There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a warm, cheesy slider, and these Crack Chicken Sliders deliver a flavor punch that’ll have everyone coming back for more. Imagine juicy shredded chicken bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with melted cheddar, all sandwiched in soft, buttery rolls. Perfect for game days, parties, or just a casual family dinner, these sliders are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
I first came across this recipe while planning for a family movie night. It was meant to be a simple snack, but the first batch disappeared so fast that I knew I had to make it a staple for every gathering. Get ready to fall in love!
Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe
Get ready to discover your next obsession. These Crack Chicken Sliders are mouthwateringly good and ridiculously easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion.
First off, these sliders are the ultimate combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory. The shredded chicken, mixed with cream cheese, cheddar, and a flavorful ranch seasoning, creates a mixture that’s positively addictive. One bite, and you’ll understand why they’re called "crack" chicken.
They're also wonderfully quick and easy to prepare. You can have these ready in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests show up. Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut to save even more time.
Versatility is another huge plus. Serve them as a fun appetizer for parties, or pair them with a salad for a simple, satisfying meal. The sliders can even be made ahead, making meal planning a breeze.
Finally, they’re a big hit with kids and adults alike. The melty cheese and tender chicken are universally loved, and the soft rolls are easy to handle for little ones. Trust me, they’ll become a favorite in no time!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Crack Chicken Sliders lies in a handful of key ingredients, each playing an essential role in building up that irresistible flavor.
Shredded Chicken: For this recipe, shredded rotisserie chicken is the easiest option, saving both time and effort. The moist, flavorful meat absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully. If you prefer, you can cook and shred boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
Cream Cheese: This is what gives the filling its creamy, luscious texture. Make sure to let the cream cheese soften at room temperature so that it mixes evenly with the other ingredients, creating a smooth and velvety base.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for these sliders, as it adds a bold, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese. You can use a milder cheese if you like, but I highly recommend sticking with cheddar for that extra punch.
Ranch Seasoning: The classic blend of herbs and spices in ranch seasoning ties everything together. It adds a savory, herby flavor that makes the sliders truly addictive. You can use a homemade ranch mix or your favorite store-bought version.
Soft Dinner Rolls: Hawaiian rolls work beautifully here. Their slight sweetness pairs perfectly with the savory filling. Slice them as a whole block to make assembly super easy. Regular dinner rolls or slider buns also work well.
You'll also need a baking dish or rimmed baking sheet to keep the sliders snug while they bake. This ensures the cheese melts evenly and keeps the rolls nice and soft.
How To Make This Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe

Creating these mouthwatering sliders is easier than you might think. Just follow this simple, step-by-step process.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking dish or sheet with parchment paper. If you haven't already shredded your chicken, do so now, ensuring the pieces are bite-sized and tender.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and ranch seasoning. Mix everything thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy, cheesy goodness. You want every bite to be packed with flavor.
Slice the entire block of dinner rolls in half horizontally, keeping the rolls attached to each other. Place the bottom half of the rolls in the prepared baking dish. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the rolls, making sure to cover every corner for maximum flavor.
Place the top half of the rolls over the chicken mixture. Brush the tops generously with melted butter and sprinkle with a little extra shredded cheddar. This will give the sliders a golden, cheesy crust that’s hard to resist.
Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the tops of the rolls are golden brown. Let the sliders cool slightly before slicing and serving.
In just about 25 minutes, you’ll have a tray of warm, gooey, cheesy sliders that are perfect for any occasion.
Storage Options
If you have any leftover sliders (though it's rare!), they store beautifully for future snacking or quick meals.
For short-term storage, place the cooled sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure to reheat them gently to avoid drying out the chicken. You can use the microwave, but for the best texture, warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
You can also freeze these sliders. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven until heated through.
These make-ahead options mean you can always have a delicious snack or quick meal on hand, ready to go whenever you need it.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
For a spicy kick, consider adding a few dashes of hot sauce or mixing in some diced jalapeños with the chicken filling. The extra heat pairs wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy base.
If you’re looking for a healthier twist, swap the cream cheese for a reduced-fat version and use a lighter hand with the shredded cheddar. You can also add finely chopped vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, to sneak in some extra nutrients.
Want to make it vegetarian? Substitute the shredded chicken with cooked, shredded jackfruit or chickpeas. The texture won’t be quite the same, but the flavors will still be delicious and satisfying.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, too. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack can be used for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well for that gooey, indulgent texture.
No matter how you customize these Crack Chicken Sliders, have fun and make them your own. Cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you and your loved ones. Enjoy!
PrintCrack Chicken Sliders Recipe
These Crack Chicken Sliders are irresistible mini sandwiches loaded with shredded chicken, creamy ranch dressing, gooey cheese, and crispy baked buns. Perfect for parties, game days, or a satisfying family meal, this recipe is simple to make and bursting with flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 12 slider buns
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar until well combined.
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping them attached as a whole sheet, and place the bottom half in the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the bottom buns. Place the top layer of buns over the chicken mixture.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and garlic powder. Brush the butter mixture over the tops of the slider buns.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
- To make ahead, assemble the sliders and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
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