Easy Crack Chicken Sliders (on Hawaiian Rolls)

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Crack chicken sliders are the ultimate easy-to-make dinner for those busy days when you need a quick meal that the whole family will love.

crack chicken sliders with garlic and herb brushed Hawaiian rolls

These delightful little sandwiches combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing seasoning, all piled high on a soft Hawaiian roll.

They’re perfect for serving to your family at dinner or sharing with friends at parties (like football parties or tailgating), making them a versatile option that everyone will love.

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Crack Chicken Sliders

Crack chicken sliders are basically mini sandwiches that pack a punch of flavor in every bite.

Don’t worry, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, making these sliders is a breeze.

close up of crack chicken sliders with bacon and melted cheese

All you need to do is mix your ingredients together, layer them on Hawaiian rolls, and pop them in the oven just long enough to heat everything through and melt the cheese.

These sliders not only save you time and energy but also guarantee maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Preparing a batch of crack chicken sliders doesn’t have to be complicated. To make these game-day sandwich favorites, you will need the following:

Cooked chicken breast. (I cooked mine in the pressure cooker with a cup of chicken broth for 13 minutes on high pressure). You can also use a rotisserie chicken from the deli to make life easier.
Cream cheese. This ingredient provides creaminess and helps hold the filling together. Make sure to soften the cream cheese by leaving it on the counter for 30-60 minutes before cooking for easy blending.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt. I personally used Greek yogurt for extra protein but sour cream is a great addition as well.
Cooked bacon. Crumbled bacon adds a crunch and smoky taste to the sliders. You can also experiment with different types of bacon, like peppered or applewood smoked, for variety. I used regular old plain bacon (we don’t get a lot of options where I live).
Ranch seasoning mix. A packet of dry ranch dressing mix adds a burst of flavor to the crack chicken mixture without adding extra time. I used Flavor God’s Ranch (it packs a punch). Alternatively, you can make a homemade ranch seasoning mix with dried herbs and spices.
Cheddar cheese. Adding cheddar cheese gives the sliders a rich, savory taste. I used old (sharp) cheddar for that extra “bite”.
Kings Hawaiian Rolls. These fluffy rolls are perfect for sliders. Slice them down the middle for filling, and when it’s time to serve these are easily pulled apart. I used the savory version.
Butter. Melted butter is used to brush the tops of the sliders before baking, giving them a golden and flavorful topping.
Garlic powder. Mixed in with the butter to give the buns a pop of flavor.
Italian seasoning. This also goes in with the garlic butter mix.
Parmesan Cheese. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over top of the rolls before you bake it in the oven.

Ingredient Substitutions and Recipe Variations

Randa and Stacie Canadian food bloggers in their kitchens

Remember, when substituting ingredients, it’s important to keep in mind how the substitution may affect the recipe. Be prepared for some trial and error, and don’t be afraid to experiment to find what works best for you!

Rotisserie Chicken instead of chicken breast: I like to use this recipe to use up leftover chicken but you can also try using rotisserie chicken to make your crack chicken sliders.

Shred the rotisserie chicken and mix it with the traditional warm and cheesy crack dip ingredients.

Ranch Salad Dressing instead of ranch powder: Since the ranch is liquid, you’ll have to substitute some of the sour cream. If you use 1 cup of the ranch, replace 1 cup of the sour cream. Taste and adjust the seasonings until it’s to your taste.

Cheddar cheese: You can use mozzarella or Swiss if preferred.

Hawaiian King Rolls with crack chicken dip and cheddar cheese

Recipe Add Ons

Crack chicken sliders have a savory, cheesy, and addicting taste that everyone loves. If you’re looking to mix it up, consider these variations to elevate your sliders to a whole new level.

Spicy Crack Chicken Sliders Version

If you love all things spicy, kick up the heat in your sliders by adding jalapeños to your crack chicken mixture!

Don’t worry, the creamy and cheesy base will help balance out the spice, making it a perfect warm and delightful appetizer for everyone to enjoy.

BBQ Crack Chicken Sliders

To give your crack chicken sliders a sweet and tangy twist, add a dash of your favorite barbecue sauce or honey mustard to the mix.

