Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders (Printable)
Sweet maple-glazed chicken and crispy bacon stacked on toasted buns with melted cheddar.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 8 slices thick-cut bacon
→ Marinade & Glaze
03 - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
04 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
05 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Buns & Assembly
08 - 8 slider buns or mini brioche buns, split
09 - 8 slices sharp cheddar or smoked gouda cheese
10 - 1 cup baby arugula or mixed greens
11 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease the surface.
02 - Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally, then cut into 8 equal-sized portions for even cooking.
03 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
04 - Toss the chicken portions in the maple glaze, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Allow to rest for 10–15 minutes at room temperature.
05 - Arrange the bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat.
06 - Heat a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken pieces for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through and deeply caramelized.
07 - Brush the cut sides of each bun with melted butter. Toast on a hot skillet or grill pan until golden brown, about 1 minute per side.
08 - Layer arugula, a chicken portion, a strip of bacon, a slice of cheese, and a few rings of red onion on each bottom bun. Cap with the top bun.
09 - Secure each slider with a cocktail pick and serve immediately while warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The maple Dijon glaze is the kind of flavor combo that makes people close their eyes when they take a bite.
- Everything comes together in under an hour with ingredients you probably already have sitting around.
- They are messy in the best way possible, the kind of food that makes a gathering feel like a real party.
02 -
- Do not rush the bacon, undercooked bacon makes the whole slider feel floppy and sad.
- Letting the chicken sit in the marinade for the full fifteen minutes is the difference between good and unforgettable.
03 -
- Cook the bacon in the oven while you prep everything else so you are not juggling too many tasks at once.
- Poking the chicken pieces with a fork before marinating helps the glaze seep deeper into the meat.