Introduction

These Chicken Bacon Sliders combine tender, spiced chicken with a sweet and tangy maple bacon glaze for a perfect bite-sized treat. Topped with crispy bacon and creamy brie, they make an ideal appetizer or a fun meal for any occasion.

This image shows a close-up of several small sandwiches arranged on a brown wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has three main layers inside a shiny, golden-brown, soft bun. The bottom layer is white melted cheese, followed by a green leafy vegetable peeking out, then a thick, seasoned, golden-brown grilled chicken breast. Above the chicken is crispy, reddish-brown bacon, and the top bun is slightly glossy and sprinkled with white grated cheese. The focus is on one sandwich in the front, with more sandwiches blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into slider-sized portions (about 2-3 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
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)
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

Step 1: Cut chicken breasts into 2-3 inch square pieces.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Add chicken to the bowl and coat well with the spice mixture. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little extra olive oil if needed to prevent sticking. Cook chicken in a single layer (in batches if necessary) for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 5: In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 6: Cook bacon until crispy. Drain excess grease and crumble or cut into slider-sized pieces.
Step 7: Lightly toast slider buns if desired. Spread a thin layer of maple bacon glaze on the bottom bun.
Step 8: Place a piece of cooked chicken on the glazed bun, then drizzle more maple bacon glaze over the chicken.
Step 9: If using, add a slice of brie cheese on top of the chicken. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the cheese or chicken, then top with arugula or baby spinach.
Step 10: Place the top bun on the slider. Repeat with remaining ingredients and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the flavor and keep it juicy.
Substitute brie with cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different taste.
For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
Use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon alternatives if preferred.

Storage

Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet or microwave to keep the chicken moist and avoid soggy buns. For best texture, consider toasting the buns again before assembling leftovers.

How to Serve

The image shows several small sandwiches on a wooden board with a white marbled surface below. Each sandwich has three layers: the bottom layer is a soft, slightly toasted light golden bun, followed by green leafy lettuce, a thick piece of crispy golden-brown fried chicken, and a few strips of crispy red-brown bacon. The top layer is a shiny golden-brown bun sprinkled with white grated cheese. The sandwiches are arranged in a scattered but neat way, with one in the front in clear focus and the others blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the sliders in advance?

Yes, you can marinate and cook the chicken ahead of time and prepare the glaze and bacon in advance. Assemble the sliders just before serving to keep the buns fresh and prevent sogginess.

What can I use if I don’t have maple syrup?

If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave nectar can be good substitutes for the glaze. They will provide a similar sweetness and help balance the tangy and savory flavors.