Prepare to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure that will have your taste buds dancing and your guests begging for seconds! These Smoked Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders are not just a recipe; they're a mouthwatering journey of smoky, creamy, and crispy perfection packed into one irresistible bite-sized package. Whether you're hosting a game day party, a family gathering, or just craving something incredibly delicious, these sliders are guaranteed to be the star of the show and leave everyone asking, "Who made these amazing sliders?"
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 sliders
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 12 slider buns
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your smoker or grill for indirect cooking. If using a smoker, set it to a temperature of 225°F (107°C) and add your choice of wood chips for flavor, such as hickory or applewood.
- While the smoker is heating up, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly for the best flavor.
- Once the smoker is ready, place the seasoned chicken thighs on the grill grates. Close the lid and smoke the chicken for about
- 5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This low and slow cooking method will infuse the chicken with a rich, smoky flavor.
- While the chicken is smoking, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Reserve some bacon drippings in the skillet for later use.
- After the chicken is done smoking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Once rested, shred the chicken using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked bacon (chopped into pieces), and ranch dressing. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, prepare the slider buns by slicing them in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected.
- In a baking dish, place the bottom halves of the slider buns. Spoon the chicken, bacon, and ranch mixture evenly over the buns. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chicken mixture.
- Place the top halves of the slider buns over the cheese and chicken mixture. If desired, brush the tops of the buns with some reserved bacon drippings for added flavor and a golden finish.
- Bake the sliders in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Once baked, remove the sliders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully slice them into individual sliders and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious smoked chicken bacon ranch sliders!
Tips
- Wood Chip Selection: Choose hickory for a bold smoky flavor or applewood for a slightly sweeter, milder smoke profile.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for perfect doneness and food safety.
- Bacon Tip: For extra crispy bacon, consider baking it in the oven instead of a skillet for more even cooking.
- Cheese Variation: Experiment with different cheese types like smoked gouda or pepper jack for unique flavor twists.
- Make-Ahead Hack: You can prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance to save time on cooking day.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of extra ranch dressing for dipping to elevate the slider experience.
- Storage: These sliders can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain their crispy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 253kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 53mg