This will create a perfect blend of sweet and savory that will have your taste buds craving more.

The tangy sauce complements the warm, cheesy sliders, making them an addictive and crowd-pleasing dish.

pull apart sandwiches with melted cheddar cheese and a butter herb topping

Kitchen Tools Needed

Helpful tools

Helpful kitchen supplies that will make this recipe a little easier (and less messy).

Storing Leftovers

Make sure they cool before transferring them to an airtight container (I really like these Rubbermaid Brilliance containers, they release some of the air).

Store in the fridge within two hours, for food safety.

Tip: Label the container with the date with masking tape. This allows you to easily keep track of when leftovers need to be thrown out.

Reheat Sliders

You can either microwave them for a minute or two until heated through or warm them up in the oven for a crisper texture.

For the oven:

Preheat it to 350°F and place the sliders on a baking sheet.

Warm them for about 10-15 minutes or until they’re heated through and the cheese has melted.

FAQs about Crack Chicken Sliders

Serve them straight from the oven and pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or barbecue sauce, for an extra boost of flavor. Don’t forget to plate them nicely on a serving tray or a large plate.

You can freeze your prepared crack chicken sliders for later enjoyment. To make a freezer meal: prepare the sliders but freeze before baking. Place the sliders in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label the bag with the date and type of sliders for easy reference. When you’re ready to serve, thaw and bake using the recipe directions.

You can totally do up a batch of make ahead crack chicken sliders. Simply assemble the sliders and store them, covered, in the refrigerator for up to a day before you plan to bake and serve them. This is a great option if you’re preparing for a busy day or a party and want to save some time.

Be sure to take the assembled sliders out of the refrigerator a few minutes before baking to allow them to come to room temperature, then bake as usual.

Crack Chicken Sliders Side Dishes

brushing herbed butter over sliders before baking — Brushing herbed butter over the sliders before baking.

Crack chicken sliders are a fantastic option for a bunch of different occasions such as:

Family gatherings
Parties
Easy dinner ideas
Game days

Need some side dish ideas? Here are some options:

Salad
Crispy air-fried french fries
Chips
A selection of dips such as ranch, barbecue, or honey mustard.
Spicy Coleslaw Recipe

oven baked chicken sliders on kings hawaiian savory butter rolls

More Recipes Like This

Prep Time:10

Cook Time:25

Total Time:35

Equipment

Half Sheet Baking Pan

Hand Mixer

Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese softened
2 cups sour cream or Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons ranch seasoning I used Flavor God
4 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
1 cup cooked bacon diced
2 stalks green onions diced
12 King Hawaiian Rolls I used the savory butter rolls
6 slices sharp cheddar cheese aka old cheddar
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350℉ and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Crack Chicken Dip Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to mix up the cream cheese, yogurt, and ranch seasoning.
8 oz cream cheese, 2 cups sour cream, 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning
Fold in the cooked chicken, bacon, and green onion.
4 cups cooked shredded chicken breast, 1 cup cooked bacon, 2 stalks green onions

Putting it Together

Slice the rolls in half (cutting the middle of the buns with a bread knife) and remove the top layer of the buns. Scoop the chicken mixture and spread along the bottom buns. See notes about what to do with any extra chicken dip mixture.
12 King Hawaiian Rolls
Add the cheddar cheese on top and place the top layer of the buns back on top.
6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Brush on the top and sides of the rolls with a basting brush. If there is any leftover, save it.
2 tablespoons melted butter, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Bake in the oven for 25 minutes, turning halfway so it browns evenly. Brush any remainder butter over top.

Notes

Store leftover chicken dip in the fridge and serve with chips and crackers. You can also put it in a small casserole dish, top it with cheese and bake it until hot and melted. Garnish it with any additional bacon and green onions.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 718kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 41gFat: 55gSaturated Fat: 27gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 213mgSodium: 1330mgPotassium: 510mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1482IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 348mgIron: 2mg

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 718kcal

Easy Crack Chicken Sliders (on Hawaiian Rolls)

Crack Chicken Sliders

Ingredients