If you love sliders that deliver big on flavor and are fun to make, you’re going to adore this Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders on Griddle Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a total treat but comes together super quickly, especially if you have a griddle handy. When I first tried this, I couldn’t believe how juicy the chicken stayed and how much that creamy homemade ranch brought everything together. Trust me, you’ll want to make these again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Griddle Cooking: Cooking both bacon and chicken side by side on the griddle locks in flavor and ensures even, crispy results.
- Homemade Ranch Dressing: Whipping up your own ranch adds a fresh, tangy touch that beats store-bought any day.
- Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone I’ve served these sliders to has gone crazy for them, making them great for gatherings big and small.
- Simple Ingredients, Gourmet Taste: No fancy pantry items needed—just classic flavors with clever technique.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these sliders is how the flavors come together from simple, familiar ingredients you’ll likely recognize. The fresh herbs in the ranch and the crispy bacon really elevate the chicken, and the breading keeps the sliders deliciously juicy. If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can easily make your own from day-old bread!
- Chicken breasts: Choose fresh chicken breasts and slice them evenly to ensure all cutlets cook at the same rate.
- Eggs: They act as a glue for the breading—make sure they’re well beaten with milk for that perfect coating.
- Milk: Helps thin the eggs to make the breading process smoother.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko works great if you want extra crunch, but classic breadcrumbs do the trick too.
- All-purpose flour: Seasoned lightly with salt and pepper, it gives the chicken that first layer of crispiness.
- Bacon slices: Use thick-cut for maximum flavor and crunch on these sliders.
- Slider buns: Soft but sturdy—perfect for holding all the delicious layers.
- Cheese slices: I love sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a little kick, but classic American cheese melts beautifully too.
- Mayonnaise: Base for the creamy homemade ranch dressing.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and richness to the ranch.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Give the homemade ranch that unmistakable savory depth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both chicken and ranch.
- Fresh dill: Brightens the ranch, but if you don’t have fresh, dried will do in a pinch.
- Lemon juice: Adds a nice zing to balance the creamy dressing.
- Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for that perfect griddle sear.
Variations
I like to play around with this Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders on Griddle Recipe depending on the occasion or what’s in my fridge. Don’t be afraid to swap out ingredients or add your own flair — that’s part of the fun!
- Spicy version: I once tossed some cayenne in the breadcrumb mix and added a jalapeño slice to the slider—my family loved the extra kick!
- Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon: For a lighter or meat-free take, these swaps work well without compromising flavor.
- Cheese choices: Try Swiss, mozzarella, or even gouda for a new cheese twist that brings a different melty goodness.
- Herb swaps in ranch: If dill isn’t your fave, fresh parsley or chives make a lovely alternative.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders on Griddle Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Homemade Ranch
Start by combining mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, fresh dill, and lemon juice in a bowl. Mix until everything’s smooth and well blended. I like to let it chill in the fridge while I prep the chicken so all those flavors really meld together. This step is key because the homemade ranch totally elevates these sliders beyond the ordinary.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken Cutlets for Breading
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, then cut each piece in half again to get 8 smaller cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with milk, and the last with breadcrumbs. This classic dredging process might seem a bit involved but trust me, it locks in moisture and gives the chicken that irresistible, crispy crust.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon on the Griddle
Heat half your griddle to medium, then lay out the bacon slices. Let them cook, flipping once halfway through until they’re beautifully crispy. I love how cooking bacon right on the griddle infuses a smoky flavor into everything else that comes after.
Step 4: Fry the Breaded Chicken Cutlets
On the other half of the griddle, add a generous layer of oil to get a nice sizzle going. Fry the breaded cutlets for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F is perfect). Toward the last minute or two of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each cutlet so it melts just right. This part always feels like the “wow” moment to me since the cheese gets perfectly gooey right on the griddle.
Step 5: Assemble Your Sliders
Layer the bottom buns with a generous spoonful of homemade ranch, then add the cheesy chicken, followed by crispy bacon, and top it off with the slider bun top. These are best served warm straight off the griddle. My family goes crazy for this final bite—it’s the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crunchy.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders on Griddle Recipe
- Even Sizing Matters: Make sure your chicken cutlets are roughly the same thickness so they cook evenly and don’t dry out.
- Don’t Skip Resting: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes off the heat before assembling to keep it juicy.
- Go Easy on the Oil: A thick enough layer prevents sticking but too much can make the breading soggy—find that balance for crispy, not greasy.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Checking internal temperature ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time without guesswork or dryness.
