Turkey Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Grilled barbecue chicken is not only a summertime classic but also a crowd-pleaser throughout the year. These Turkey Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are perfect for parties, picnics, or a cozy family dinner. They combine smoky sweet flavors with crispy turkey bacon and creamy ranch, making them an irresistible handheld treat. Enjoy the perfect blend of textures and tastes that will leave your guests asking for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and turkey bacon creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these sliders come together quickly for any occasion.
• Perfect for Any Gathering: Whether it’s a summer BBQ or game day, these sliders are the ideal finger food.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust toppings like cheese or vegetables according to your preferences.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make them ahead of time for a quick meal option that can be enjoyed later.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Tools and Preparation

To make your Turkey Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders successfully, having the right tools on hand is essential. Below are some must-have equipment items that will help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Skillet
• Zip-top bag or bowl
• Paper towels
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: A grill provides the perfect medium heat needed to cook chicken evenly while adding that sought-after smoky flavor.
• Skillet: A skillet allows you to crisp up the turkey bacon easily without much fuss.
• Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for slicing chicken and vegetables efficiently.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board offers a safe surface for all your chopping needs.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Sliders

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into 4-inch pieces
• 1 pack Hawaiian rolls, 12 count
• 8 slices Turkey Bacon
• 2 cups barbecue sauce, divided

For the Sauce and Toppings

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1/4 red onion, sliced
• 12 squares Colby jack cheese (cracker-cut size is perfect)

How to Make Turkey Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Marinating enhances flavor. Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or bowl with 1 cup of barbecue sauce. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—ideally up to 4 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon

While the chicken marinates, cook the turkey bacon.
Heat a skillet over low heat.
Add turkey bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 5–7 minutes.
Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Prepare your grill for medium heat.
Cook each piece of marinated chicken for about 3 minutes per side.
Baste with an additional 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce during cooking.
Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Assemble the Sliders

Slice Hawaiian rolls horizontally to create sandwich bottoms.
Spread mayonnaise on each bottom bun.
Add grilled chicken pieces followed by a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Layer on toppings:
Place colby jack cheese over the chicken.
Add crispy turkey bacon, sliced red onions, and shredded lettuce.
Drizzle ranch dressing on top of the lettuce.

Step 6: Final Assembly

Place the top buns onto each assembled slider.
Slice them into individual sliders if desired and serve immediately! Enjoy your flavorful Turkey Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders!

How to Serve Turkey Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Turkey Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are a delightful treat for any gathering. Their handheld nature makes them perfect for parties, picnics, or family dinners. Here are some tasty serving suggestions to elevate your slider experience.

Pair with Fresh Sides

• Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds a refreshing contrast to the smoky sliders.
• Potato Chips: Serve with a variety of flavored chips for an easy, salty snack.
• Pickles: Dill pickles provide a tangy crunch that complements the richness of the sliders.

Create a Slider Bar

• Toppings Station: Set up additional toppings like jalapeños, avocado, or extra cheese for guests to customize their sliders.
• Sauce Options: Offer various sauces such as spicy ranch or honey mustard for dipping and drizzling.

Serve with Drinks

• Sweet Tea: A classic southern drink pairs well with the savory flavors of the sliders.
• Craft Beer: Choose a light lager or pale ale to enhance the barbecue taste of the chicken.

How to Perfect Turkey Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Creating the ideal Turkey Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for sliders that will impress everyone at your table.

• Marinate Well: Allowing chicken to marinate longer enhances its flavor significantly.
• Cook Evenly: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165 degrees; this guarantees juicy sliders.
• Crisp the Bacon: Cooking Turkey Bacon until crisp adds texture that balances the softness of the buns.
• Layer Strategically: Build your sliders in layers to create an even distribution of flavors in every bite.
• Serve Fresh: For best results, assemble the sliders just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Turkey Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

Complement your Turkey Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders with delicious side dishes that enhance the meal. Here are some great options:

1. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter adds sweetness and is a summer favorite.
2. Baked Beans: A hearty side that brings a sweet and savory element to your barbecue feast.
3. Macaroni Salad: Creamy pasta salad provides a cool, comforting addition alongside your sliders.
4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the sliders.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fries offer a sweet contrast and are perfect for dipping in ranch or barbecue sauce.
6. Vegetable Platter: An assortment of fresh veggies with dip adds color and crunch to your spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make simple mistakes when preparing Turkey Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken can lead to bland sliders. Always allow enough time for the chicken to soak in flavors.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken too long can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165 degrees for perfect juiciness.
• Neglecting the Buns: Using stale or low-quality buns can ruin your sliders. Opt for fresh Hawaiian rolls for a soft and sweet base.
• Forgetting to Prep Ingredients: Not having all ingredients ready can slow you down. Prepare everything in advance for a smoother cooking experience.
• Adding Ranch Too Early: Putting ranch dressing on too soon can make the sliders soggy. Add it just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the ranch dressing separate if possible, to maintain freshness.

Freezing Turkey Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

• Wrap individual sliders tightly with plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Turkey Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet on low heat, covered, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Turkey Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders that may help enhance your cooking experience.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to substitute Colby jack with your favorite cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for different flavors.

What sides pair well with Turkey Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders?

Consider serving them with coleslaw, potato chips, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How do I make these sliders healthier?

You can use grilled turkey instead of bacon and opt for low-fat ranch dressing without sacrificing taste.

Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and cook it ahead of time, assembling the sliders just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Turkey Bacon Ranch BBQ Chicken Sliders are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings or sauces based on your preferences. Try this recipe at your next gathering; it’s sure to be a hit!