Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders: Easy and Delicious Recipe

First time I smelled maple sizzling with bacon, I thought someone lit a candle called “Sunday morning in a country diner.” These Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders hit that same cozy notecrispy bacon, juicy chicken, and a sweet maple glaze that drips down your fingers (in the best way). They’ve been taking over potlucks and game day spreads for a reason. Sweet meets savory, and no one’s going home hungry.

This slider magic starts with tender chicken thighs, baked to soak in that maple goodness, then tucked into soft rolls with smoky bacon. The whole thing comes together in one pan, oven-style, so there’s less mess, more wow. Like a mini chicken-and-waffles vibe, but napkin-friendly. They’re party-perfect, pantry-friendly, and yesabsolutely kid-approved. One of my go-to easy slider recipes when folks are coming over last minute.

First tested these during a fall block party in 2019cool wind, folding tables, the whole street smelling unbelievable. A neighbor called them “dessert dinner,” which honestly felt like the goal. I learned quickly not to skimp on the glaze: brushing a little extra after baking seals in flavor and makes them shine. After ten years of researching ingredients and testing family-friendly meals, I promise these sliders earn a spot in your go-to rotation.

Yesica Andrews

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.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 sliders

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 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

 

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 2-3 inch square pieces.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken to the bowl and coat well with the spice mixture.
4. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum flavor).
5. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat; add olive oil if needed.
6. Cook chicken in a single layer for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove chicken and set aside.
8. Make the Maple Bacon Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes.
9. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
10. Remove from heat and set aside.
11. Cook bacon until crispy; drain grease and crumble or cut into slider-sized pieces.
12. Lightly toast slider buns if desired.
13. Spread a thin layer of maple bacon glaze on the bottom bun.
14. Place cooked chicken on the glaze.
15. Drizzle more maple bacon glaze over the chicken.
16. Add a slice of brie cheese if using.
17. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the cheese or chicken.
18. Top with arugula or baby spinach if desired.
19. Place the top bun on the slider.
20. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
21. 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

These sliders perfectly blend comfort food flavors into a convenient, bite-sized form. Here’s why they’re a favorite:

• Sweet and savory perfection: Maple-glazed chicken meets smoky bacon for an irresistible flavor combination that will have everyone reaching for more.
• Party-ready and customizable: Ideal for family dinners or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, these sliders are easily adaptable with various toppings.
• Quick and efficient: Streamline your cooking with marinated chicken and a simple, often one-pan method that minimizes cleanup.
• Beginner-friendly: Straightforward steps make these sliders approachable for cooks of all skill levels, even if you’re new to easy slider recipes.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s explore the essential components that make this recipe shine. You can stick to the basics or enhance flavors with optional additions:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into slider-sized pieces, form the juicy foundation.
• Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy, for robust flavor and satisfying texture.
• Maple syrup: Authentic maple syrup is crucial for the signature sticky-sweet glaze that unifies the dish.
• Seasonings: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme impart warmth and balanced flavor to the chicken.
• Slider buns: Soft, pillowy buns are essential for achieving that classic slider experience.
• Optional extras: Consider adding arugula, baby spinach, or brie cheese to elevate the taste and texture.

Ingredient Swap Suggestions

How It Works: Step-by-Step

These sweet maple sliders are straightforward to prepare, involving minimal prep and easy layering!

1. Marinate the chicken: Toss chicken pieces with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and thyme. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the glaze and bacon.
2. Cook the chicken: Sear the chicken in a skillet or grill pan until golden, caramelized, and fully cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F). Avoid overcrowding the pan for best browning.
3. Make the glaze: Simmer maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until the mixture slightly thickens. This creates your rich, flavor-packed sauce.
4. Crisp the bacon: Cook the bacon until perfectly crisp. Drain on paper towels and cut into pieces suitable for the buns.
5. Assemble the sliders: Lightly brush the bun bottoms with glaze, then layer with cooked chicken, an additional drizzle of glaze, crispy bacon, and your chosen toppings. Top with the bun and serve warm!

Pro Tip: Timing Chart

Here’s how to streamline the process, ensuring everything is ready efficiently:

Troubleshooting and Tips

Let’s address a few common issues to ensure your slider preparation is smooth and enjoyable:

• Chicken sticking to the pan? Ensure your skillet is adequately hot before adding chicken, and use a sufficient amount of olive oil.
• Runny glaze? Continue simmering the glaze; it will thicken further as it cools.
• Need to reheat sliders? For best results, wrap assembled sliders loosely in foil and warm in a low oven (300°F) for approximately 10 minutes.

This recipe is quite forgiving, so don’t hesitate to give it a try!

Serving and Storage

These sliders are best enjoyed warm and freshly assembled, but here’s how to handle any leftovers:

• Serving: Present these sliders as a highlight of your party spread or a comforting family meal. They are sure to be a hit!
• Storing: Store leftover cooked chicken, bacon, and glaze separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: For optimal freshness and texture, reheat components separately and reassemble just before serving.

Storage Tips

Expert Says: The Flavor Balance in Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders

Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders expertly combine sweet and savory elements, creating a harmonious balance that enhances each bite. The natural sweetness of maple syrup complements the smoky bacon and tender chicken, making this dish both satisfying and complex without overwhelming the palate.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

Finding the Perfect Balance with Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders

These Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders took quite a few experiments to get just right. Early on, I learned that the maple glaze needed patience to thicken without burning, and that balance made all the difference. After several rounds, this recipe finally captures that perfect mix of sweet, savory, and comforting in every bite.

FAQs ( Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders )

Conclusion

Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders expertly combine sweet maple glaze and crispy bacon in an accessible, family-friendly recipe you can prepare in under 30 minutes. The juicy, tender chicken and soft buns ensure each bite offers satisfying comfortperfect for busy kitchens seeking homemade appeal.

Feel free to substitute slider buns with Hawaiian rolls or incorporate fresh arugula for a peppery note. Store components separately to preserve their distinct flavors. And remember that extra glaze brushit truly elevates the dish, a tip refined through countless kitchen experiments. These sweet and savory sliders are sure to be a highlight at any casual gathering.

Give them a try and share your creative twists! If these sliders evoke a family favorite, consider sharing the recipe with friendsit’s a delightful treat everyone will appreciate. We’re confident you’ll want to make these again and again.