This sweet-savory slider combines tender ground chicken and beef with smoky bacon and a kiss of maple. The patties are juicy, slightly caramelized from the syrup, and pair perfectly with crisp lettuce and ripe tomato. These sliders smell of warm maple and grill-char, and they make an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer or casual meal.
In the introduction you can find a related savory bacon appetizer idea here: beef bacon jalapeno popper cheese balls recipe.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 8 (about 2 sliders per person)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories per serving: 370 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
Why Make This Maple Chicken Beef Bacon Sliders
These sliders are fast, flavorful, and balanced. The mix of ground chicken and beef keeps the patties tender and flavorful. Bacon adds smoky crunch. Maple syrup gives a sweet glaze that caramelizes on the outside for a lovely contrast. They work for game day, weeknight dinners, or a party where guests can grab and eat with one hand.
How to Make Maple Chicken Beef Bacon Sliders
This recipe is simple and hands-on. You’ll mix the meat, shape small patties, cook until caramelized and cooked through, then assemble with fresh garnishes. The combination of textures—crispy bacon, juicy patty, soft bun—makes each bite satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Slider buns
- Lettuce and tomato for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a large bowl, add the ground chicken, ground beef, crumbled bacon, maple syrup, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Wash and slice the tomato and tear lettuce leaves for garnish. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium heat.
Step 2: Mixing
Use clean hands or a spoon to mix the meat and seasonings until evenly combined. Handle the mixture gently—overworking can make patties dense. Taste a tiny amount of the raw mix is unsafe; instead, form a small test patty and cook to check seasoning, then adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Step 3: Cooking
Form the mixture into small patties about the size of your slider buns. Place patties on the preheated grill or skillet. Cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior is nicely browned and slightly caramelized from the maple syrup. Avoid pressing down on the patties so they stay juicy.
Step 4: Finishing
Toast the slider buns lightly on the grill or in a pan for extra flavor. Assemble each slider: bun bottom, patty, a piece of lettuce, a slice of tomato, then the top bun. Serve warm so the maple-sweet crust and smoky bacon shine.
How to Serve Maple Chicken Beef Bacon Sliders
Serve these sliders hot with simple sides: potato chips, coleslaw, or sweet potato fries. For a party, set up a slider bar with pickles, extra maple mustard, sliced onions, and cheeses so guests can customize. They pair well with a crisp beer or a bright iced tea.
How to Store Maple Chicken Beef Bacon Sliders
- Refrigerator: Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep buns separate in a bread bag to prevent sogginess.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat patties in a skillet over low heat or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot. Microwave briefly if needed, but use a skillet or oven for best texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Maple Chicken Beef Bacon Sliders
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure patties reach 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Don’t overmix the meat—mix until just combined to keep patties tender.
- If the mixture feels too wet from the maple syrup, chill for 10–15 minutes before shaping.
- Toast buns for texture contrast and to prevent sogginess.
- For extra browning, brush a little maple syrup on patties during the last minute of cooking and let it caramelize.
- Substitute turkey or all-beef if you prefer different flavors. Add a splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce for deeper umami.
Delicious Variations
- Maple-Mustard Sliders: Mix 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard into the meat and serve with more mustard on the bun.
- Cheesy Sliders: Add a small slice of cheddar or pepper jack to each patty during the last minute of cooking.
- Spicy Maple Sliders: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne or finely chopped jalapeño to the mix for heat.
- Herb & Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley and 1 minced garlic clove for a fresh herb lift.
- Hawaiian Style: Serve on sweet Hawaiian rolls and top with grilled pineapple for a tropical twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the patties ahead of time?
A: Yes. Form the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. They’ll hold shape better and develop flavor.
Q: Can I use all ground chicken or all ground beef instead?
A: Yes. Using all one meat will change flavor and moisture. Ground chicken is leaner—add a little olive oil or an extra egg if very lean. All beef will be richer, especially if you pick 80/20.
Q: How many sliders does this recipe make?
A: It makes about 8 servings (roughly 8–12 sliders depending on how small you make the patties). You can adjust portion size to suit your crowd.
Q: Is maple syrup necessary? Can I use honey?
A: Maple adds a distinct flavor, but honey works in a pinch. Brown sugar is another substitute; each will give a slightly different caramelized taste.
Q: How do I keep sliders from becoming soggy?
A: Toast buns, place lettuce between bun and patty to act as a barrier, and serve patties hot. Keep wet toppings like tomato or pickles separate until serving.
Q: Can I grill these outdoors?
A: Yes. Grill over medium heat and watch closely to avoid flare-ups from the maple glaze. Use a grill pan or lower heat if flare-ups occur.
Conclusion
These Maple Chicken Beef Bacon Sliders are an easy way to deliver big flavor with simple ingredients. The mix of meats stays juicy, bacon adds crunch, and maple syrup brings sweet caramel notes that pair beautifully with fresh lettuce and tomato. They’re perfect for casual dinners or entertaining a crowd. For a similar sweet-and-savory slider idea using Hawaiian rolls and maple-bacon flavor, check out Maple Bacon Hawaiian Roll Turkey Sliders – Erica’s Recipes. Give these sliders a try — they’re warm, satisfying, and fun to share.
Print
Maple Chicken Beef Bacon Sliders
- Total Time: 27
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A sweet-savory slider combining ground chicken, beef, and smoky bacon with a glaze of maple syrup, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Slider buns
- Lettuce and tomato for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, ground beef, crumbled bacon, maple syrup, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Preheat grill or skillet to medium heat.
- Form mixture into small patties about the size of slider buns.
- Cook patties on the preheated grill or skillet for 5–7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior is browned.
- Toast slider buns on the grill or in a pan, then assemble each slider with bottom bun, patty, lettuce, tomato, and top bun. Serve warm.
Notes
For best texture, do not overmix the meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure patties are cooked through.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
