🍔🥓 Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders
Sweet & Savory Mini Sandwiches That Steal the Show
Introduction
Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders are the kind of food that disappears faster than you can serve them. They balance everything we crave in one perfect bite: tender chicken, crispy smoky bacon, buttery soft buns, melty cheese, and that unmistakable maple syrup sweetness that ties it all together. These sliders sit right at the crossroads of comfort food and party food, making them perfect for game days, family gatherings, brunch spreads, or even a casual dinner when you want something fun but deeply satisfying.
What makes these sliders truly special is the contrast. The maple glaze brings warmth and sweetness, the bacon adds crunch and saltiness, the chicken stays juicy and flavorful, and the buns soak up just enough sauce to become irresistible without falling apart. This recipe is designed to be easy enough for home cooks, yet layered with flavor like something from a gourmet food truck.
Let’s build sliders that people will talk about long after the tray is empty.
🧺 Ingredients (Makes 12 sliders)
For the Chicken
- 600 g (about 1.3 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Bacon
- 12 slices smoked bacon (preferably thick-cut)
For the Maple Glaze
- 120 ml (½ cup) pure maple syrup (real maple, not pancake syrup)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Sliders
- 12 soft slider buns (brioche works best)
- 6 slices cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack cheese (cut in half)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds or poppy seeds (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Pickles (sweet or dill)
- Crispy fried onions
- Coleslaw
- Thinly sliced red onion
🔥 Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps it brown properly instead of steaming.
In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Rub this seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken in the pan and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).
Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then slice or shred it into slider-sized portions. Set aside.
🥓 Step 2: Cooking the Bacon
Cook the bacon until crispy using your preferred method:
- Pan: Medium heat, flipping occasionally
- Oven: 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes on a rack
- Air fryer: 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes
Once crispy, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain excess fat. Cut each slice in half so it fits neatly on the sliders.
🍁 Step 3: Making the Maple Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and let it melt. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and chili flakes. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Let the sauce cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and glossy. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable.
Taste and adjust:
- More vinegar if too sweet
- More maple if too sharp
- More chili flakes if you want heat
Remove from heat.
🍗 Step 4: Glazing the Chicken
Add the sliced or shredded chicken back into the skillet (off the heat). Pour about ⅔ of the maple glaze over the chicken and toss gently until everything is coated and sticky.
The chicken should be glossy, aromatic, and deeply flavorful. Reserve the remaining glaze for brushing the buns or drizzling before serving.
🍔 Step 5: Assembling the Sliders
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Slice the slider buns in half horizontally, keeping the tops and bottoms connected if possible. Place the bottom halves snugly in a baking dish or tray.
Layer in this order:
- Maple-glazed chicken
- Crispy bacon pieces
- Cheese slices
- Optional toppings (pickles, onions, etc.)
Place the top buns on.
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with 1 teaspoon maple syrup. Brush generously over the tops of the buns and sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if using.
🔥 Step 6: Baking
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sliders are heated through.
Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, until the tops are golden and lightly crisp.
For extra shine and flavor, brush with the reserved maple glaze right before serving.
🌟 Tips for Perfect Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts
- Real maple syrup makes a huge difference
- Don’t oversoak the buns with sauce
- Assemble right before baking to avoid soggy sliders
- Let sliders rest 5 minutes before cutting
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve these sliders hot with:
- Crispy fries or sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw or apple slaw
- Corn on the cob
- Pickles and extra maple glaze on the side
They also work beautifully as:
- Party appetizers
- Brunch sliders with fried eggs
- Game-day food
- Family-style dinner centerpiece
❤️ Final Thoughts
Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders are the definition of crowd-pleasing comfort food. Sweet, smoky, juicy, buttery, and deeply satisfying, they manage to feel indulgent without being complicated. Once you make them, they’ll become one of those “requested again and again” recipes.