Description
These Irresistibly Sweet Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders combine tender marinated chicken breasts with a luscious maple glaze, crispy bacon, and optional creamy brie, all nestled in soft slider buns for a perfect bite-sized treat that’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into slider-sized pieces)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for marinating)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (for seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (for seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (to taste)
Maple Glaze
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (for the glaze)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (for acidity)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (for tang)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for depth)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Additional Ingredients
- 12 slices bacon (cooked crispy)
- 12 slider buns (to hold the filling)
- Fresh arugula or spinach (for garnish, optional)
- 4 oz brie cheese (optional for extra richness)
Instructions
- Slice the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 2 to 3 inch square pieces to ensure even cooking for each slider portion.
- Prepare the marinade and marinate chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with this mixture. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan on medium-high heat. Add olive oil and cook the marinated chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes on each side until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Make the maple glaze: In a saucepan, combine maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the glaze slightly thickens and flavors meld.
- Cook the bacon: Fry bacon in a pan until crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble into sizes suitable for topping the sliders.
- Assemble the sliders: Optionally toast the slider buns. Spread a layer of warm maple glaze on the bottom half of each bun, add a piece of cooked chicken, drizzle additional glaze, top with crumbled bacon, fresh arugula or spinach if desired, and optionally place a slice of brie cheese. Close with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes will enhance flavor and tenderness.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of maple syrup in the glaze.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to the glaze.
- Brie cheese adds a rich, creamy element but can be omitted or substituted with another soft cheese based on preference.
- Slider buns can be toasted for extra texture and warmth before assembling.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Bacon can be replaced with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
