Description
These Chicken, Bacon and Ranch Sliders are the perfect crowd-pleasing appetizer or meal, featuring tender chicken, savory bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy ranch dressing all nestled inside soft Hawaiian rolls. Topped with a buttery, sweet, and tangy poppy seed glaze, they bake to golden perfection for a warm, melty, and irresistible treat that’s perfect for game day or any casual gathering.
Ingredients
Slider Base
- 12 Hawaiian rolls
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 1 pound sliced chicken (pre-cooked deli meat)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (about 9 thick slices)
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
Glaze
- 5 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish and Oven: Line a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with foil for easy cleanup and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toast Bottom Rolls: Slice the Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom halves into the prepared baking dish and optionally toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes to add a slight crispiness.
- Add Ranch Dressing: Evenly spread 1/3 cup of ranch dressing over the bottom halves of the rolls to infuse flavor and moisture.
- Layer Chicken, Cheese, and Bacon: Fold the sliced chicken in half for better layering and place it over the ranch-covered rolls. Next, layer slices of sharp cheddar cheese on top, followed by sprinkling the bacon bits evenly.
- Warm the Sliders: Place these open-faced sliders back into the oven for up to 5 minutes to warm the meat and melt the cheese slightly while preparing the glaze.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, melt 5 tablespoons of butter, then stir in 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons poppy seeds, 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, and 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce until combined and smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Place the top halves of the rolls onto the sliders. Spoon the prepared glaze evenly over the tops. Bake the fully assembled sliders for 12 to 18 minutes until the cheese has melted completely and the rolls are beginning to brown on top.
- Serve: Use a serrated knife to carefully slice the sliders apart for serving. Serve them warm to enjoy the melty, flavorful combination.
Notes
- For even cooking, you can lightly toast the bottom rolls before adding toppings to prevent sogginess.
- Use pre-cooked chicken deli meat for convenience; alternatively, cooked chicken breast can be sliced and used.
- Bacon bits can be substituted with freshly cooked and crumbled bacon for more texture and flavor.
- Adjust the glaze ingredients to your preference, adding more or less brown sugar for sweetness or mustard for tang.
- These sliders are best served warm but can be prepared ahead and reheated gently in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
