Introduction

These Smoked Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are everything you want in a slider: juicy, smoky chicken, crispy bacon, creamy homemade ranch dressing, and a gooey combination of cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. Perfect as appetizers, snacks, or even a main course, these sliders are packed with flavor and are sure to impress any crowd.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 5 pieces)
• 1 gallon buttermilk
• 1 cup hot sauce
• BBQ rub (your favorite blend)

For the Ranch Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh chives, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Sliders:

• 1–2 packs slider buns (e.g., King’s Hawaiian)
• 12 slices American cheddar cheese
• 12 slices pepper jack cheese
• 10 strips thick-cut bacon
• 1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted
• Kosher salt (to sprinkle on top)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ranch Dressing

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, buttermilk, lemon juice, dill, chives, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt.
2. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dressing to a Mason jar. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Brine the Chicken

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat.
2. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and refrigerate for a minimum of 12 hours. This step ensures tender, juicy chicken.

Step 3: Smoke the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken breasts from the brine and rinse them under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Generously season the chicken on all sides with BBQ rub.
3. Preheat your smoker to 250°F, using hickory or another preferred wood pellet.
4. Place the chicken on the smoker and cook for 60–75 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Remove from the smoker and let rest for 15 minutes.
5. Shred the chicken using two forks or your hands (use gloves if needed). Toss the shredded chicken with an additional sprinkle of BBQ rub.

Step 4: Cook the Bacon

1. While the chicken smokes, lay the bacon strips on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet.
2. Smoke the bacon alongside the chicken until crispy, about 60 minutes. If needed, increase the smoker temperature to 350°F to speed up the process.
3. Once cooked, chop the bacon into small pieces and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

1. Preheat your smoker or oven to 350°F.
2. Spray the bottom of a 2-inch depth aluminum pan with cooking spray.
3. Slice the slider buns in half and lay the bottoms in the prepared pan.
4. Layer each bun with a slice of cheddar cheese, shredded smoked chicken, bacon bits, homemade ranch dressing, hot sauce (optional), and a slice of pepper jack cheese.
5. Place the top halves of the buns onto the sliders. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with kosher salt.

Step 6: Heat and Serve

1. Place the assembled sliders in the smoker or oven and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown.
2. Remove the sliders from the smoker or oven and transfer them to a cutting board.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Sliders

1. Homemade Ranch: Make the ranch dressing a day in advance to achieve the best flavor.
2. Brine for Tender Chicken: Don’t skip the buttermilk brine; it’s essential for juicy and tender chicken.
3. Choose Quality Buns: Soft slider buns, like King’s Hawaiian, provide the perfect balance of sweetness and structure.

Conclusion

Smoked Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleasers. The smoky chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and creamy ranch dressing create an explosion of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party or looking for a fun family meal, these sliders will quickly become a go-to favorite. Happy cooking!