Get ready to meet your new favorite obsession. These Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders are the ultimate party food, combining sweet maple syrup, savory bacon, tender chicken, and melted cheese, all nestled in soft Hawaiian rolls. They are unbelievably easy to make and disappear in minutes! Whether you need a quick dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day, or the star of your next get-together, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
We combine simple, high-quality ingredients to create layers of unforgettable flavor. A sticky, sweet maple butter glaze gets poured over the top, making every single bite absolute perfection. You won’t believe how quickly these come together.
Why You’ll Love These Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s packed with flavor and requires minimal effort, you’ve found it. These sliders are a culinary touchdown, perfect for any occasion.
- Perfect Flavor Combo: The sweet notes from the maple syrup perfectly complement the salty, smoky bacon and savory chicken. It’s a taste explosion!
- Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe is designed for sharing. A single batch makes 12 sliders, making it ideal for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
- Incredibly Easy: Using pre-cooked chicken (like a rotisserie chicken) and simple ingredients, you can have these sliders assembled and ready for the oven in under 20 minutes.
- Perfectly Customizable: Feel free to switch up the cheese, add a little spice, or try a different type of bun. We’ll give you some great ideas below.
The Perfect Ingredients for Sweet & Savory Sliders
The magic of this dish comes from a short list of powerhouse ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate sweet and savory bite.
For the Sliders
- Hawaiian Sweet Rolls: Their signature sweetness is the perfect base for these sliders. Don’t slice them apart first! Keeping the slab intact is key.
- Cooked Chicken: To make this recipe super fast, use shredded rotisserie chicken. You can also use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand.
- Bacon: Cooked until crispy and then crumbled. It provides a salty, crunchy texture that is absolutely essential.
- Cheese: We love the meltability of Provolone or a mild Cheddar, but Swiss or Havarti would also be delicious.
For the Maple Butter Topping
- Butter: The rich base of our glaze.
- Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best, most authentic flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy depth that cuts through the richness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a deep, savory, umami flavor.
- Onion & Garlic Powder: These aromatics round out the sauce perfectly.
How to Make Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders
Making these sliders is as simple as assemble, glaze, and bake. Follow these steps for guaranteed success.
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently slice the slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping all the rolls connected. Place the bottom half in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer the Fillings: First, layer the cheese slices over the bottom buns. Next, evenly distribute the shredded chicken, followed by a generous sprinkle of crispy, crumbled bacon. Top with another layer of cheese.
- Add the Top Buns: Place the top half of the rolls over the cheese layer.
- Mix the Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Glaze and Bake: Pour the maple butter mixture evenly over the top of the sliders, using a brush to ensure every roll is coated. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Final Bake: Remove the foil and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Sliders
Want to take your sliders from great to unforgettable? Here are a few expert tips.
- Don’t Separate the Rolls: Baking the sliders as a single unit helps trap steam, making the buns soft and warm while preventing the filling from leaking out.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: While pre-sliced is convenient, grating your own cheese from a block results in a smoother, creamier melt. For a delicious twist, try the hot honey and feta combination.
- Let Them Rest: Giving the sliders 5 minutes to rest after they come out of the oven allows the cheese to set slightly, making them much easier to slice and serve.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great canvas for creativity. For another cheesy favorite, check out this Chicken Avocado Melt.
- Spicy Maple: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce to the maple butter glaze for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Add Some Green: Mix some chopped spinach or kale into the chicken for a bit of added nutrition and color. Our Summer Kale Salad is another great way to enjoy greens.
- Different Buns: While Hawaiian rolls are classic, these would also be fantastic on pretzel slider buns or classic dinner rolls.
What to Serve with Your Sliders
These Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders can be a meal on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider a fresh salad, crispy potatoes, or a simple vegetable dish to round out your meal.
- Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Potatoes: French fries, sweet potato fries, or crispy roasted potatoes.
- Veggies: Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or corn on the cob.
Making Ahead and Storing
These sliders are a fantastic make-ahead option for parties, saving you time and stress on the day of your event.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can fully assemble the sliders (without the glaze) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. Prepare the glaze and store it in a separate airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply pour the glaze over the sliders and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the initial covered baking time to account for the cold start.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but the oven method is best for keeping the buns from getting soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can assemble the sliders completely (without adding the glaze) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Prepare the glaze separately and pour it over the sliders just before baking.
The key is to not oversaturate the sliders with the glaze. Pour it evenly over the top and let it drip down the sides. Baking them on a wire rack placed inside the baking dish can also help, but we find that a light greasing of the dish is sufficient.
We love Provolone because it melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients. Mild cheddar, Swiss, or Havarti are also excellent choices.
For the quickest and easiest preparation, we highly recommend using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. You can also use any leftover cooked chicken breast or thighs, just be sure to shred or dice it.
These sliders are very versatile! They pair wonderfully with classic sides like french fries, a simple green salad with vinaigrette, creamy coleslaw, or a bowl of soup.
The Ultimate Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders Recipe
Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders: Sweet, Savory & Irresistible!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Without separating the rolls, slice the entire slab of Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Place the bottom section in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer half of the cheese slices (4) over the bottom buns. Spread the shredded chicken evenly over the cheese, then sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top. Finish with the remaining 4 slices of cheese.
- Place the top half of the rolls onto the final cheese layer. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour the maple butter glaze evenly over the top of the sliders. Use a pastry brush to make sure the tops and sides of all the rolls are coated.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the sliders rest in the pan for 5 minutes before slicing them apart and serving warm.
Notes
To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
Letting the sliders rest before cutting is crucial for clean slices.
Share Your Creations!
We are certain that these Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders will be a huge hit! They are the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness that will have everyone asking for the recipe. If you make them, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think!
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