How to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders on Griddle Recipe
Garnishes
I like to add a little fresh crunch to these sliders with thinly sliced pickles or even some shredded lettuce. A sprinkle of extra fresh dill on the ranch dressing adds a nice pop of color and brightness too. It’s simple, but those little touches can really take these sliders to the next level.
Side Dishes
On busy family nights, I usually pair these sliders with crispy sweet potato fries and a light coleslaw. For a game day spread, popcorn or a fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette works beautifully. You’ll find the richness of the sliders balances perfectly with something crisp and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I’ve arranged these sliders on a wooden board, served alongside mini cups of ranch for dipping, garnished with fresh herbs and colorful veggies. Doing a slider bar with extra toppings lets everyone build their own which is always a hit. It’s fun, festive, and keeps things casual but special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chicken cutlets and bacon separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the bacon crisp and prevents the chicken from getting soggy. The buns I keep in a sealed bag at room temperature and assemble sliders fresh the next day.
Freezing
These sliders freeze well if you wrap the chicken cutlets tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Bacon doesn’t freeze as well, so it’s best to cook fresh. Defrost chicken overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny bit of oil to bring back crispiness. Microwaving can be tempting for speed but the texture just isn’t as good. Adding fresh cheese on top and melting it at the end always helps revive that fresh-off-the-griddle feel.
FAQs
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Can I make the Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders on Griddle Recipe without a griddle?
Absolutely! While cooking on a griddle is ideal for space and even cooking, you can use a large cast iron skillet or frying pan for the bacon and chicken separately. Just cook in batches and maintain medium heat for best results.
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Is there a good substitute for fresh dill in the ranch?
If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill works fine—just reduce the quantity to about a teaspoon. Alternatively, fresh parsley or chives can add an herbaceous pop to your ranch dressing.
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Can I prepare the chicken cutlets ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken cutlets up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Just cook them fresh on the griddle to preserve that crispy crust.
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How do I keep the sliders from getting soggy?
To avoid sogginess, assemble sliders just before serving. Keep the ranch, chicken, and bacon separate if you need to prep ahead, and toast the buns lightly on the griddle before assembling.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders on Griddle Recipe brings together such comforting flavors with that satisfying crispy texture. Making these at home feels like a treat, but you don’t have to wait for a special occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something delicious and quick, these sliders deliver every single time. Give them a try—you might find they become your go-to recipe for easy dinner wins and happy gatherings!
Print
Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders on Griddle Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 sliders 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are flavorful mini sandwiches made with crispy breaded chicken cutlets, smoky bacon, melted cheese, and a tangy homemade ranch sauce, all served on slider buns. Cooked on a Blackstone griddle, this recipe combines juicy, tender chicken with the perfect blend of creamy and savory toppings, making it ideal for appetizers, snacks, or a fun dinner option.
Ingredients
Sliders
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 slices bacon
- 8 slider buns
- 8 slices cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying (about 2-3 tablespoons)
Homemade Ranch
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1–2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Make the Homemade Ranch: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Mix well until smooth and set aside to let flavors meld while you prepare the rest of the sliders.
- Preheat the Griddle: Turn on your Blackstone griddle to medium heat and allow it to reach the proper cooking temperature for frying the bacon and chicken.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs combined with milk, and one with breadcrumbs. This will facilitate the breading process for the chicken cutlets.
- Prepare the Chicken Cutlets: Slice each chicken breast lengthwise in half, then cut each half in half again to create eight small, thin cutlets. Season both sides of each cutlet with salt and pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge each cutlet first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg and milk mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Set the breaded cutlets aside on a plate.
- Cook the Bacon: Place the bacon slices on one half of the griddle and cook until crispy, turning halfway. Once cooked, remove and set aside on paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Cook the Chicken Cutlets: Add a thick layer of oil to the other half of the griddle. Place the breaded chicken cutlets on the oiled surface and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until each side is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. During the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of each cutlet to melt.
- Assemble the Sliders: Start with the bottom half of each slider bun, spread a generous amount of the homemade ranch sauce, add a cheesy chicken cutlet, then a slice of crispy bacon. Top with the bun lid and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Adjust seasoning and ranch flavorings to taste; fresh dill adds a nice touch but can be substituted with parsley if unavailable.
- Use oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as canola or vegetable oil.
- You can prepare the homemade ranch a few hours ahead for deeper flavor.
- Serve sliders immediately for best texture and taste; reheat gently if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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