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