Name: Maple Chicken Sliders Recipe for a Crowd-Pleasing Bite
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs (boneless, skinless); 1/2 cup buttermilk (for marinade); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt & pepper; 1/4 cup maple syrup (real deal!); 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (smoky preferred); 1 cup coleslaw mix (bagged is fine); 1/4 cup mayo; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; 12 sweet Hawaiian rolls; Oil for frying

Jump to Recipe

If your weeknights feel like a circus and you’re the ringmaster juggling dinner, homework, and laundry—girl, I see you. That’s exactly why I adore whipping up these Maple Chicken Sliders. They’re sweet, smoky, crispy little bites of comfort tucked into pillowy Hawaiian rolls.

Whether I’m feeding my picky teen, impressing guests on game day, or just craving something indulgent yet simple, this recipe always delivers. It’s a delicious mashup of Southern charm and backyard BBQ vibes. The best part? It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and full of flavor without the kitchen chaos. Let’s make life (and dinner) a little easier.

Why You’ll Love This Maple Chicken Sliders

These Maple Chicken Sliders are a lifesaver when you need big flavor fast. They’re crispy, sticky, sweet, and smoky—basically everything you crave in one perfect bite.

Ready in under 40 minutes, they’re ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Plus, they use simple pantry staples and come together with minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your own hungry crew, these sliders always hit the spot.

Ingredients Maple Chicken Sliders

For these sweet and smoky sliders, I use simple, down-to-earth ingredients that pack serious flavor without fancy fuss. You’ll find most of them already hanging out in your kitchen—or just a quick grocery run away. Here’s what you’ll need for this crave-worthy fried chicken slider recipe:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs work great. Thighs are juicier, but breasts crisp up beautifully too.
Buttermilk: This tenderizes the meat and gives it that signature Southern-style tang. No buttermilk? Stir lemon juice into regular milk as an easy swap.
All-purpose flour: It’s the base for that golden, crunchy coating. I like to season it well for flavor in every bite.
Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper: These pantry spices bring depth and a gentle kick to the dredge.
Maple syrup: The real stuff, not pancake-flavored corn syrup. Its rich sweetness brings balance to the smoky glaze.
BBQ sauce: Go for a smoky or bold-flavored option to contrast the maple. I love mesquite or hickory blends.
Coleslaw mix: A bag of pre-shredded slaw saves time, but you can shred fresh cabbage if you’re feeling fancy.
Mayonnaise: Creamy and tangy—it binds the slaw and makes it irresistible.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a pop of acidity to cut through the richness. You can sub white vinegar in a pinch.
Sweet Hawaiian rolls: Their soft texture and slightly sweet flavor are the perfect match for the sticky chicken.
Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil. No deep fryer needed—just a heavy skillet.

Scroll to the bottom of the post for detailed measurements and a printable recipe card—because who wants to juggle a phone with floury fingers?

How to Make Maple Chicken Sliders

When life’s a whirlwind and you need something quick yet drool-worthy, these Maple Chicken Sliders come to the rescue. Follow these easy steps to bring sweet and smoky sliders to your table—without breaking a sweat or sacrificing flavor.

Step 1 – Marinate the Chicken

First things first—cut your chicken into slider-sized portions. Think a little bigger than nugget-sized, so they fit snugly in those Hawaiian rolls.

Toss the chicken in a bowl with buttermilk and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Overnight? Even better. This step keeps the chicken juicy and oh-so-tender, just like in a buttermilk fried chicken slider recipe.

Step 2 – Prepare the Dredge

While your chicken’s soaking up flavor, mix your seasoned flour. I like combining all-purpose flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.

Give it a little whisk. This spice blend adds subtle heat and savory depth—and it’s the secret to that irresistible crispy crust everyone raves about.

Step 3 – Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat up your oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan. Medium-high heat is your friend here—hot enough to crisp, but not burn.

Dredge each piece of marinated chicken in the flour mix, pressing firmly to coat. Then gently place them in the oil, frying until golden brown on both sides. About 3–4 minutes per side should do the trick.

Once done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Try not to eat them all straight out of the pan. Trust me, it’s tempting.

Step 4 – Make the Maple BBQ Glaze

Now for the magic drizzle. In a small saucepan, combine real maple syrup with your favorite smoky BBQ sauce.

