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Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders Recipe

4.8 from 145 reviews

These Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders combine tender, spiced chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy maple bacon glaze, topped with crispy bacon, creamy brie cheese, and fresh greens. Perfect for gatherings or a flavorful snack, these sliders are packed with balanced flavors and textures, making them an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into slider-sized portions (about 23 inches square)
  • 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

Maple Bacon Glaze

  • 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, for a little heat)

Bacon and Assembly

  • 1 lb thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled or cut into slider-sized pieces
  • 12 slider buns
  • 4 oz brie cheese, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Arugula or baby spinach for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 2-3 inch square pieces to ensure they fit perfectly on slider buns and cook evenly.
  2. Make the Spice Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the spice mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil if needed. Cook the chicken pieces in a single layer for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Prepare the Maple Bacon Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
  6. Simmer the Glaze: Allow the glaze to simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  7. Cook the Bacon: Cook the thick-cut bacon until crispy, either in a skillet or oven. Once cooked, drain excess grease and crumble or slice the bacon into slider-sized pieces.
  8. Toast the Buns: If desired, lightly toast the slider buns to add extra texture and warmth to the sliders.
  9. Assemble the Sliders: Spread a thin layer of the maple bacon glaze on the bottom half of each bun. Place a cooked chicken piece over the glaze, then drizzle additional glaze on top of the chicken.
  10. Add Cheese and Bacon: If using, layer a slice of brie cheese on top of the chicken, then sprinkle crumbled bacon over the cheese or directly on the chicken if cheese is omitted.
  11. Add Greens and Top Bun: Place a small handful of arugula or baby spinach over the bacon, then cover with the top bun to complete the slider.
  12. Serve: Repeat the assembly for all sliders and serve immediately while warm and fresh.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavors significantly.
  • You can prepare the maple bacon glaze in advance and store it refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
  • If you prefer, swap brie cheese with cheddar or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free slider buns and check Worcestershire sauce ingredients.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Keywords: maple chicken sliders, chicken bacon sliders, sweet and savory sliders, easy party appetizers, smoky chicken sliders, maple bacon glaze