Warm bacon crisping in the pan, that sweet hint of maple drifting through the houseit always takes me back to lazy fall Sundays when football hummed on the TV and sliders were our unofficial dinner. These Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders capture that cozy-salty-sweet magic in one bite-sized bundle. They’re trending right now for good reason: quick to make, packed with flavor, and crowd-approved for gamedays or any weeknight you’ve got hungry hands wandering through the kitchen.
This little slider stacks tender shredded chicken, smoky bacon, and a maple glaze that clings just right to the bun. It’s all built on soft Hawaiian rolls, then baked until golden. Everything melds together in the ovengooey, savory, lip-smacking good. Kind of like barbecue sandwiches met Sunday brunch and decided to stay friends forever. No fancy tools herejust pantry basics, a baking dish, and maybe a napkin to catch the drips.
I first made these for New Year’s Eve back in 2017cold night, hungry cousins, not enough time. My nephew danced in place waiting for his second one, chewing the first like it was candy. Here’s the trick: brush the maple butter over the tops right before baking so it seeps down into every edge. I’ve been writing and photographing family-style recipes for nearly a decade, and this one keeps coming back onto our cozy-weather table.
Thomas Baker
Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders: Easy and Delicious Recipe
Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders offer a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, combining tender marinated chicken, crispy bacon, and a sticky maple glaze. These Easy Slider Recipes are perfect for parties or family meals, featuring Sweet and Savory Sliders that everyone will love. Enjoy these Chicken Bacon Sliders as a quick and delicious treat anytime.
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into slider-sized portions
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 lb thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
12 slider buns
4 oz brie cheese, thinly sliced (optional)
Arugula or baby spinach for topping (optional)
Method
Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 2-3 inch square pieces.
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken to the bowl and coat well with the spice mixture.
Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum flavor).
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat; add olive oil if needed.
Cook chicken in a single layer for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the Maple Bacon Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook bacon until crispy; drain grease and crumble or cut into slider-sized pieces.
Lightly toast slider buns if desired.
Spread a thin layer of maple bacon glaze on the bottom bun.
Place cooked chicken on the glaze.
Drizzle more maple bacon glaze over the chicken.
Add a slice of brie cheese if using.
Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the cheese or chicken.
Top with arugula or baby spinach if desired.
Place the top bun on the slider.
Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Serve immediately.
Notes
Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor. Feel free to customize the toppings with other greens or cheeses. Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Why You’ll Love These Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders
If you’re craving something that hits just the right balance of sweet and savory, these Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders are your answer. With about 15 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of cook time, you’ll have these delicious bites ready in no time. Here’s why they’re so irresistible:
Sweet meets smoky: The rich maple glaze pairs perfectly with crispy bacon, creating a delightful contrast that’s both comforting and exciting.
Easy prep: Simple, everyday ingredients come together quickly, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends.
Customizable: Don’t like brie? Skip it. Want more greens? Pile them on. The sliders are versatile to suit your personal tastes.
Finger-friendly: These little bites are perfect for parties, gamedays, or simply satisfying your snack cravings without a fuss.
Key Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need
Let’s set you up for slider success with everything you’ll need to gather:
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into slider-sized pieces for quick cooking.
Bacon: Thick-cut for maximum crunch and smoky flavor that stands up to the sweetness.
Maple syrup: Pure maple syrup is essential for that signature sweetness and depth.
Slider buns: Soft buns hold everything togetherHawaiian rolls work exceptionally well here.
Flavor boosters: Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce for a glaze that truly elevates the taste.
Brie cheese: Sliced, for a creamy, tangy addition that melts beautifully (optional, but highly recommended!).
Fresh greens: Such as arugula, spinach, or crisp lettuce, to add a fresh counterpoint (optional).
As for tools, you’ll just need a skillet or grill pan, a whisk, and a baking sheet for assembling your sliders. A meat thermometer is also highly recommended for perfectly cooked chicken.
How to Make Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders, Step by Step
Don’t worrythere’s nothing fussy here. Follow these steps, and you’ll have mouthwatering sliders in no time:
Marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and coat them well. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for even deeper flavor).
Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until fully cooked through and golden (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Set aside.
Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if desired). Simmer for 5-7 minutes over medium heat until the glaze slightly thickens.
Prep the bacon: While the glaze simmers, cook the thick-cut bacon in a separate skillet until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble or slice into slider-sized pieces.
Assemble the sliders: Lightly spread some of the maple glaze on the bottom halves of your slider buns. Layer with the cooked chicken, drizzle with more glaze, add the crispy bacon, and, if using, top with creamy brie and fresh greens. Place the top bun on each slider and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sliders
Toast the buns: A quick toast in the oven or on a dry skillet gives them just the right crispness, preventing them from going soggy under the fillings.
Double the glaze: If you love a lot of flavor or want extra for dipping, make an additional batch of the maple glaze. It’s excellent drizzled on top at the table.
Streamline the process: Cook the bacon ahead of time or marinate the chicken the night before for an easy assembly when you’re ready to cook. This is great for entertaining!
Temperature check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked to 165°F and remains juicy.
Storage and Serving Tips
These sliders are best served fresh, but leftovers are absolutely doable! Here’s how to handle them:
Storage
Tips
Refrigerate
Store assembled sliders in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For best results, consider storing the components (chicken, bacon, buns) separately and reassembling when ready to eat. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Freeze
Freeze cooked chicken and bacon separately in airtight containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw, reheat, and assemble with fresh buns and any optional toppings.
Serving suggestion: Pair with a light green salad or a side of crispy sweet potato fries for a complete meal. These sliders are always a crowd-pleaser for gameday, parties, or a fun family dinner!
Mastering the Sweet & Savory Balance in Your Sliders
Combining the smoky richness of bacon with the subtle sweetness of maple in these sliders creates a satisfying flavor contrast that enhances each bite. The maple glaze not only adds depth but also helps keep the chicken moist, making maple chicken bacon sliders a well-rounded and memorable dish.
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Perfecting My Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders
After several rounds in the kitchensometimes too sweet, other times not smoky enoughI finally landed on a recipe for Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders that balances flavor and texture just right. Each tweak brought me closer to that crispy, tender bite my family loves, making this one a true labor of delicious experience.
FAQs ( Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders )
How do I prevent buns from getting soggy in this recipe?
To keep buns from getting soggy, lightly toast them before assembly and avoid adding wet sauces directly to the bread. You can spread a thin layer of butter or cream cheese to create a moisture barrier. Serve the sliders immediately after assembling for the best texture.
Can I make the maple glazed chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the maple glazed chicken a few hours ahead. Keep it refrigerated and reheat gently in a pan or oven to maintain moisture. This step simplifies assembly and is ideal for busy weeknights or party food sliders.
What is the best bacon to use for this dish?
Thick-cut bacon works best as it holds its shape and adds hearty flavor without becoming too greasy. Cook the bacon until crisp but not brittle to complement the tender maple chicken and keep the sliders easy to eat.
Can I substitute ingredients for dietary restrictions?
For gluten-free needs, use gluten-free slider buns or lettuce wraps. Turkey bacon or a plant-based alternative can replace pork bacon. Adjust maple glaze ingredients by using a sugar substitute if needed, but test flavors to maintain the balance of sweet and savory sliders.
How do I store leftovers properly?
Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 days. Keep buns separate if possible to prevent sogginess. Reheat the chicken and bacon together in a pan, then reassemble with fresh buns for the best texture.
Conclusion
These Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders come together quickly with about 15 minutes of active cooking and assembly, delivering that satisfying blend of sweet, smoky, and tenderall tucked inside soft, toasty buns. You’ll love how each bite melts with flavor and keeps your kitchen smelling wonderfully inviting.
Feel free to swap out the bacon for turkey or add a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick of warmth. Store leftovers wrapped tight in the fridge, then warm gently so they don’t lose that fresh-baked charm. A little tip from our test kitchen: brushing the tops of the buns with maple butter before a quick bake really makes them pop with an irresistible golden finish.
Now it’s your turnsnap a pic, share your spin on this recipe, or pass it to a friend who needs an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner. Did sliders like these ever grace your family table? Cozy up and enjoy every biteyou’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe repeatedly.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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