chicken cuts like thighs or boneless skinless breasts for varied texture and flavor profile.
  • Adjust seasoning quantities based on personal taste preferences, ensuring balanced ranch and garlic notes without overwhelming the dish.
  • For gluten-free option, swap traditional slider buns with lettuce wraps or gluten-free rolls to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Enhance meal prep efficiency by preparing chicken mixture in advance and storing in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing quick assembly when ready to serve.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 384
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 768 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 94 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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