Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders (Printable version)
Sweet maple-glazed chicken and crispy bacon stacked on toasted buns with arugula and cheddar.
# Ingredient list:
→ Meats
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 6 slices thick-cut bacon
→ Marinade & Glaze
03 - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
04 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
05 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
06 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Buns & Toppings
10 - 6 slider buns
11 - 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
12 - 1 cup baby arugula or mixed greens
13 - 6 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
14 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
15 - Butter for toasting buns
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create 6 equal small fillets.
03 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
04 - Add the chicken fillets to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Let rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
05 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
06 - Remove chicken from the marinade, reserving the remaining liquid. In the same skillet or on a grill pan, sear the fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through and golden. Set aside on a plate.
07 - Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Brush the reduced glaze generously over each cooked chicken fillet.
08 - If desired, place a slice of cheddar cheese on each glazed chicken fillet and broil for about 1 minute until melted and bubbly.
09 - Lightly brush the cut sides of each slider bun with butter. Toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
10 - Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on each bottom bun. Layer with arugula, a glazed chicken fillet, crispy bacon, sliced red onion, and the top bun. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The maple glaze caramelizes on the chicken and creates this gorgeous sticky crust that rivals any restaurant slider.
- They come together in about half an hour, which means you can pull them off for a weeknight dinner without breaking a sweat.
02 -
- Do not toss the leftover marinade because reducing it is what transforms a simple mixture into that thick, glossy glaze that makes these sliders special.
- If the glaze gets too thick or starts to burn while reducing, splash in a tablespoon of water and stir to bring it back.
03 -
- Cook the bacon in the same skillet you will use for the chicken so the rendered fat adds flavor to every layer.
- Slice the chicken fillets no thicker than half an inch so they cook through quickly and stay juicy inside.