The best dishes always seem to sneak up on you when you’re not planning them. A few weeks ago, I helped organize a small community cleanup event at the local park. After a long morning of hauling branches and picking up litter, we gathered at the shelter near the baseball field for lunch.
Everyone had brought something to share—pies, salads, casseroles—but it was a batch of warm, sticky, sweet-smelling sliders brought by Sandra, one of the town librarians, that disappeared the fastest. I only got one before they were gone, but that bite stuck with me.
Later that week, I recreated the flavor in my own kitchen, adding my own touch of smoky bacon and creamy Gouda. Sandra’s version had honey; I used maple butter, which gave it that woodsy sweetness that reminded me of fall breakfasts in my grandparents’ farmhouse. Back then, we’d wake up to bacon crackling and maple syrup simmering on the stove. I’d watch my grandfather swirl it into softened butter before slathering it over toast. That memory came back the moment I brushed it over these golden rolls.
These sliders are simple but indulgent, like comfort food all dressed up for company. And every time I make them, I think of Sandra, the park cleanup, and those kinds of days that fill you up in more ways than one.
Short Description
These Maple Chicken and Bacon Sliders combine savory chicken, smoky bacon, creamy Gouda, and sweet maple butter, all tucked into fluffy Hawaiian rolls and baked until melty and golden. A crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
Key Ingredients
- 12 King’s Hawaiian rolls
- 12 cooked chicken breast strips
- 4 slices Gouda cheese
- 4 to 6 slices cooked bacon
- 1/4 cup maple butter (plus more for brushing)
Tools Needed
- Serrated knife
- Baking dish or sheet pan
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
- Pastry brush
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Slice the Rolls
Use a serrated knife to carefully slice the entire pack of King’s Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally. Keep the rolls connected for easier handling.
Step 3: Add Maple Butter
Spread maple butter over the cut side of the bottom half of the rolls. Make sure it coats evenly so every bite carries that rich, sweet flavor.
Step 4: Layer Fillings
Arrange the cooked chicken breast strips over the bottom buns. Next, layer on the bacon slices, followed by Gouda cheese slices.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Place the top half of the rolls over the fillings. Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the tops are lightly golden.
Step 6: Brush with Maple Butter
Remove from oven and immediately brush the tops with more maple butter while warm.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Cut into 12 individual sliders and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet-Savory Harmony: The maple butter blends beautifully with the salty bacon and tender chicken.
Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders are always the first to disappear at potlucks and parties.
Easy to Make: Just layer, bake, and serve—great for busy hosts.
Perfect Portions: Pre-cut rolls make for easy serving and no mess.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble them earlier in the day and just bake when needed.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Using cold maple butter: Cold butter won’t spread easily and can tear the bread. Let it soften to room temp first.
Overbaking: Check around 10 minutes. Overbaking can dry out the chicken and make the rolls too crisp.
Uneven layering: Distribute the filling evenly so each slider has the same bite. Avoid piling too much in the center.
Soggy bottom rolls: If your bacon or chicken is greasy, pat it dry before layering to prevent sogginess.
Skipping the second maple butter brush: That last glaze makes the tops irresistibly glossy and flavorful, don’t skip it.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve warm with a side of sweet potato fries or a simple green salad.
These sliders go well with apple slaw or roasted vegetables.
Ideal for game day spreads, weekend brunches, or birthday parties.
Try them with sparkling cider, iced tea, or a light lager.
Perfect for buffet-style setups, especially when kept warm in a covered dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Cool leftovers completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual sliders in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 1 month.
Reheating (Oven): Wrap sliders in foil and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Reheating (Microwave): Heat on medium power for 30–45 seconds. Wrap in a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Crisping Tip: Uncover for the last few minutes if using foil to restore crisp tops.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of breast strips?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Just shred it and portion evenly.
2. Is there a substitute for Gouda?
Try smoked provolone, Havarti, or mild cheddar if you prefer. Gouda adds creaminess and depth.
3. Can I prep these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble everything a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
4. What if I don’t have maple butter?
Mix softened unsalted butter with pure maple syrup (2:1 ratio) and a pinch of salt.
5. Can I make it spicier?
Add a thin layer of hot honey, spicy mustard, or a dash of crushed red pepper before baking.
Tips & Tricks
Toast the bottom half of the rolls slightly before assembling to keep them firm.
For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika over the maple butter.
Use pre-cooked bacon or microwave your slices to save time.
If transporting, keep sliders covered in foil and reheat on arrival.
Double the recipe for larger gatherings and bake in two pans.
Recipe Variations
Maple BBQ Chicken Sliders: Add a light layer of BBQ sauce under the chicken before baking.
Spicy Jalapeño Sliders: Add pickled jalapeño slices with the bacon for a kick.
Apple & Brie Version: Swap chicken for thin apple slices and Gouda for Brie. Use turkey bacon.
Southern Style: Use biscuit halves instead of Hawaiian rolls and a dab of hot honey on top.
Breakfast Sliders: Swap chicken for scrambled eggs, and add a slice of cheddar and maple sausage.
Final Thoughts
After the first bite of these warm, sticky, savory sliders, the whole table goes quiet, that’s how I know I’ve made something right. I’ve served them at game nights, road trip pit stops, even once on a snow day when the power came back and we were starving. That buttery glaze on top gets people talking, and before long, they’re reaching for seconds (or thirds).
To me, this recipe is about comfort and ease, layers of goodness you can pull together without stress. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a treat after a long day, these sliders fit the moment. They’re satisfying without being fussy, and always worth the little extra maple butter on top.
Maple Chicken And Bacon Sliders
Print ThisIngredients
- 12 King's Hawaiian rolls
- 12 cooked chicken breast strips
- 4 slices Gouda cheese
- 4 to 6 slices cooked bacon
- 1/4 cup maple butter (plus more for brushing)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F and grease or line a baking dish.
Step 2: Slice Rolls
Slice Hawaiian rolls in half horizontally, keeping them connected.
Step 3: Add Maple Butter
Spread maple butter on the bottom half of the rolls.
Step 4: Layer Fillings
Top with cooked chicken, bacon, and Gouda slices.
Step 5: Bake
Place top buns on and bake for 10–15 minutes until cheese melts and tops are golden.
Step 6: Finish with Butter
Brush warm tops with more maple butter.
Step 7: Serve
Cut into 12 sliders and serve warm.
