Crack Chicken Sandwiches

By Tyla | Last modified on Jan 10, 2026

Featured in: Lunch

Crack Chicken Sandwiches are a mouthwatering delight that combine creamy, cheesy textures with smoky bacon and tender shredded chicken, all nestled inside sweet Hawaiian rolls. This dish bursts with flavor in every bite, perfect for casual family dinners or game day gatherings.

The combination of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and zesty ranch seasoning creates a rich and savory filling that melts beautifully while baking, making these sandwiches irresistible and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and creamy filling balances perfectly with smoky bacon and tender chicken.
Quick and easy to prepare, coming together in under 35 minutes.
Using sweet Hawaiian rolls adds a delightful contrast, enhancing flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Cream Cheese (16 ounces, softened): Provides a smooth, rich, and creamy base that binds the filling ingredients perfectly.
Dry Ranch Dressing Mix (1 ounce): Adds a tangy, herby flavor that complements the savory chicken and cheese blend.
Onion Powder (2 teaspoons): Enhances the savory depth and adds subtle sweetness to the mixture.
Fresh Cracked Black Pepper (1 teaspoon): Offers a mild heat and pungency to brighten the sandwich flavors.
Thinly Sliced Green Onion (⅓ cup): Adds a fresh, mildly sharp note and a touch of crunch to the filling.
Cooked Shredded Chicken Breast (2½ cups, boneless and skinless): Serves as the lean protein base, tender and juicy for texture and heartiness.
Cooked Crumbled Bacon (12 ounces): Provides smoky saltiness and crunch that enhances overall flavor.
Mild Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2½ cups, divided): Melts smoothly to add sharp, creamy richness; split for mixing and topping.
Sweet Hawaiian Rolls (12 count, sliced in half): Soft, slightly sweet buns that perfectly contrast the savory filling.
Salted Sweet Cream Butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Brushed on top to create a golden, flavorful crust during baking.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (2 tablespoons): Adds a nutty, salty crust flavor when mixed with butter and brushed atop rolls.
Finely Chopped Fresh Chives (2 teaspoons): Provides a fresh herbal finish, adding color and mild onion flavor to the butter topping.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the sandwiches evenly with a nicely browned top.
Prepare the Creamy Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, dry ranch dressing mix, onion powder, cracked black pepper, and green onions. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy, evenly seasoned base.
Incorporate Chicken, Bacon, and Cheese: Fold in shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Mixing these ingredients well distributes savory, smoky, and cheesy flavors throughout the filling.
Assemble Sandwiches on Rolls: Lay out the bottom halves of the Hawaiian rolls and spread the chicken mixture evenly onto each. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor and gooey texture.
Add Cheese and Close Rolls: Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of cheddar cheese over the filling, then place the top halves of the rolls on, completing each sandwich and sealing in the delicious filling.
Prepare the Butter Topping: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, grated parmesan cheese, and chopped chives. This mixture, when brushed on top, creates a golden, flavorful crust while baking.
Brush and Bake: Generously brush the butter mixture over the roll tops. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tops turn golden brown, enhancing flavor and texture.
Cool and Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes to set. Serve warm for the best melty, gooey experience.

You Must Know

Feel free to customize with jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
These sandwiches can be preassembled and baked just before serving to save time.
Use leftovers in wraps or salads for a quick flavorful meal.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to maintain the crispy tops and melty filling.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these sandwiches with a side of crunchy coleslaw or a fresh green salad for balance. They also go great with baked potato fries or classic kettle chips.

Professional Tips

Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
For extra crispiness, broil the rolls for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Ideal shredded chicken is poached or rotisserie chicken for moistness and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use another type of roll instead of Hawaiian rolls?: Yes, soft sandwich rolls or brioche buns work well, but Hawaiian rolls add a unique sweet contrast that complements the savory filling.
Is it possible to make these sandwiches ahead of time?: Absolutely! Assemble the sandwiches and refrigerate them, then bake just before serving for fresh, hot sandwiches.
Can I make this recipe healthier?: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar, and consider turkey bacon to reduce fat while maintaining flavor.
What if I don’t have ranch dressing mix?: Make your own by mixing dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, salt, and pepper, or substitute with a ranch seasoning blend.
Can this filling be used for dips or other dishes?: Yes, it makes an excellent creamy dip served with crackers, chips, or veggies for parties and snacks.
How spicy are these sandwiches?: They are mild by default, but you can add jalapeños or hot sauce to increase spiciness according to preference.