Crack chicken sliders have become a true favorite in my kitchen, and for good reason. I first stumbled upon a similar recipe years ago, looking for a simple yet satisfying appetizer, and immediately loved how effortlessly they came together. What truly stood out to me was their incredible adaptability and how quickly they disappear at any gathering. They’re the kind of easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish that consistently earns rave reviews without requiring hours in the kitchen.
You’ll love making these crack chicken sliders because they perfectly blend comfort food appeal with effortless preparation. Imagine a dish that requires minimal fuss but delivers maximum flavor that’s exactly what these sliders offer. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a simple weeknight dinner solution, or just craving something irresistibly savory and cheesy, these sliders are a foolproof option that consistently earns rave reviews.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces of cream cheese (2 packages, each 8 ounces, softened to room temperature)
- 1-ounce packet of dry ranch dressing mix
- 2 teaspoons of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper
- ⅓ cup of green onions (thinly sliced)
- 2½ cups of boneless and skinless chicken breast (cooked and finely shredded)
- 2½ cups of mild cheddar cheese (shredded, separated into 1 cup and 1 ½ cups portions)
- 12-count package of sweet Hawaiian Rolls (sliced horizontally)
- 6 tablespoons of salted sweet cream butter (in a molten state)
- 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 2 teaspoons of fresh chives (finely chopped)
How to Make the Best Crack Chicken Sliders
Making crack chicken sliders is surprisingly straightforward, and with a few key steps, you’ll achieve that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and utterly delicious flavors. This process is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base
First, prepare the chicken base. In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked and finely shredded chicken breast with the softened cream cheese. Add the 1-ounce packet of dry ranch dressing mix, 2 teaspoons of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper, and ⅓ cup of thinly sliced green onions. Mix thoroughly until well combined and smooth. This ensures every piece of chicken is coated with that fantastic flavor.
Step 2: Assemble the Sliders
Next, it’s time for assembly. Slice your 12-count package of sweet Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact for easy handling. Place the bottom half of the rolls evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, spread the prepared crack chicken mixture evenly over these bottom rolls. Ensure a generous layer for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Add the Cheese Topping
This step brings in the irresistible cheesiness. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mild cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken mixture. This forms a delicious, gooey layer within the sliders. Afterward, gently place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls back over the cheese layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of shredded mild cheddar cheese generously over the very top of the rolls, ensuring a golden, bubbly cheese crust when baked.
Step 4: Prepare for Baking
Now, for that signature golden crust and added flavor. In a small bowl, melt your 6 tablespoons of salted sweet cream butter. Into this molten butter, stir in the 2 tablespoons of finely grated parmesan cheese and the 2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh chives. Once mixed, brush this savory butter mixture evenly over the tops of the slider rolls. This not only aids in browning but also infuses the rolls with extra flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Finally, it’s time to bake your delectable crack chicken sliders. Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature (typically around 350°F or 175°C). Bake the sliders for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the tops of the rolls are golden brown and slightly crispy. As soon as they come out of the oven, serve them warm and watch them disappear!
My Best Crack Chicken Sliders Tips
Having made crack chicken sliders countless times, I’ve picked up a few invaluable tricks that elevate them from merely good to truly exceptional. These aren’t just minor adjustments; they’re the details that make all the difference.
The Secret to Perfectly Shredded Chicken
For the easiest shredded chicken, I always boil or pressure cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts until tender. Then, importantly, I shred them using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. This method is an absolute game-changer for speed and consistency, far quicker than doing it by hand. Furthermore, it ensures the chicken is finely shredded, which means it integrates perfectly with the creamy ingredients, making every bite of your crack chicken sliders smooth and flavorful.
Enhancing the Butter Glaze
Don’t just use plain melted butter on your crack chicken sliders! My go-to trick is to add a tiny splash of Worcestershire sauce to the melted butter before brushing it over the buns. This simple addition introduces an unexpected depth of savory, umami flavor that genuinely takes the sliders from good to absolutely phenomenal. It complements the ranch seasoning beautifully and adds a richer, more complex taste profile to the golden crust.
Preventing Soggy Bottoms
To ensure the bottom buns of your crack chicken sliders don’t get soggy, especially if you’re preparing them slightly ahead of time, here’s a pro tip. Brush a very thin layer of melted butter, or even a little olive oil, on the inside of the bottom buns before adding the chicken mixture. This creates a slight barrier, which helps to keep them delightfully soft but not damp after baking, ensuring a pleasant texture with every bite.
Variations of Crack Chicken Sliders
While the classic crack chicken sliders are undeniably delicious, their versatility means you can easily customize them to suit different tastes and occasions. Experimenting with variations is part of the fun!
