Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders (Print-Friendly Recipe)
Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and maple glaze tucked into soft buns for irresistible handheld bites.
# Ingredients List:
→ Chicken and Marinade
01 -
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into slider-sized pieces (approximately 2 to 3 inches square)
02 -
1/4 cup olive oil
03 -
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
04 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
06 -
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
07 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
08 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Maple Bacon Glaze
09 -
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
10 -
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
11 -
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
12 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
13 -
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
→ To Serve
14 -
1 pound thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled or sliced into slider-sized pieces
15 -
12 slider buns
16 -
4 ounces brie cheese, thinly sliced (optional)
17 -
Arugula or baby spinach leaves (optional, for topping)
# How to Make It:
01 -
In a medium bowl, whisk olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken pieces and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes or overnight for optimal flavor infusion.
02 -
Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush lightly with oil if necessary. Arrange marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking in batches if required. Sear each side for 4 to 5 minutes, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
03 -
Combine maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
04 -
Arrange bacon slices in a cold skillet. Cook over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble or slice to fit the sliders.
05 -
Optional: Lightly toast slider buns in a dry skillet or under a broiler until golden.
06 -
Spread a thin layer of maple bacon glaze onto the bottom half of each bun. Place a cooked chicken piece over the glaze and drizzle with additional glaze. Add a slice of brie cheese, if using, followed by crumbled bacon and a few leaves of arugula or baby spinach if desired. Crown with the top bun.
07 -
Arrange assembled sliders on a platter and serve immediately while warm.
# Extra Information:
01 -
Marinating the chicken overnight yields a deeper flavor profile. Topping options including brie cheese and arugula may be customized to taste.
02 -
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.