Sliders are the unsung heroes of gatherings, tailgates, and casual weeknight dinners. They’re bite-sized, incredibly versatile, and universally loved. And when you combine tender, saucy BBQ chicken with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese on a soft slider bun, you’ve got a recipe for pure happiness. These Crispy Bacon BBQ Chicken Sliders are about to become your new go-to for effortless entertaining and satisfying comfort food cravings.
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to adore about a recipe that delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss? These sliders tick all the boxes for me. First off, they’re packed with incredible taste. The smoky, sweet, and tangy BBQ chicken perfectly complements the salty crunch of the bacon and the creamy, rich cheddar. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! Second, they are incredibly easy to make, even for a crowd. You can prep the chicken and bacon ahead of time, and then it’s just a matter of assembling and baking. This makes them perfect for parties where you want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying yourself. Plus, who can resist anything on a slider bun? They’re simply fun to eat!
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your batch of irresistible sliders:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 8 slices of bacon
- 8 slider buns (like Hawaiian rolls or brioche slider buns)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut here! Just shred it and mix with the BBQ sauce. You could also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- BBQ Sauce: Feel free to use your preferred BBQ sauce – smoky, sweet, spicy, or tangy. This is where you can truly make the recipe your own.
- Bacon: Any bacon works, but I love a good thick-cut bacon for extra crunch. Turkey bacon can also be used for a lighter option.
- Slider Buns: While classic slider buns are great, Hawaiian rolls add a touch of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with BBQ. Small brioche buns also work beautifully.
- Cheese: Cheddar is a classic, but other great melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a smoked Gouda would be delicious.
- Add-ins: A sprinkle of finely diced red onion or a few jalapeño slices before baking would add extra flavor and a bit of a kick.
Steps for the Recipe
- Prep the Oven & Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), cook the bacon slices over medium heat until they are wonderfully crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then once cool, crumble it into small pieces.
- Sauce the Chicken: In a small saucepan, gently warm your favorite BBQ sauce over low heat. Add the shredded chicken to the warm BBQ sauce and mix well until all the chicken is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Sliders: Arrange the bottom halves of your slider buns on a baking sheet. Evenly divide the BBQ chicken mixture among the bottom buns. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the chicken, followed by a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the top halves of the slider buns on top of the filling. Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the buns are lightly toasted and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the sliders from the oven. Serve them hot and prepare for them to disappear fast!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cook the chicken just until done to keep it tender and juicy for shredding.
- Crispy Bacon is Key: The texture of the crispy bacon is crucial for these sliders, so ensure it’s cooked to perfection.
- Warm BBQ Sauce: Warming the BBQ sauce slightly helps it coat the chicken more evenly and absorb better.
- Butter the Buns (Optional): For extra flavor and crispiness, you can brush the inside of the slider buns with melted butter before assembling.
- Cover if Burning: If your buns are browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the baking sheet with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Crispy Bacon BBQ Chicken Sliders are fantastic on their own, but they also make a stellar centerpiece for a larger spread.
- Classic Sides: Serve with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or classic french fries.
- Party Dips: Pair them with crowd-pleasing dips like This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
- Vegetable Sticks: A platter of crisp carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper strips offers a fresh counterpoint.
- Other Handhelds: Offer a variety of mini-sandwiches, like my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter, for a full slider bar experience.
- Beverages: They’re perfect with a cold soda, iced tea, or even a light beer.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Crispy Bacon BBQ Chicken Sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I recommend popping them in a toaster oven or air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-8 minutes until heated through and the buns are crispy again. The microwave will work, but the buns might get a bit soft.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved these easy and delicious sliders, here are a few more recipes that I think you’ll enjoy, especially if you’re feeding a crowd or looking for flavorful, fuss-free meals:
- For another fantastic chicken option, try my These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners. They’re always a hit!
- Need to feed a crowd fast? My These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are a lifesaver for busy nights.
- And if you’re hosting, consider setting up a This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd – it’s super interactive and always a hit!
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Bacon BBQ Chicken Sliders are a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create truly memorable flavors. They’re easy enough for a busy weeknight and impressive enough for any gathering. Give them a try – I guarantee they’ll become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
I’d love to hear how these sliders turned out for you! What are your favorite toppings or variations? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And as always, happy cooking!
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