Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders (Printer-Friendly)

Sweet and savory mini sandwiches with maple-glazed chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar on toasted buns.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 6 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 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Buns & Toppings

10 - 6 slider buns
11 - 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
12 - 1 cup baby arugula or mixed greens
13 - 6 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
14 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
15 - Butter, for toasting buns

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create 6 even, small fillets.
03 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
04 - Add the chicken fillets to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Let rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
05 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
06 - Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the excess. In the same skillet or on a grill pan, sear the fillets over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through. Set aside.
07 - Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Brush the reduced glaze generously over each cooked chicken fillet.
08 - If using cheddar, place a slice on each glazed chicken fillet and broil for about 1 minute until melted and bubbly.
09 - Lightly brush the cut sides of each slider bun with butter. Toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
10 - Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on each bottom bun. Layer with arugula, the glazed chicken, crispy bacon, sliced red onion, and the top bun. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The maple glaze caramelizes on the chicken and creates this sticky, glossy coating that makes everyone lick their fingers without shame.
  • Bacon and maple are a power combination that works equally well for a casual weeknight dinner or a game day spread.
  • Everything comes together in about 35 minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
02 -
  • Do not skip reducing the leftover marinade in the pan because that step is what turns a thin sauce into the sticky glaze that makes these sliders special.
  • Reserve the marinade before adding the chicken to the pan so you can safely reduce it without any food safety concerns.
  • Toast the buns right before assembling because they lose their crunch quickly and become soggy under the glaze.
03 -
  • Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes after searing before adding the glaze so the juices redistribute and the meat stays moist inside.
  • Cook the bacon slightly crispier than you think it needs to be because the glaze will soften it slightly once assembled.

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