Maple Chicken Turkey Bacon Sliders

There is something irresistible about pulling a tray of maple chicken and turkey bacon sliders from the oven that instantly makes any gathering feel special. This maple chicken and turkey bacon sliders recipe comes together in just 15 minutes of prep and under 45 minutes total, so whether you are planning quick weeknight dinners, meal prepping for the week, or need a crowd pleasing appetizer, these sweet and savory sliders are the answer. Moist shredded chicken combines with turkey bacon and a hint of maple syrup, creating the perfect balance of flavors for any occasion.

The first time I made these maple chicken and turkey bacon sliders was for a neighborhood potluck, and to my surprise, they disappeared even faster than the desserts. My family fell in love with the sweet and smoky combination, especially since we often make them with leftover rotisserie chicken or on nights when we need quick comfort food that everyone actually agrees on. Over time, these sliders have become a requested favorite for both relaxed weekends and game day celebrations because the flavor is always a hit.

Gather Your Ingredients for Maple Chicken and Turkey Bacon Sliders

• Cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped): Provides a tender, juicy base for sliders. Rotisserie chicken speeds up prep and gives deeper flavor. Leftover or canned chicken works for a shortcut
• Turkey bacon (cooked crisp): Delivers smoky crunch with less fat than pork bacon. Choose uncured for less sodium or swap for classic bacon if that is your preference
• Pure maple syrup (Grade A amber): Adds real, naturally sweet maple flavor. Avoid pancake syrup for best results
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts easily for creamy texture. Substitute cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra richness or a flavor twist
• Mayonnaise: Binds the filling together and keeps it moist. Try avocado oil mayo for a lighter option
• Dijon mustard (optional): Lends tangy sharpness if you want more depth. Leave out for a milder taste
• Slider buns or soft dinner rolls: Form a pillowy sandwich base. Brioche or potato rolls add an extra buttery note, and gluten free rolls keep the recipe allergy friendly
• Unsalted butter (melted): Brushed on top for golden, crisp bakery style buns. Use dairy free margarine if needed
• Garlic powder: Infuses butter topping with savory aroma. Roasted garlic can be used for milder, more complex flavor
• Salt and black pepper: Enhance all the ingredients. Taste and adjust just before baking

How to Make Maple Chicken and Turkey Bacon Sliders

Sauté the Turkey Bacon until Crispy:

Lay turkey bacon strips in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat for seven to nine minutes, turning occasionally, until deeply golden and crisp at the edges. Drain on paper towels, then chop when cool. Crisp texture holds up in the filling and adds smoky flavor without extra grease.

Mix the Maple Chicken Filling:

In a large bowl, combine cooked shredded chicken, mayonnaise, optional Dijon mustard, and pure maple syrup. Stir to coat until creamy and evenly mixed, then fold in chopped turkey bacon and shredded mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to balance sweet, creamy, savory, and tangy.

Assemble the Sliders in the Baking Dish:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Carefully slice slider buns horizontally, keeping tops and bottoms connected. Line the bottom halves in a baking dish and spread the chicken filling evenly over the buns. Cover with top halves, avoiding pressing down, to keep them fluffy and ensure every slider is fully stuffed.

Brush Garlic Butter on Top for Flavor:

Mix melted unsalted butter and garlic powder in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush to cover the tops and edges of the buns thoroughly, ensuring a golden, flavorful finish and a bakery style appearance. Add a sprinkle of sea salt if desired before baking.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Cover dish with foil and bake for ten minutes to melt cheese and warm through. Remove foil and bake another five to seven minutes until tops are golden brown and cheese is gooey. Watch carefully to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the sliders; aim for moist filling and soft but crisp bun tops.

Let Cool and Serve Warm:

Remove from oven and cool for three to five minutes before serving to help cheese set and make slicing easier. Lift with a spatula and serve warm so the cheese is stringy and buns are at their best texture, perfect for sharing at any gathering.

I discovered that using rotisserie chicken resulted in even juicier, pull apart filling that absorbed all the sauce and flavors beautifully. It has become a fun weekly tradition for my kids to brush the garlic butter over the rolls right before baking, which makes them feel proud of the finished dish. Since switching to turkey bacon, I feel better about serving sliders more often while still getting all the comfort and smoky richness my family craves.

Smart Swaps and Variations for Maple Chicken and Turkey Bacon Sliders

If you are out of ingredients or need to adjust for allergies, there are many ways to make these sliders your own. Swap in cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a richer, more robust flavor or try pepper jack for a gentle kick. Use leftover rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or even grilled chicken breast when time is tight. For dairy free sliders, use plant based cheese and vegan mayo and if gluten is a concern, gluten free buns work great without sacrificing taste. Try honey or agave instead of maple syrup if you want a different natural sweetness or if maple is not on hand.

How to Store and Reheat Maple Chicken and Turkey Bacon Sliders

Keeping these sliders fresh and flavorful is simple. Store extra sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days to maintain softness and moisture. For longer storage, wrap individually in foil and place in a freezer safe bag for up to three months, preserving texture and taste. To reheat, warm in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for ten to twelve minutes, which allows the cheese to melt again and the buns to stay soft rather than turning tough or dry.

What to Serve with Maple Chicken and Turkey Bacon Sliders

These sweet and smoky sliders pair perfectly with crisp green salads tossed with apples or pecans for contrast, roasted sweet potato fries for a heartier meal, or a crunchy side like veggie chips. For festive platters, add coleslaw, pickle spears, and a selection of colorful fruit for brightness. Classic party drinks like lemonade or iced tea finish the meal with refreshing balance.

Nutritional Benefits

Maple chicken and turkey bacon sliders deliver high protein from lean chicken breast and turkey bacon, with bone strengthening calcium in the cheese. Using turkey bacon keeps fat lower than traditional pork versions while maintaining all that craveable flavor. These sliders are naturally nut free and easily adapted for gluten free or dairy free diets, making them an inclusive menu choice for most families.

Recipe Success Tips

If your mozzarella browns before the sliders are fully heated through, just cover loosely with foil and continue baking to prevent dryness. Add a spoonful of extra mayo or a splash more maple syrup if your chicken seems dry before baking for the best creamy texture. While brioche buns provide a luxurious bite, regular dinner rolls or even soft Hawaiian rolls work well as a back up without losing tenderness.

These maple chicken and turkey bacon sliders have become my secret weapon for gatherings and fast weeknight meals. Try them once and you will see why everyone is always reaching for seconds.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ How can I keep the sliders from getting soggy?

Use cooked and slightly cooled chicken, and avoid too much sauce. Baking the sliders quickly ensures the buns stay crisp.

→ Can I use another cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, cheddar, provolone, or Swiss all melt well and add delicious flavor to your sliders.

→ Is it possible to prepare the sliders ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything and refrigerate. Add butter topping just before baking for best results.

→ What sides go well with these sliders?

Serve with fresh veggie sticks, coleslaw, or a light salad for a perfect meal combination.

→ Can I substitute turkey bacon with regular bacon?

Absolutely, regular bacon works just as well and adds a smoky, savory touch to the sliders.