Spicy Kick Crack Chicken Sliders
For a bit of heat, mix hot sauce or red pepper flakes into the chicken, or add sliced jalapeños to the top.
Veggie-Packed Crack Chicken Sliders
Incorporate finely diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or spinach into the chicken base for added flavor and nutrition.
BBQ Ranch Crack Chicken Sliders
Swap some ranch seasoning for your favorite barbecue sauce when mixing the chicken for a smoky, tangy twist.
For more delicious recipes, check out our teriyaki pineapple chicken and rice stuffed peppers.
FAQs
When preparing crack chicken sliders, some common questions often arise regarding ingredients and substitutions. Addressing these can help ensure your sliders turn out perfectly every time.
Which cream cheese is recommended?
Full-fat cream cheese is overwhelmingly recommended for crack chicken sliders. Its richness and creaminess are crucial for a luscious texture and satisfying flavor.
Are green onions a required ingredient?
Green onions are not strictly required but are highly recommended. They add a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color, enhancing the overall experience.
Are alternative slider rolls suitable?
Yes, alternative soft dinner rolls, potato rolls, or brioche buns are suitable. Choose a bun that absorbs flavors without becoming tough or dense.
Print
Crack Chicken Sliders
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Description
These Crack Chicken Sliders are a true crowd-pleaser, offering an irresistible blend of creamy, savory, and cheesy goodness in every bite. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a simple weeknight dinner, they are incredibly easy to make and disappear quickly. With tender shredded chicken coated in a rich ranch and cream cheese mixture, topped with melted cheddar and a savory butter glaze, these sliders deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Base:
16 ounces cream cheese (2 packages, 8 ounces each, softened to room temperature)
1-ounce packet dry ranch dressing mix
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
⅓ cup green onions (thinly sliced)
2½ cups boneless and skinless chicken breast (cooked and finely shredded)
For the Sliders:
2½ cups mild cheddar cheese (shredded, separated into 1 cup and 1½ cups portions)
12-count package sweet Hawaiian Rolls (sliced horizontally)
For the Butter Glaze:
6 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter (molten state)
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese (finely grated)
2 teaspoons fresh chives (finely chopped)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and finely shredded chicken breast with the softened cream cheese. Add the dry ranch dressing mix, onion powder, freshly cracked black pepper, and thinly sliced green onions. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
Assemble the Sliders:
Slice the 12-count package of sweet Hawaiian rolls horizontally, keeping the top and bottom halves intact. Place the bottom half of the rolls evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the prepared crack chicken mixture evenly over these bottom rolls, ensuring a generous and even layer.
Add the Cheese Topping:
Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mild cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken mixture. Gently place the top half of the Hawaiian rolls back over the cheese layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of shredded mild cheddar cheese generously over the very top of the rolls, ensuring full coverage for a golden, bubbly crust.
Prepare for Baking:
In a small bowl, melt the 6 tablespoons of salted sweet cream butter. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of finely grated parmesan cheese and the 2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh chives into the molten butter. Brush this savory butter mixture evenly over the tops of the slider rolls.
Bake to Golden Perfection:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the sliders for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the tops of the rolls are golden brown and slightly crispy. Serve warm immediately after baking.
Notes
Perfectly Shredded Chicken:
For the easiest shredded chicken, boil or pressure cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts until tender. Then, use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to shred the chicken. This method is incredibly fast and ensures a finely shredded consistency that blends seamlessly with the creamy ingredients.
Enhancing the Butter Glaze:
For an extra layer of savory, umami flavor, add a tiny splash of Worcestershire sauce to the melted butter before brushing it over the buns. This complements the ranch seasoning and adds richness to the golden crust.
Preventing Soggy Bottoms:
To prevent the bottom buns from becoming soggy, especially if preparing ahead, brush a very thin layer of melted butter or a little olive oil on the inside of the bottom buns before adding the chicken mixture. This creates a slight barrier, helping the buns remain delightfully soft but not damp after baking.
Cream Cheese Recommendation:
For the best texture and flavor, full-fat cream cheese is highly recommended due to its richness and creaminess.
Green Onions:
While not strictly required, green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color, enhancing the overall experience of the sliders.
Alternative Rolls:
If Hawaiian rolls are unavailable, other soft dinner rolls, potato rolls, or brioche buns can be used as suitable alternatives. Choose a bun that remains soft and absorbs flavors well without becoming tough or dense.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Assembling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chicken sliders, crack chicken, Hawaiian roll sliders, party food, easy dinner, cheesy chicken, ranch chicken, baked sliders
