There’s something irresistibly comforting about the combination of sweet maple, savory chicken, and crispy bacon that makes these Maple Chicken and Bacon Sliders an instant crowd-pleaser. These mini sandwiches strike the perfect balance between indulgence and homestyle cooking, making them ideal for everything from game day gatherings to casual family dinners.
I developed this recipe after experimenting with different flavor profiles, and the maple-bacon combination was an immediate hit with everyone who tried it. The sliders come together in just about 45 minutes, but taste like you’ve been cooking all day!
Why You’ll Love This
- Perfect balance of sweet maple glaze and savory bacon flavors
- Quick 45-minute prep and cook time, ideal for weeknight dinners
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults too
- Versatile recipe that works for casual dinners or entertaining
- Leftovers (if there are any!) reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
Ingredients
- 12 Kings Hawaiian slider rolls
- 12 cooked chicken strips
- 4 slices Gouda cheese
- 4-6 slices cooked bacon
- ¼ cup maple butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. These sweet and savory sliders are going to be amazing!
- Carefully slice the entire pack of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected as one big piece. This makes assembly so much easier!
- Spread a generous layer of maple butter across the bottom half of the rolls. This sweet base is what makes these sliders so special and keeps everything moist.
- Evenly distribute the cooked chicken strips across the rolls, then layer on the crispy bacon pieces. Top with the Gouda cheese slices, making sure each slider area gets some of that creamy, melty goodness.
- Place the top half of the rolls over the fillings and transfer to the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and the rolls are warmed through.
- Remove from the oven and immediately brush the tops with more maple butter for that glossy, sweet finish that makes these sliders irresistible.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut through the scored lines to separate into 12 individual sliders. Serve warm while the cheese is still melty and enjoy that perfect sweet and savory combination!
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the maple mixture
- Try using turkey bacon as a lighter alternative to regular bacon
- Make it a meal prep option by preparing the chicken and glaze ahead of time
- Add a slice of cheddar or Swiss cheese on top of the warm chicken for extra richness
- For a tangier flavor profile, mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into the maple glaze
- Substitute brioche buns for an even more indulgent slider experience
Serving Suggestions
These Maple Chicken and Bacon Sliders pair wonderfully with sweet potato fries or a simple coleslaw. The sweetness of the fries complements the maple glaze, while a tangy slaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the sliders.
For a complete meal, serve with a light green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. If you’re entertaining, arrange the sliders on a platter with small bowls of extra maple glaze on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and juices run clear
- For best results, use pure maple syrup rather than pancake syrup
- These sliders can be assembled up to an hour before serving – just cover loosely with foil to keep them fresh
FAQs
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Absolutely! Grill over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, basting with the maple mixture during the last few minutes of cooking.
How can I make these sliders gluten-free?
Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free slider buns and double-check that your Dijon mustard is gluten-free (most are, but it’s worth verifying).
Can I prepare any elements of this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken overnight, cook the bacon a day ahead, and prepare the maple mixture in advance. Store everything separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
Would this recipe work with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! Shred about 2 cups of rotisserie chicken and warm it with half of the maple mixture in a skillet before assembling the sliders. This makes for an even quicker weeknight meal!
[recipe_card]
