Maple Chicken Turkey Bacon Sliders
These Maple Chicken Turkey Bacon Sliders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game days, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings. The sweet and savory maple glaze pairs perfectly with tender shredded chicken and crispy turkey bacon, all melted under a blanket of gooey mozzarella. The buttery, garlicky buns add a rich finish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. It's a dish that balances comfort and sophistication effortlessly-simple enough for weeknights, impressive enough for special occasions.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- The maple syrup isn't just a glaze-it's reduced in the pan to intensify its flavor and create a sticky, caramelized coating that clings to every bite of chicken and bacon.
- Turkey bacon adds a smoky depth while keeping the sliders lighter than traditional pork bacon, making this dish a crowd-pleaser for health-conscious guests.
- The Dijon mustard in the chicken mixture cuts through the richness of the maple and mayo, adding a subtle sharpness that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Baking the sliders in a covered dish first ensures the buns stay soft and the cheese melts evenly, while the final broil gives them a golden, buttery finish that's irresistible.
Ingredients
2 cupscooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
8 slicesturkey bacon
1 cupshredded mozzarella cheese
12 sliderbuns or dinner rolls
1/4 cupmaple syrup
1/2 cupmayonnaise
1 tablespoonDijon mustard, optional
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoonsunsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoongarlic powder
Nutrition
580 caloriesCalories
Per serving · Values are estimates
Instructions
1
In a skillet over medium heat, cook turkey bacon slices until browned and crispy. Transfer to paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
2
Combine cooked chicken breast, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard if using, and maple syrup in a large mixing bowl. Fold in chopped turkey bacon and shredded mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3
Preheat oven to 350°F. Slice slider buns in half and arrange bottom halves in a large baking dish. Distribute chicken and bacon mixture evenly over buns, then place the tops over the filling.
4
Mix melted butter with garlic powder. Generously brush the mixture over the tops of the buns.
5
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cheese is melted.
6
Remove sliders from the oven and let cool for several minutes. Serve warm.
Essential Tips
Use leftover rotisserie chicken
Shredded rotisserie chicken adds depth and convenience. For extra flavor, toss the shredded chicken with a splash of maple syrup and a pinch of smoked paprika before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Toast your buns first
Lightly toast the bottom halves of the buns in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes before arranging them in the baking dish. This prevents sogginess and adds a subtle crunch.
Don't skip the garlic butter
The garlic butter brushed on top isn't just for flavor-it creates a crispy, golden crust on the buns that locks in moisture and adds texture contrast.
Chop bacon uniformly
Cut the turkey bacon into small, even pieces before mixing it into the chicken. This ensures every slider has a consistent ratio of crispy bacon to tender chicken.
Broil for the final stretch
Watch the sliders closely during the final 5-7 minutes of broiling. The mozzarella should bubble and turn golden but not burn-this step is crucial for that perfect, gooey finish.
Smart Swaps & Variations
Spicy Maple Sliders
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture, and top with sliced jalapeños before baking for a fiery kick.
BBQ Chicken Sliders
Swap the maple syrup for 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce and replace the Dijon mustard with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
Veggie-Packed Sliders
Add 1/2 cup of finely diced bell peppers or sautéed onions to the chicken mixture for extra texture and freshness.
Pulled Chicken Sliders
Slow-cook the chicken with 1/4 cup of additional maple syrup and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce for 2 hours in a slow cooker before shredding.
What to Serve With This
- Classic coleslaw for a refreshing crunch and tangy contrast to the sweet-savory sliders.
- A crisp, chilled lager or hard cider to balance the richness of the maple and cheese.
- Sweet potato fries or baked potato wedges for a hearty, shareable side.
- Fresh fruit salad with berries and mint to cut through the richness and add a bright finish.
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat only once to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes, covered, to restore the crispiness of the buns and the warmth of the filling. Alternatively, microwave for 20-30 seconds but keep the cheese covered to prevent it from drying out.
Expert Chef Tips
- For a deeper maple flavor, reduce 1/2 cup of maple syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat until it thickens to a syrup-like consistency (about 5 minutes). Toss the shredded chicken in this reduced syrup before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Use a mandoline to slice the slider buns uniformly for even toasting and baking. This ensures every slider has the same perfect ratio of soft bun to savory filling.
- If the mozzarella starts browning too quickly during the final broil, tent the baking dish loosely with foil to prevent over-browning while still allowing the cheese to melt.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet for cooking turkey bacon
- Large mixing bowl for combining chicken and toppings
- Baking dish or sheet pan for assembling sliders
- Pastry brush for applying garlic butter
Nutritional Benefits
- These sliders provide 15-20g of protein per serving, primarily from chicken and turkey bacon, making them a satisfying option for lunch or dinner.
- Using turkey bacon reduces saturated fat compared to traditional pork bacon while still delivering a smoky flavor.
- The maple syrup adds natural sugars for quick energy, while the mozzarella provides calcium and protein for bone health.
- For a lower-calorie version, swap mayo for Greek yogurt and reduce the mozzarella by half to cut back on saturated fats.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Regular bacon will add a deeper, smokier flavor, but keep in mind it's higher in fat. Cook it until crispy, chop it finely, and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease before mixing it into the chicken.
How can I make these sliders ahead of time?
You can assemble the sliders up to the point of baking and refrigerate them, covered, for up to 24 hours. Add 5 extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold. Do not brush with garlic butter until ready to bake.
What's the best way to reheat leftovers without making them soggy?
Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to create steam, which will gently warm the sliders without drying them out. Cover the skillet with a lid for 1-2 minutes to evenly distribute the heat.
Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free slider buns or dinner rolls, ensuring they're sturdy enough to hold the filling. Check that your mayonnaise and Dijon mustard are also gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How do I prevent the sliders from becoming too greasy?
Pat the turkey bacon dry with paper towels after cooking to remove excess fat. Also, avoid overloading the sliders with filling-keep the chicken mixture compact in the center of each bun.
Can I freeze these sliders?
Yes, but they're best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, assemble the sliders without baking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
What's the best maple syrup to use?
Use 100% pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Avoid imitation maple syrup, which can have a chemical aftertaste. Darker grades like Grade B or Amber have a stronger maple flavor, while Grade A is lighter and milder.
Can I add other cheeses to the sliders?
Absolutely! Try adding a layer of pepper jack for heat, cheddar for sharpness, or brie for a creamy, decadent twist. Mix shredded cheeses in with the mozzarella for even distribution.
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