There's nothing quite like biting into a warm, gooey Crack Chicken Slider. Imagine the taste: shredded chicken wrapped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, spiked with ranch seasoning and studded with crispy bacon bits. All this goodness gets sandwiched between fluffy, buttery slider buns, then baked to melty perfection.

These sliders became an instant favorite in our house after I whipped up a batch for game night. I thought they would make a great appetizer, but they disappeared so fast, I barely had time to grab one for myself! Now, they’re a go-to for any party, picnic, or busy weeknight dinner, and I’m excited to share the recipe with you.
Why You’ll Love These Crack Chicken Sliders
Get ready to fall in love with this crave-worthy snack or meal. These Crack Chicken Sliders are irresistibly good and surprisingly easy to make.
First, they’re perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or having a casual family dinner, a pan of these sliders will keep everyone satisfied. You can make up to 12 sliders in one go, making it a breeze to serve large groups.
You’ll also love how versatile they are. Pair them with a fresh salad for a complete meal or serve them alongside other party appetizers. The combination of flavors – savory, cheesy, and just the right amount of tangy ranch – makes them a hit in any setting.
Quick and easy to assemble, these sliders are ideal when you need a no-fuss recipe. Using rotisserie chicken saves tons of time, and the prep work is minimal. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Lastly, let’s talk about the irresistible flavor. The mix of ranch seasoning, melty cheese, and crispy bacon takes these sliders to the next level. If you’ve ever wondered why it’s called “Crack Chicken,” just take one bite, and you’ll understand why it’s so addicting!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Crack Chicken Sliders comes from a handful of simple, bold ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Here’s what you’ll need:
Shredded Chicken: I usually opt for shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. It’s tender, juicy, and already cooked, which makes this recipe come together quickly. You can also use any leftover chicken you have on hand.
Cream Cheese: This is the key to creating that rich, creamy texture that binds everything together. Make sure it’s at room temperature so it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
Ranch Seasoning: The ranch flavor is what makes this dish stand out. You can use a store-bought packet, or make your own blend if you prefer. It adds a tangy, herby kick that pairs perfectly with the chicken and cheese.
Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon brings a smoky, savory element to the sliders. You can cook and crumble your own bacon, or use store-bought bacon bits for extra convenience.
Cheese: A mix of shredded cheddar and mozzarella provides the ultimate melty, cheesy goodness. The cheddar adds sharpness, while mozzarella makes it stretchy and gooey. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations!
Slider Buns: Soft, pillowy slider buns are the perfect vessel for the chicken mixture. Hawaiian rolls work exceptionally well, adding a hint of sweetness that balances the savory filling. Don’t forget to brush the tops with melted butter for a golden finish.
You’ll also need a 9x13-inch baking dish to bake the sliders evenly, and aluminum foil to cover them during part of the baking process.
How To Make These Crack Chicken Sliders

Creating these mouthwatering sliders is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through the process step by step.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your ingredients. Start by shredding your cooked chicken if you haven’t already. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and crumbled bacon. Mix everything well until it’s evenly distributed and creamy.
Step 2: Cut your slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the rolls connected. Place the bottom half in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top, making sure every inch is covered.
Step 3: Place the top half of the slider buns over the cheese layer. In a small bowl, melt some butter and brush it over the tops of the buns. For extra flavor, you can mix in a bit of garlic powder, chopped parsley, or even a sprinkle of ranch seasoning with the melted butter.
Step 4: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the tops of the buns are golden brown and slightly crispy.
Once baked, let the sliders cool for a few minutes before cutting them apart. The total process, from prep to serving, takes under 30 minutes, and the result is a tray of cheesy, indulgent sliders that everyone will love.
Storage Options
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s rare!), these sliders store beautifully for a quick snack or meal later.
Refrigerator: Place any leftover sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The buns may soften slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the sliders. Wrap each slider individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven until heated through.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat, cover the sliders with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they’re warm and the cheese is melty again. If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave, but the buns may not stay as crisp.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for an extra kick. Pepper Jack cheese also works well for a spicy twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the buns and serve the Crack Chicken mixture over lettuce wraps or stuffed into bell peppers for a lighter, keto-friendly meal.
- Different Proteins: Swap out the chicken for shredded turkey, pulled pork, or even cooked ground beef for a unique flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with shredded jackfruit or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. Use a vegetarian ranch seasoning and skip the bacon, or use a plant-based alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps in place of the regular buns. Make sure the ranch seasoning and any other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors and ingredients – you might just discover a new favorite combination. No matter how you make them, these Crack Chicken Sliders are bound to be a hit!
Enjoy every cheesy, bacon-filled bite of these Crack Chicken Sliders, and watch them become a new favorite in your household too!
PrintCrack Chicken Sliders Recipe
These Crack Chicken Sliders are the ultimate party dish, loaded with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, all smothered in a creamy ranch sauce. Easy to make and perfect for game day or quick family meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 slider buns
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and crumbled bacon. Mix well.
- Slice slider buns in half and place the bottom halves in a greased baking dish.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the buns, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Add the top halves of the buns. Brush melted butter over the buns and sprinkle with poppy seeds if desired.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tops are golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add jalapeños for an extra kick of spice.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
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