Game Day Perfection: Irresistible Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad Sliders for Super Bowl & Beyond
(This post is sponsored by Naturally Fresh, bringing you fresh flavors for everyday meals.)
The air is buzzing with excitement, and Super Bowl Sunday is just around the corner! For many, it’s more than just a football game; it’s an annual tradition filled with camaraderie, friendly competition, and, most importantly, incredible food. While the drama on the field and the team rivalries might captivate some, for me, and countless others, the Super Bowl is synonymous with a feast. It’s a chance to gather, enjoy good company, and indulge in an array of delicious game day snacks and treats. And let’s be honest, whether your team is winning or losing, the food never disappoints!
I confess, I’m not the 24/7 sports fanatic some people (like my husband and oldest son) are. I enjoy cheering on my favorite teams like the Gators and the Magic, but I often rely on my family’s updates for the latest in league drama. And that’s perfectly okay! My role in the household, especially for big events like the Super Bowl, tends to lean towards the culinary side – ensuring there’s an abundance of tasty food and refreshing drinks to go around. It’s a job I take great pride in!
Over the years, our Super Bowl traditions have evolved. While we used to host larger gatherings, with kids needing to be up bright and early for school the next day, our celebrations have become a bit more low-key. We still watch every moment of the game, and we certainly still eat, but the party typically winds down by 9 PM for the younger crowd. As for me? Well, I might just make it a little longer to catch the very end of the game – especially if the snacks are good!
When planning game day menus, I always prioritize a few key qualities: ease of preparation, portability, and, of course, undeniable deliciousness. I love a good spread of “munchie food” that allows for grazing throughout the evening, but I also like to include something a bit more substantial to keep everyone satisfied. My husband usually makes sure of that! These Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad Sliders are an absolute game-changer for any Super Bowl party or casual get-together. They effortlessly tick all the boxes, offering a fantastic balance of flavor and convenience.
The beauty of these sliders lies in their make-ahead potential. You can prepare the chicken salad mixture well in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, making game day itself stress-free. They’re also not overly filling, which is ideal when you have a variety of other delicious dishes on your spread. This means your guests can enjoy a few sliders without feeling weighed down, leaving room for all the other fantastic treats. And while they are perfect for cheering on your favorite team, these versatile sliders aren’t just limited to game day. They make an excellent addition to any potluck, picnic, or even as a simple, delicious make-ahead lunch or dinner throughout the week.
While traditional chicken salad often calls for mayonnaise, I decided to shake things up a bit and create a flavor profile that truly screams “game day.” My secret ingredient for this delicious twist is Naturally Fresh Lite Ranch dressing, blended harmoniously with a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce. The combination of ranch and barbecue is, in my opinion, a match made in culinary heaven – a flavor duo that evokes backyard barbecues and festive gatherings. The creamy, herby notes of the ranch beautifully complement the robust, sweet, and savory depth of the barbecue sauce, creating a rich and complex base for the chicken.
To really elevate the flavor and add an exciting kick, I included a few generous dashes of chipotle hot sauce. This optional ingredient introduces a fantastic smoky heat that takes these sliders from delicious to absolutely irresistible. If you appreciate a little spice in your life, I wholeheartedly recommend adding it. The chipotle’s smoky undertones enhance both the ranch and barbecue flavors, tying everything together in a truly memorable way. However, if heat isn’t your preference, feel free to omit it – the sliders will still be incredibly flavorful and satisfying on their own.
Preparing the chicken is straightforward: you can use leftover cooked chicken, boil and shred chicken breasts, or take a convenient shortcut with a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store. Finely chopped green onions and celery add a wonderful crunch and fresh zing, balancing the richness of the sauces. Shredded mild cheddar cheese melts slightly when the sliders are served warm, adding a gooey, savory element that everyone loves. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability – feel free to adjust the amount of barbecue sauce or ranch to suit your taste preferences, or experiment with different types of barbecue sauce for a unique twist.
Serve these fantastic sliders on soft whole wheat potato rolls or your favorite mini buns. They are perfectly complemented by crunchy celery and carrot sticks, perhaps with another one of Naturally Fresh’s many delicious dressings on the side for dipping. Beyond sliders, the barbecue ranch chicken salad mixture is incredibly versatile. It makes for a wonderful sandwich filling, a flavorful topping for lettuce cups for a low-carb option, or even as a quick and easy wrap. Prepare a larger batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have delicious, portable lunches ready to go, making meal prep a breeze!
Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad Sliders
Author: Aggie’s Kitchen
Yield: 12 sliders 1x
Category: Chicken
A delicious and lighter option for game day munchies!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 1 – 1.25 lbs chicken or 2 large chicken breasts)
- 3/4 cup Naturally Fresh Lite Ranch Dressing
- 1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons barbecue sauce
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 4 oz mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- a few heavy dashes chipotle hot sauce (optional, but highly recommended!)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine Naturally Fresh Lite Ranch Dressing with your favorite barbecue sauce. Add sauce to shredded chicken into a large mixing bowl along with green onions, celery, cheddar cheese and chipotle hot sauce.
- Mix until sauce and ingredients are completely combined. Refrigerate for one hour. Taste for salt and pepper and adjust if necessary.
- Serve on whole wheat potato slider rolls (or your favorite slider roll).
For more awesome sandwich recipes and inspiration, be sure to check out my Follow Aggie’s Kitchen’s board Sandwiches on Pinterest. It’s packed with creative ideas for lunch, dinner, and entertaining, ensuring you’ll always have a fresh take on classic sandwiches!
I hope you give these Barbecue Ranch Chicken Salad Sliders a try for your next gathering, or simply for an easy and flavorful meal during the week. They’re a crowd-pleaser that delivers on taste and convenience. I’m always delighted to share recipes that make life a little easier and a lot more delicious. Your feedback and creations truly inspire me!
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(Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Naturally Fresh. I have received compensation for developing this recipe and content using their product, but all opinions expressed are genuinely my own and reflect my positive experience with the brand.)