If you are craving a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors wrapped up in a cozy, handheld bite, then this Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders Recipe is exactly what your taste buds have been waiting for. Each slider offers tender chicken glazed with a luscious maple-Dijon sauce, crispy bacon that adds that irresistible crunch, and melty cheddar cheese all nestled in a soft toasted bun. It is an ideal dish for casual gatherings, game days, or whenever you want to serve up something impressively delicious without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple but carefully chosen ingredients is all it takes to craft these unforgettable sliders. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that come together beautifully in every bite.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean and tender protein base that soaks up all the maple goodness perfectly.
- 8 slices bacon: Adds irresistible smokiness and crunch to balance the sweet glaze.
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup: Provides the star sweetness and glossy finish to the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a tangy bite that cuts through the sweetness with finesse.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken to golden perfection without sticking.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth to the chicken seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a mild kick that brightens the overall flavor.
- 6 slider buns: Soft and small, perfect for holding all the delicious layers together.
- 6 slices cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to add savory creaminess.
- Butter lettuce leaves (optional): Adds a crisp, fresh contrast if you like a little green in your sliders.
How to Make Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to toast your slider buns later. This sets the stage for perfectly crisp edges while keeping the middle soft and inviting.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy and golden. Once done, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. This step ensures that every bite delivers that satisfying crunch without feeling greasy.
Step 3: Season and Cook the Chicken
Slice your chicken breasts into slider-sized portions, then season evenly with garlic powder and black pepper. Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken pieces for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. These tender pieces create a juicy and flavorful foundation for your sliders.
Step 4: Make the Maple Mustard Glaze
Whisk together maple syrup and Dijon mustard in a small bowl to form a sweet and tangy glaze. Brush the cooked chicken pieces generously with this mixture, reserving a little for drizzling over the finished sliders. This glaze is what gives these sliders their signature irresistible flavor.
Step 5: Toast the Slider Buns and Assemble
Slice your slider buns and place them on the prepared baking sheet for a quick toast in the oven. Once warmed, build each slider by layering a piece of the maple-glazed chicken, a slice of sharp cheddar cheese, a crispy strip of bacon, and optionally a leaf of butter lettuce for freshness.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Drizzle the remaining maple glaze over the stacked sliders, place the top bun, and serve immediately while warm. The combination of warm, melty cheese, sweet and tangy chicken, and smoky bacon makes these sliders impossible to resist.
How to Serve Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders Recipe further, consider adding some thinly sliced red onions or a few dill pickle slices for extra zing and crunch. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives can add a vibrant pop of color and freshness to each slider, making them even more inviting.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with crispy sweet potato fries, a tangy coleslaw, or even a simple garden salad. Each side complements the richness and sweetness of the sliders without overpowering them, creating a satisfying and balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual entertaining, serve your sliders on a rustic wooden board or a lined platter with toothpicks securing each one – it makes grabbing them easy and adds a charming, laid-back vibe. You could also place small serving bowls of extra maple glaze or spicy aioli on the side for dipping adventures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the assembled sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain texture, keep any lettuce separate until ready to serve again.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken pieces but it is best to freeze them without the buns or lettuce. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet or oven until heated through, then quickly toast the buns separately. Assemble fresh with bacon, cheese, and any desired garnishes to retain the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add an extra layer of flavor, though they may require slightly longer cooking time. Adjust accordingly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Is there a substitute for Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or a mild stone-ground mustard. The flavor will be a bit different, but it will still work beautifully with the maple glaze.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the slider buns with gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Confirm your bacon and other ingredients are gluten-free as well for a safe and tasty adaptation.
Can these sliders be made vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with grilled portobello mushroom slices or a plant-based chicken substitute, and replace bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon.
What’s the best way to keep the bacon crispy?
Cook the bacon until just crispy and drain on paper towels right after cooking. Assemble the sliders just before serving to maintain that satisfying crisp texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about these Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders Recipe that makes every bite feel like a cozy celebration of sweet and savory goodness. Whether you are serving friends, family, or indulging on a weeknight, this recipe is sure to become a favorite you reach for again and again. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and dive into this delightful slider experience—you won’t regret it!
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Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders combine tender, juicy chicken glazed in a sweet and tangy maple-Dijon sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, all nestled in soft slider buns. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a flavorful main dish, these sliders offer a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors with a satisfying crunch from the bacon and the freshness of optional butter lettuce.
Ingredients
Chicken and Bacon
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Maple Glaze
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Sliders
- 6 slider buns
- 6 slices cheddar cheese
- Butter lettuce leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for toasting the slider buns later.
- Cook the bacon: Place the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat and cook until they become crispy. Once cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Prepare the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into pieces sized for sliders. Season them evenly with garlic powder and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken slices until they are golden brown and thoroughly cooked, approximately 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Make and apply the maple glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup and Dijon mustard. Brush the cooked chicken pieces generously with this maple mixture, reserving a bit to drizzle later on the sliders.
- Toast the slider buns: Slice the slider buns and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly toast them in the oven until just warmed and slightly crisp.
- Assemble the sliders: On each bottom bun, layer a piece of maple-glazed chicken, a slice of cheddar cheese, a strip of crispy bacon, and optionally, some butter lettuce leaves for freshness.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the remaining maple glaze over the assembled sliders, close with the top buns, and serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Butter lettuce adds a nice fresh crunch, but you can omit if preferred or substitute with spinach or arugula.
- For extra flavor, try adding a thin slice of red onion or pickles.
- To make preparation easier, cook the bacon first as instructed, then use the same skillet to cook the chicken to retain bacon flavor.
- Leftover sliders can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid drying the chicken.
