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 Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease the surface.
02 - Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally, then cut each portion into equal pieces to yield 8 cutlets total.
03 - In a mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified.
04 - Submerge the chicken pieces in the maple mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Allow to rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
05 - Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
06 - Place a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken cutlets for 3 to 4 minutes per side until fully cooked through and nicely caramelized.
07 - Brush the cut sides of the slider buns with melted butter. Toast face-down in a hot skillet until golden brown.
08 - Layer the bottom buns with arugula, followed by a grilled chicken piece, a slice of crispy bacon, a slice of cheese, and red onions. Cap with the top buns.
09 - Insert cocktail picks through the center of each slider to hold the layers intact. Serve immediately while warm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The maple glaze caramelizes beautifully in the pan, creating a sticky crust that tastes like it took hours to develop.
- Using mini buns means you can easily justify going back for seconds without any guilt.
02 -
- Watch the chicken closely in the grill pan because the maple syrup can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt in seconds.
- Assemble the sliders while the bacon is still warm so the cheese gets a head start on melting.
03 -
- Put the cheese directly on the hot chicken so it melts instantly rather than sliding off the bun.
- Baking the bacon in the oven leaves your stovetop free for searing the chicken.