Crack Chicken Sliders

Featured in Sandwiches Worth Making at Home.

Turn Hawaiian rolls into cheesy, bacon-filled delights with creamy chicken and a buttery parmesan topping. A real crowd favorite!
A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 10:58:24 GMT
Close-up of fluffy slider rolls packed with shredded chicken, melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, and green onions on a serving tray. Pin it
Close-up of fluffy slider rolls packed with shredded chicken, melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, and green onions on a serving tray. | cookbybook.com

These Crack Chicken Sliders bring nothing but fun to my table. The combo of smooth ranch chicken, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar tucked into soft Hawaiian rolls is just something else. When that buttery parmesan coating browns up in the oven, you know you're in for a treat with every mouthful.

Why These Stand Out

What makes these sliders work so well is how the flavors play together. The sweet buns hold all that rich, creamy stuffing while the parmesan butter makes the most amazing crispy top. They've become what I make for every get-together since they're easy but always the first thing to vanish.

Stuff You'll Want

  • Tasty Chicken: Soft shredded bits make up our foundation.
  • Ranch Dressing: Adds that classic tangy kick.
  • Cream Cheese: Gives you that smooth, homey feeling.
  • Green Onions: They pack such a nice punch.
  • Bacon Bits: Broken up for that smoky flavor.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Turns into pure joy when melted.
  • Hawaiian Rolls: These sweet ones really do the trick.
  • Butter: Makes our awesome glaze happen.
  • Spice Mix: My own combo for the topping.
  • Parmesan: That last savory hit on top.
A close-up of a freshly baked chicken and cheese slider, with the top bun partially removed, revealing the filling and garnished with green onions. Pin it
A close-up of a freshly baked chicken and cheese slider, with the top bun partially removed, revealing the filling and garnished with green onions. | cookbybook.com

How To Put Them Together

Bun Cutting
I cut those rolls in half but keep them joined for easier setup.
Mix Everything
All the filling stuff comes together into something truly amazing.
Stack It Up
The filling goes on smooth, then more cheese before putting the tops back.
Butter Trick
My mix with butter, spices and parmesan makes for the best finish.
Oven Time
They bake until they're golden and bubbling with goodness.

Tips From My Kitchen

I grab store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time and always have bags of cheese ready to go. For friends who like it hot, I'll throw in some jalapeños. Making everything ahead means I can actually enjoy the party instead of cooking all night.

Switch Things Around

I'm always trying new cheeses in these - sometimes going for hot pepper jack or soft mozzarella. You can swap in pulled pork for a totally different take, and a little cayenne makes them pop for people who want some heat.

Storing Leftovers

They hardly ever stick around, but these sliders will stay good in the fridge for a few days. Just warm them up quick in the microwave or air fryer and they're almost like new. Even if the rolls get a bit soft, they somehow taste even better.

Great For Parties

These little sandwiches work at any event from Super Bowl Sunday to Christmas Eve. Everyone can just grab what they want without any fuss, and the taste always gets people smiling.

New Twists

I'll splash in some BBQ sauce when I want a sweet smoky kick or try changing up the bread. Going Italian with tomato sauce and mozzarella makes them totally different but just as tasty.

What To Serve With Them

We like having these with fresh salads or creamy slaw - that crunchy coolness works great with the rich sliders. Putting out a few dips on the side makes the whole thing more fun at parties.

Do-Ahead Tricks

Getting the chicken mix done and in the fridge makes everything so much quicker. It's how I keep party prep easy, knowing I can just throw these in the oven right before everyone shows up.

Total Comfort Food

There's just something about these sliders that brings joy to the table. The way everything comes together under that golden buttery crust is comfort food at its best. They're simple but somehow fancy too, making any gathering feel a little more special.

A close-up of a pulled chicken sandwich with melted cheese and a bite taken out, surrounded by additional sandwiches garnished with green herbs. Pin it
A close-up of a pulled chicken sandwich with melted cheese and a bite taken out, surrounded by additional sandwiches garnished with green herbs. | cookbybook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prep these in advance?
You can prepare and assemble these a day beforehand, leaving out the butter topping. Add it right before popping them in the oven.
→ What's the easiest way to shred chicken?
Warm rotisserie chicken is the easiest. Or, boil chicken breasts, then shred with two forks while still warm for smooth results.
→ Why use foil at first?
Foil traps heat to melt the cheese and prevents burning the top layer. Remove later to brown the rolls beautifully.
→ Can I swap out the cheese?
Cheddar's your best bet, but feel free to try melty cheeses like Monterey Jack or any Mexican cheese mix you like.
→ What’s the best way to keep leftovers?
Tuck them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for best flavor.

Crack Chicken Sliders

Soft Hawaiian rolls loaded with cheesy ranch chicken, crumbled bacon, and finished with a rich buttery glaze.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Susan

Category: Sandwiches

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 sliders)

Dietary: Low-Carb

Ingredients

01 Chop up 3 green onions.
02 Grab 1/2 cup of ranch dressing.
03 Shred 1 pound of cooked, boneless chicken.
04 Soften up 4 ounces of cream cheese.
05 Crumble 1/3 cup of cooked bacon.
06 Use 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, split in half.
07 Get 1 whole pack of Hawaiian rolls.
08 Melt down 3 tablespoons of butter.
09 Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of dried onion flakes.
10 Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
11 Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of Italian spice blend.
12 Toss in 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese, grated.

Instructions

Step 01

Get your oven to 350°F. Slice rolls in half and line the bottom pieces in a baking dish.

Step 02

Stir together the chicken, ranch, cream cheese, onions, bacon, and 1/2 cup of the cheddar.

Step 03

Layer the filling over the roll bottoms. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar on top, then place the tops back on.

Step 04

Combine the melted butter, seasonings, and parmesan cheese.

Step 05

Brush the melted butter mixture right over the tops of the rolls.

Step 06

Wrap with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Take off the foil and bake 5 more to finish.

Notes

  1. Put together earlier, then bake when needed.
  2. Works perfectly for big groups.
  3. Switch up the cheese to your liking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Use a baking dish.
  • Grab a bowl for mixing.
  • Have a brush ready for basting.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk.
  • Includes eggs.
  • Made with wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 225
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
  • Protein: 14 g