There is something magical about the smell of maple on a crisp autumn evening. These maple chicken bacon sliders bring that cozy feeling right to your kitchen table. They are sweet, savory, and incredibly satisfying for your whole family. You can have them ready in under 40 minutes tonight.
It is the perfect time of year for warm, handheld meals. Your kitchen will smell like a gourmet bistro as the bacon crisps up. These sliders are great for a busy Tuesday or a Sunday game. Everyone will reach for a second or third helping of these treats.
I love how the maple syrup balances the salty bacon and creamy cheese. It creates a flavor profile that feels fancy but stays very simple. You do not need any special skills to master this recipe today. Let us get started on this comfort food favorite together.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These sliders are a total crowd-pleaser for any fall gathering you host. The smoky bacon pairs perfectly with the sweet and sticky maple glaze. It is a high-protein meal that feels like a decadent treat. Your kids will love the small size and the gooey melted cheese.
You will love how simple the cleanup is after your family finishes eating. Using one skillet and one baking sheet keeps your kitchen very tidy. It is a budget-friendly way to feed a hungry group of people. You can easily double the recipe for larger parties or potlucks.
The combination of textures is what makes this dish truly stand out. You get the crunch of the bacon and the softness of the buns. The chicken stays incredibly juicy thanks to the quick searing method used. It is a balanced meal that leaves everyone feeling full and happy.
This recipe is also very adaptable for different dietary needs and preferences. You can swap the buns or the cheese to fit your lifestyle easily. It is a reliable weeknight winner that you will want to save. Making healthy choices feels easy when the food tastes this good.
Simple Method for Success
Making these sliders is a straightforward process that any beginner can handle. You start by searing the chicken to lock in all the moisture. The maple-mustard glaze goes on last to prevent any burning or sticking. This step ensures a beautiful caramelization on every single piece of chicken.
Assembling the sliders is a fun task that kids can help with. You just layer the chicken, bacon, and cheese on the soft buns. A quick brush of melted butter on top adds a golden finish. The oven does the rest of the work in just ten minutes.
Even if you have never made sliders before, you can do this. The steps are logical and move very quickly once you start cooking. You will feel like a pro when you pull the tray out. The cheese will be bubbly and the buns will be perfectly toasted.
Ingredients You Will Need
Most of these items are likely already sitting in your pantry or fridge. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make the flavors really pop in this dish.
- 1 lb Boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 8 Slider buns
- 4 slices Gouda cheese, halved
- 4 slices Thick-cut bacon, cooked and halved
- 2 tbsp Pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 0.5 tsp Kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter, melted
Step-by-Step Directions
- Whisk together maple syrup and Dijon mustard in a small bowl to create the glaze.
- Season sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Apply the maple-mustard glaze to the chicken during the final 2 minutes of searing to caramelize.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Arrange slider bun bottoms on a lined baking sheet.
- Layer each bun bottom with a portion of glazed chicken, a piece of bacon, and a half-slice of Gouda.
- Place bun tops over the cheese and brush the surface with melted butter.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and the buns are golden brown.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these sliders warm while the cheese is still stretchy and melted. They look beautiful on a wooden serving board for a rustic fall look. You can pair them with a fresh green salad for balance. Sweet potato fries also make a wonderful side dish for this meal.
If you are hosting a party, serve them alongside some crunchy pickles. The acidity of the pickles cuts through the richness of the Gouda. You can also offer extra maple-mustard sauce on the side for dipping. It adds an extra punch of flavor that guests will really love.
For a cozy date night, light a candle and enjoy these together. They are casual but feel special because of the unique flavor profile. Pair them with a cold sparkling cider to enhance the autumn vibes. It is a simple way to make dinner feel like an event.
These sliders are also great for packing into lunches the next day. They stay delicious even when they are not piping hot from the oven. Just keep the toppings simple so the buns do not get soggy. Your coworkers will definitely be jealous of your protein-rich lunch.
Keep It Fresh
You can store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days easily. To keep the buns crisp, reheat them in a 350 degree oven. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that perfect toasted texture.
If you are meal prepping, you can cook the chicken ahead of time. Simply store the glazed chicken and cooked bacon in separate containers until needed. Assemble and bake the sliders right before you are ready to serve. This saves you valuable time on busy weeknights after work or school.
I do not recommend freezing the fully assembled sliders for very long. The bread can become quite soft when it thaws out in the fridge. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken slices for up to a month. This makes it even faster to whip up a batch later.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip the butter brush on top of the buns for color.
- Use thick-cut bacon to ensure it stays crunchy inside the slider.
- Thinly slice your chicken so it cooks quickly and fits the buns.
- Wipe your skillet between batches if the maple glaze starts to burn.
- Choose a high-quality aged Gouda for a deeper and nuttier flavor profile.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for the easiest possible cleanup.
- Press down lightly on the bun tops to help the cheese bond.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best contrast between hot and cold.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Add a slice of fresh apple for an extra autumn crunch.
- Swap the Gouda for sharp white cheddar for a bolder bite.
- Use honey instead of maple syrup if you prefer a floral sweetness.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for some heat.
- Try using turkey bacon for a lighter version of this savory dish.
Common Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. Just toss the shredded meat in the glaze before assembling the sliders. Warm it through in the oven as the cheese melts for best results.
What is the best type of bun to use?
Brioche slider buns are my favorite because they are soft and buttery. You can also use Hawaiian rolls for an extra touch of sweetness. Any small dinner roll will work well for these tasty little sandwiches.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely, just swap the slider buns for your favorite gluten-free brand. Ensure your Dijon mustard and maple syrup are certified gluten-free as well. The chicken and bacon are naturally safe for your dietary needs.
I hope these sliders bring a little extra warmth to your table this season. They are the perfect way to enjoy a high-protein meal with those you love. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!
— Katie Wood
Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 8 Slider bun s
- 4 slices Gouda cheese, halved
- 4 slices Thick -cut bacon, cooked and halved
- 2 tbsp Pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 0.5 tsp Kosher salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Whisk together maple syrup and Dijon mustard in a small bowl to create the glaze.
- Season sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Apply the maple-mustard glaze to the chicken during the final 2 minutes of searing to caramelize.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Arrange slider bun bottoms on a lined baking sheet.
- Layer each bun bottom with a portion of glazed chicken, a piece of bacon, and a half-slice of Gouda.
- Place bun tops over the cheese and brush the surface with melted butter.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and the buns are golden brown.
