Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe
Jennifer
Imagine the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors packed into a bite-sized sandwich. Crack chicken sliders are just that—a mouthwatering dish that’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, planning a family dinner, or looking for a comfort food recipe, these sliders are your go-to choice. With their rich, flavorful filling and golden-baked buns, they’re sure to become a favorite.
IN This Post:
What are Crack Chicken Sliders?
Crack chicken sliders are bite-sized sandwiches filled with a creamy and cheesy chicken mixture, seasoned with ranch and combined with cheddar cheese and green onions. The savory filling is layered onto soft Hawaiian rolls, topped with a garlic butter glaze, and baked until golden and melty.
These sliders are loved for their rich, addictive flavors and their versatility. They make an ideal option for parties, family gatherings, or even casual dinners. The combination of creamy filling and buttery, toasted rolls ensures they are a crowd-pleaser every time.
History of Crack Chicken Sliders:
Crack chicken, a combination of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, shredded chicken, and cheese, earned its name because it’s so addictively delicious. This recipe has its roots in Southern comfort food, where rich, creamy dishes reign supreme. Over time, crack chicken evolved into sliders, combining the bold flavors of the original recipe with the portability and convenience of Hawaiian rolls.
Hawaiian rolls, known for their slight sweetness and soft texture, perfectly complement the savory and tangy crack chicken filling. The addition of melted cheddar cheese, garlic butter, and chives on top makes these sliders a modern twist on a classic comfort dish. Today, crack chicken sliders are celebrated for their versatility, simplicity, and undeniable deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe:
Every bite of these sliders delivers a burst of flavor. The creamy ranch-seasoned filling is perfectly balanced with the sharpness of cheddar cheese, the freshness of green onions, and the buttery, garlicky buns. It’s a symphony of tastes and textures that keeps you coming back for more.
This recipe uses basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, making it suitable for anyone, regardless of their cooking experience. Using pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken makes preparation even faster, allowing you to whip up these sliders in under 30 minutes.
Crack chicken sliders are a versatile dish that works well for casual dinners, parties, potlucks, or game day gatherings. Their small size makes them easy to serve and share, while their bold flavors ensure they’re a hit with everyone.
How to Store Crack Chicken Sliders?
Refrigeration: Place leftover sliders in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep them fresh, avoid adding extra toppings like lettuce or tomato until you’re ready to serve.
Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the sliders in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 10–12 minutes until warmed through. You can also heat them in the microwave, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time and simplify the preparation process. Just shred the meat and discard the skin.
- Toast the Buns Lightly: For extra texture, lightly toast the bottom buns before adding the filling.
- Add Extra Cheese: Sprinkle a little Parmesan or mozzarella on top of the filling for an even cheesier finish.
- Customize the Filling: Mix in cooked, crumbled diced jalapeños for added flavor and spice.
- Don’t Skip the Butter Glaze: The garlic butter topping adds a golden finish and irresistible flavor to the sliders.
How To Make Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe:
Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Large pot
- Whisk
- Pastry Brush
- Serrated Knife
Ingredients
Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese cut into small pieces
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 1 ounce ranch dressing mix 1 packet
- 2 cups cooked chicken chopped or shredded
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
- ¼ cup green onion thinly sliced
Assembly:
- 12 Hawaiian rolls cut in half
Topping:
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon chives thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. This ensures even cooking and perfect results for the sliders.
- Prepare the Filling: Place a large pot over medium heat and add the cream cheese, chicken broth, and ranch mix. Stir the mixture continuously until the cream cheese has fully melted, and the ingredients combine into a smooth, creamy sauce. This step helps to evenly distribute the flavors in the filling.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Into the creamy mixture, add the shredded chicken, ½ cup of cheddar cheese, and green onions. Stir everything thoroughly until the chicken is well coated and the cheese begins to melt, creating a rich, flavorful filling.
- Prepare the Rolls: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms intact. Arrange the bottom halves neatly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Assemble the Sliders: Evenly spread the chicken mixture over the bottom halves of the rolls, ensuring every slider gets a generous portion. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the filling to add extra cheesiness. Place the top halves of the rolls back on to complete the sliders.
- Add the Butter Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with minced garlic. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the tops of the rolls with the butter mixture. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and chives over the tops for added flavor and an attractive finish.
- Bake the Sliders: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops of the rolls turn golden brown. Monitor closely to avoid overbaking.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the sliders to cool for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. Carefully slice the sliders into individual portions using a sharp knife for neat and easy serving. Serve warm and enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors!
Notes
- Prepare Ahead: Cook and shred the chicken in advance to save time during assembly. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent, convenient option for this recipe.
- Cooking Chicken: For freshly baked chicken breasts, coat them with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake at 425°F for 18–20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Storing Leftovers: Place any leftover sliders in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat the sliders in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, use a microwave and heat in 30-second intervals.
- Add Toppings Later: Avoid adding toppings like lettuce or tomato until just before serving to keep the sliders fresh.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free buns and verify all ingredients to accommodate dietary restrictions
| Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 281 |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Protein | 9g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 58mg |
| Sodium | 519mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Vitamin A | 490IU |
| Vitamin C | 1mg |
| Calcium | 125mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on portion size and toppings.
Tips and Variations:
- Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Add Heat: Mix in diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top after baking for added color and freshness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free slider buns to accommodate dietary needs.
- Make It Healthier: Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar to lighten the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! Assemble the sliders and refrigerate them for up to one day before baking. Add the butter topping just before placing them in the oven.
Warm the sliders in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, ensuring they are covered with foil to maintain their moisture and prevent drying out.
Yes, you can freeze the sliders after assembling but before baking. Securely wrap the sliders in foil and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake according to the recipe instructions.
Serve these sliders with potato chips, coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Toast the bottom halves of the rolls lightly before adding the filling. This forms a layer that prevents the bread from soaking up excess moisture.
Crack chicken sliders are a surefire hit for any occasion. With their creamy filling, cheesy goodness, and buttery buns, they’re irresistible to both kids and adults alike. Give this recipe a try today and savor a dish that’s both simple to prepare and absolutely delicious!
Don’t forget to check out other Sliders recipes and share your results and leave a comment below. We’d love to hear your feedback!
