Maple Chicken Bacon Sliders

Soft sweet rolls stuffed with juicy chicken strips gooey gouda smoky bacon and finished with a brush of melting maple butter these maple chicken and bacon sliders have become a weeknight game day or party staple in my kitchen Their flavor is a craveable blend of savory sweet and a little salty everything you want in a crowd pleasing slider

My family fell in love with these after a Sunday football game Now whenever we want something special but not fussy this is our go to

Ingredients

• Kings Hawaiian Rolls: soft buttery slightly sweet rolls that toast beautifully pick the freshest pack for maximum pillowy texture
• Cooked Chicken Strips: tender slices of chicken that soak in flavor I use rotisserie or crispy tenders for great texture and ease
• Gouda Cheese: creamy with a subtle nuttiness gouda melts beautifully choose slices from the deli for full coverage
• Cooked Bacon: crisp and smoky adds crunch and depth go for thick cut bacon for maximum flavor
• Maple Butter: sweet maple blended into butter gives every bite rich sticky warmth try to find real maple butter from the specialty section

Instructions

Prep the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so the sliders toast up golden and the cheese melts perfectly

Prepare the Rolls:

Slide a sharp bread knife through the whole batch of Hawaiian rolls to create a top and bottom layer Keep them connected for easy building

Layer with Maple Butter:

Grab your maple butter and spread a thick even layer over the cut side of the bottom rolls This will melt into the bread as it bakes creating sticky sweetness in every bite

Assemble the Fillings:

Lay cooked chicken strips evenly over the maple butter Next tuck crisp bacon slices all across then fan out the gouda cheese to cover completely The order matters to get even gooey melted cheese over the bacon and chicken

Cap and Bake:

Place the top half of the rolls back on Press down gently to seal Pop the whole thing into your hot oven for 10 to 15 minutes The cheese should melt and the rolls should start to crisp at the edges

Finish with Maple Butter:

Take the pan out carefully Immediately brush the tops of the warm rolls with more maple butter This gives a glossy sweet finish you can actually smell as soon as it hits the hot bread

Slice and Serve:

Let cool just a minute or two then slice the batch into 12 sliders Serve warm and enjoy gooey stretch of cheese in every bite

Bacon is my favorite part there is nothing like that first bite when the maple butter and bacon come together crisp and sticky My brother asks for these every birthday I think for him it is about the bacon to bread ratio

Storage Tips

The sliders keep nicely in the fridge for up to three days Wrap leftovers tightly in foil and reheat in a warm oven until the cheese melts again For longer storage freeze unbaked sliders wrapped well and bake straight from the freezer at 350 degrees until gooey and hot

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in turkey bacon for a lighter option or use sharp cheddar instead of gouda Add thin apple slices for fresh crunch If you cannot find maple butter mix real maple syrup into softened unsalted butter with a pinch of flaky salt

Serving Suggestions

Set these out on a big platter and let everyone pull their own slider Offer extra maple syrup on the side Serve with a bright salad or a bowl of tomato soup to balance the richness My kids love them with a pile of sweet potato fries

Cultural and Seasonal Context

Sliders are an American potluck classic and using Hawaiian rolls taps into that sweet savory style that is always a hit Maple and bacon provide a cozy fall winter feel but honestly these are requested all year in my home

Seasonal Adaptations

During autumn layer in thin pear or apple slices for fresh crunch Add a pinch of cinnamon to the maple butter for holiday flavor Try with roasted turkey instead of chicken for post Thanksgiving leftovers

Success Stories

My cousin brought these to a family reunion and they disappeared in minutes A friend made a gluten free version with specialty rolls and it was just as delicious There is always someone at the table asking for the recipe and a repeat invitation

Freezer Meal Conversion

Assemble fully but do not bake Wrap the whole batch tightly with foil and freeze When ready to enjoy bake straight from the freezer at 350 degrees until hot and melted It makes party prep so easy

Serve these warm from the oven for maximum gooeyness They will be a hit at any table

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken is best for these sliders?

Fully cooked chicken strips work best for convenience, but grilled or roasted chicken breast also gives great flavor.

→ Can I substitute the gouda cheese?

Yes, Swiss or cheddar can be used for a different flavor profile while maintaining creamy meltiness.

→ How do I prevent the sliders from getting soggy?

Spread maple butter lightly and avoid overfilling. Toasting in the oven helps keep the rolls firm and slightly crisp.

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

Assemble up to one day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving to ensure freshness and melted cheese.

→ What sides pair well with these sliders?

Coleslaw, potato chips, or a fresh green salad complement the sweet and savory flavors of the sliders.