Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders

Ingredients

Chicken

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (extra juicy)
  (Chicken breasts work too, but thighs are elite here)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme (optional but nice)

Bacon

• 10–12 slices thick-cut bacon

Maple Glaze

• ½ cup real maple syrup (don’t cheap out—this is the star)
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp chili flakes

Sliders

• 12 slider buns (Hawaiian rolls are perfect)
• 6–8 slices sharp cheddar, gouda, or provolone
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tsp everything bagel seasoning (optional but clutch)
• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)

Optional Add-Ons (Highly Encouraged)

• Caramelized onions
• Thinly sliced pickles
• Spicy mayo or honey mustard

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Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a rack on top.
3. Lay bacon strips flat.
4. Bake 18–22 minutes, until crispy.
5. Transfer to paper towels and set aside.

Pro tip: Save 1–2 tablespoons of bacon fat for cooking the chicken. Flavor = unlocked.

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Step 2: Season & Cook the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add 1 tbsp bacon fat (or oil).
5. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal).
6. Remove chicken and let rest 5 minutes.
7. Slice into slider-sized pieces.

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Step 3: Make the Maple Glaze

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:
   • Maple syrup
   • Dijon mustard
   • Apple cider vinegar
   • Soy sauce
   • Brown sugar
   • Garlic
   • Chili flakes (if using)
2. Simmer 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Sauce should thicken slightly and coat the back of a spoon.

Taste and adjust:

• Too sweet? Add vinegar.
• Too sharp? Add more maple.
• Want heat? More chili flakes.

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Step 4: Glaze the Chicken

1. Add sliced chicken back into the skillet.
2. Pour ½–⅔ of the maple glaze over chicken.
3. Toss gently over low heat for 2–3 minutes until sticky and glossy.
4. Turn off heat.

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Step 5: Assemble the Sliders

1. Lower oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice slider buns horizontally (keep tops and bottoms intact if possible).
3. Place bottoms in a greased baking dish.
4. Layer:
   • Maple-glazed chicken
   • Bacon (break slices in half)
   • Cheese
   • Optional onions/pickles
5. Place bun tops on.

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Step 6: Butter & Bake

1. Mix melted butter with everything bagel seasoning.
2. Brush generously over slider tops.
3. Cover loosely with foil.
4. Bake 12–15 minutes until cheese melts.
5. Remove foil and bake 5 more minutes for golden tops.

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Step 7: Finish & Serve

• Drizzle remaining maple glaze over sliders
• Garnish with herbs if you’re feeling fancy
• Serve hot and watch them disappear

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Make-Ahead Tips

• Chicken + glaze can be made 1–2 days ahead
• Assemble sliders right before baking for best texture

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Want Variations?

• Spicy: Add chipotle powder to the glaze
• Breakfast sliders: Add a fried egg
• Extra indulgent: Add a smear of maple butter inside the buns