Blackened Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders

These blackened chicken bacon ranch sliders are my go-to party food when I want something bold and satisfying for a crowd. Each bite is loaded with juicy blackened chicken, smoky bacon, melty Colby jack cheese and cool ranch, all sandwiched between buttery toasted slider buns. They never last long when I make them for game days or summer cookouts.

The first time I made these was for a poolside party and the entire platter was gone in minutes. Kids and adults alike always rave about the buttery buns and zesty chicken combo.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast tenders or boneless thighs: Tender and juicy start be sure to pound evenly for consistent cooking
• Kings Hawaiian slider buns or soft dinner rolls: Slightly sweet and pillowy texture holds everything together look for fresh pre-sliced rolls
• Ranch dressing: Choose a cold creamy high quality ranch for best flavor
• Crispy bacon: Smoky and adds crunch use thick cut if possible
• Colby jack cheese: Melts smoothly and adds a creamy bite freshly sliced or from the deli counter is best
• Lettuce iceberg or romaine: Adds crunch and freshness pick brightly colored leaves with no wilting
• Red onion: Sliced thin for a sharp bite choose firm onions with tight skins
• Roma tomatoes: Juicy and sweet slice right before assembling to keep fresh
• Oil: For cooking the chicken avocado or olive oil delivers great flavor
• Smoked paprika or regular: Key for the blackened spice try Spanish smoked for a more robust flavor
• Cayenne pepper: Delivers the mild heat adjust to your spice preference
• Onion powder: For bold savory notes
• Garlic powder: Rounds out the flavor
• Ground black pepper: Freshly ground for best aroma
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors
• Dried thyme and dried oregano: Adds herbaceous warmth
• Butter: For the garlic parmesan topping always use real butter
• Fresh parsley: Chopped for herby brightness
• Fresh garlic: Finely minced for rich garlic flavor
• Parmesan cheese: Shredded or grated for a salty savory topping pick a block and grate it yourself for best taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken:

Slice chicken breast tenders horizontally to create thin pieces then pound to an even quarter inch thickness using a mallet for perfectly tender cooking. Cut each piece in half vertically to make slider sized portions.

Season and Marinate:

Toss chicken pieces in a large bag or bowl with several tablespoons of the blackened seasoning plus a few tablespoons of oil. Massage well so each piece is deeply coated. Let sit while preparing the other toppings to allow flavors to sink in.

Make Garlic Parmesan Butter:

Combine softened butter fresh parsley minced garlic and parmesan in a small bowl. Microwave for just twenty seconds until it is mostly melted but not oily. Stir well and set aside for the buns.

Cook the Blackened Chicken:

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium high then add a thin layer of oil. Place chicken in a single layer and cook about three minutes until the bottom is deeply charred but not burnt. Flip the chicken and reduce heat to low adding a spoonful of garlic butter to the pan. Let cook another five to six minutes until chicken is cooked through and soaking up the buttery flavors.

Toast and Butter the Buns:

Arrange sliced slider buns cut side up on a baking sheet. Toast under a broiler for a few minutes until golden. Flip the domed tops onto the sheet beside the bottoms. Brush tops generously with garlic butter and sprinkle with parmesan for extra flavor.

Melt Cheese and Assemble:

Add sliced Colby jack cheese to the bottom buns and pop under the broiler until just melted. Layer the cooked chicken evenly over the cheesy buns and top each with bacon strips. Place more cheese on the flipped tops and return all to the broiler to melt and warm again.

Finish with Ranch and Veggies:

Drizzle ranch dressing over the chicken and bacon then add sliced tomatoes onions and a handful of shredded lettuce. Add a second drizzle of ranch for extra creaminess.

Serve the Sliders:

Place the cheesy garlic bun tops on each sandwich and slice into individual sliders. Secure with toothpicks to keep them neat for sharing.

Save

You Must Know

• These sliders are high in protein and versatile enough for any occasion
• The leftovers reheat beautifully making them ideal for prepping ahead or storing

Family favorites like this recipe always bring everyone together over great food. I love adding an extra sprinkle of parmesan to the tops before broiling because the savory crust reminds me of my grandma’s garlic bread from Sunday suppers. This recipe brings back the most fun memories of backyard dinners with friends.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for the best texture. If making ahead keep the veggies and ranch separate until serving so the buns stay crisp.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use boneless chicken thighs instead of breast tenders for a juicier option. Monterey Jack or mozzarella can swap in for Colby jack. If you need a ranch alternative try a simple homemade Greek yogurt dip with fresh herbs.

Save

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sliders with kettle chips coleslaw or fresh fruit for a laidback meal. They work great as a party appetizer tray or main course for casual get togethers. Mini pickle skewers or extra ranch on the side make them extra inviting.

Cultural Context

Sliders are a staple American party food known for their small convenient size and big flavors. The blackened seasoning nods to Southern and Cajun traditions while the sweet buns and ranch dressing bring classic comfort food vibes.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you achieve the perfect blackened crust on the chicken?

Coat the chicken pieces evenly with blackened seasoning and cook in a hot, oiled skillet over medium-high heat. Avoid overcrowding and don't move the chicken too soon to ensure a flavorful crust forms before flipping.

→ Can you use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless thighs work well. They offer a juicier texture and are less likely to dry out when cooked.

→ What’s the best way to crisp the bacon for these sliders?

Arrange bacon strips on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F until crispy. This also helps render out excess fat evenly.

→ How do you make the garlic parmesan butter?

Combine softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and grated parmesan, then blend until smooth. Brush onto buns before toasting.

→ How can you keep the sliders warm when serving to a crowd?

After assembling, cover the tray with foil and keep in a low oven (about 200°F) until ready to serve. This keeps buns soft and cheese melted.

→ Can these sliders be made ahead of time?

Chicken and bacon can be cooked ahead, but assemble and toast just before serving to maintain the best texture.