Crack chicken penne is a creamy, comforting pasta dish loaded with tender chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce. Cream cheese, garlic, smoky spices, and herbs blend together to coat every piece of penne in smooth, savory goodness. Made in one pot and ready fast, crack chicken penne is an easy weeknight dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, perfect for family meals or cozy nights in.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This crack chicken sliders
- Super easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Loaded with cheesy goodness that everyone will adore.
- Great for game day gatherings or casual get-togethers.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite toppings!
- Leftovers? They taste even better the next day!
crack chicken sliders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. This will ensure your sliders bake perfectly.
- In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Mix until everything is evenly combined and creamy.
- Slice the slider buns in half. Arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish, ready to be filled with that delicious chicken mixture.
- Spread the chicken mixture generously over the bun bottoms. Make sure to cover them well for maximum flavor!
- Place the tops of the slider buns back on. They’re ready to be brushed with buttery goodness!
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter and garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the tops of the sliders for a tasty finish.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the tops are golden and crispy.
- If desired, garnish with chopped chives or parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious crack chicken sliders!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbs | 25g |
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your delicious crack chicken sliders!
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken – delicious and tender
- 8 oz cream cheese – softened for creaminess
- ½ cup ranch dressing – adds great flavor
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – for cheesy goodness
- 4 slices cooked bacon – crumbled, adds crunch
- 12 slider buns – perfect for serving
- 2 tablespoons melted butter – for brushing buns
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds extra flavor
- chopped fresh chives or parsley – optional for garnish
How to Make Crack Chicken Sliders
Get ready to whip up some delicious crack chicken sliders! This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and tasty option for game day or any gathering. Let’s dive into the steps!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This will ensure your sliders bake perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken Filling
In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Mix until everything is evenly combined and creamy.
Step 3: Prepare the Slider Buns
Slice the slider buns in half. Arrange the bottom halves in a baking dish, ready to be filled with that delicious chicken mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Sliders
Spread the chicken mixture generously over the bun bottoms. Make sure to cover them well for maximum flavor!
Step 5: Add the Tops
Place the tops of the slider buns back on. They’re ready to be brushed with buttery goodness!
Step 6: Brush with Butter
In a small bowl, mix melted butter and garlic powder. Brush this mixture over the tops of the sliders for a tasty finish.
Step 7: Bake the Sliders
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the tops are golden and crispy.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
If desired, garnish with chopped chives or parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious crack chicken sliders!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Appetizer |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Dietary | Not specified |
| Serves | 12 |
| Best Served | Warm and cheesy |
Pro Tips for Making Crack Chicken Sliders
- Shred the chicken while it’s warm for easier handling.
- Use a blend of cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Toast the slider buns for added crunch and flavor.
- Add your favorite toppings like pickles or jalapeños for a kick.
- Make a double batch; these sliders disappear fast!
How to Serve
- Serve on soft slider buns for a perfect bite.
- Top with crispy bacon bits for extra crunch.
- Add a slice of dill pickle for a tangy kick.
- Pair with sweet potato fries for a delicious side.
- Offer a side of ranch or BBQ sauce for dipping.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve with a refreshing coleslaw to balance the flavors.
- Enjoy with a cold lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing drink.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your crack chicken sliders later is easy!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow sliders to cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
- Wrap sliders tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave for 1-2 minutes, covered, for quick reheating.
- Add a splash of chicken broth for moisture if needed.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What are crack chicken sliders?
Crack chicken sliders are delicious, bite-sized sandwiches made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and cheese, all served on soft slider buns. They are known for their creamy texture and savory flavor, making them a popular choice for game day or casual gatherings.
2. How do you make crack chicken sliders?
To make crack chicken sliders, start by cooking chicken in a slow cooker with cream cheese and ranch seasoning until tender. Shred the chicken and mix it with the melted cream cheese. Then, spoon the mixture onto slider buns, top with cheese, and bake until the buns are golden and the cheese is melted. It’s a simple and satisfying recipe!
3. Can I prepare crack chicken sliders in advance and store them?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crack chicken mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply assemble the sliders and bake them. This makes it a convenient option for parties or busy weeknights.
4. What are the best buns and toppings for crack chicken sliders?
For the best crack chicken sliders, use soft slider buns like Hawaiian rolls or potato buns. As for toppings, you can add crispy bacon, sliced jalapeños, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor. Feel free to get creative with your toppings to suit your taste!
Final Thoughts
Get ready to savor the deliciousness of crack chicken sliders! This easy recipe is perfect for game day or any gathering, bringing smiles and satisfied bellies. With cheesy goodness and tender chicken, it’s a dish that’s as rewarding to make as it is to eat. So gather your friends, whip up a batch, and enjoy every bite!