Heat it over medium-low until it bubbles gently. Stir often—it thickens into a sticky, shiny glaze that turns these into true Maple BBQ Chicken Bites.

Step 5 – Toss Together the Creamy Slaw

In a mixing bowl, stir coleslaw mix with mayo and a splash of apple cider vinegar. That’s it!

This slaw is creamy, tangy, and just crunchy enough to balance the richness of the fried chicken and glaze. Make it ahead if you like—the flavors get even better with time.

Step 6 – Assemble Your Maple Chicken Sliders

Slice your Hawaiian rolls in half (don’t separate them if you want that beautiful pull-apart look). Lay a piece of fried chicken on each bottom bun.

Spoon over that luscious maple BBQ glaze, then pile on the slaw. Top with the other half of the roll and give it a gentle press.

Serve these sweet and smoky sliders warm, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “easy party appetizer idea.” Napkins highly recommended—things might get deliciously messy.

Tips for Success

Marinate the chicken longer—overnight if possible—for ultra-juicy, flavorful bites.
Use a thermometer to check oil temp (350°F is ideal) for golden, crispy results.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches so the chicken stays crisp, not soggy.
Warm the Hawaiian rolls slightly before assembling for extra softness and flavor.
Double the glaze—it’s too good not to drizzle on everything!

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: For marinating the chicken, prepping slaw, and coating with flour.
Deep skillet or frying pan: A heavy-bottomed one works best for even frying.
Tongs or slotted spoon: Handy for flipping and safely removing hot chicken.
Thermometer: Optional, but great for checking oil and chicken temperature.
Knife and cutting board: For slicing chicken and splitting those sweet Hawaiian rolls.

Variations

Bake instead of fry: For a lighter twist, bake the chicken at 400°F until crispy and cooked through—about 20 minutes. Still delicious, just less oil involved.
Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mix or stir hot sauce into the maple BBQ glaze for a fiery upgrade.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and serve on gluten-free buns or lettuce cups. Still big flavor, just no wheat.
Air fryer version: Skip the stovetop! Dredge the chicken as usual and air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Vegetarian swap: Try crispy cauliflower bites or tofu slabs in place of chicken. Coat and glaze the same way for meatless Maple BBQ sliders.
Sweet heat version: Mix maple syrup with a chipotle BBQ sauce for smoky-sweet sliders with a bold personality.
Breakfast style: Slide in a fried egg and a slice of cheddar for a morning twist on these Maple Chicken Sliders.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crispy sweet potato fries or kettle chips for a satisfying crunch.
Pair with a chilled glass of iced tea, lemonade, or a light beer for grown-up gatherings.
For presentation, arrange sliders on a platter with toothpicks and extra glaze on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these Maple Chicken Sliders ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can fry the chicken and make the slaw a day ahead. Just keep the components separate in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, then assemble with fresh glaze and slaw. These Maple Chicken Sliders stay crispy and delicious with just a little planning.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover Sweet and Smoky Sliders?

A: I’ve tested a few ways, and here’s what works best: remove the slaw and reheat the chicken and buns in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven brings back that crispy texture. Add fresh slaw and an extra drizzle of glaze to make those sweet and smoky sliders taste freshly made.

Q: Can I bake instead of fry like in a Fried Chicken Slider Recipe?

A: You sure can! For a healthier take on this fried chicken slider recipe, bake the dredged chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 400°F. Give them a light spray of oil and bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. Not quite as crunchy, but still big on flavor. Your oven just became your best friend.

Q: Are Hawaiian Roll Sliders freezer-friendly?

A: Yes, with a couple of tweaks. Freeze the fried chicken separately after cooling completely. Wrap tightly and store up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven for best texture. I don’t recommend freezing assembled Hawaiian roll sliders—the rolls and slaw get soggy. Assemble fresh for that perfect bite every time.

Q: How spicy are these Maple BBQ Chicken Bites?

A: These Maple BBQ Chicken Bites lean more sweet and smoky than spicy. The heat is super mild, coming mostly from the paprika and BBQ sauce. If your crew loves a kick, just add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the glaze. Totally customizable—and still finger-lickin’ good!

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a recipe that brings people together—and these Maple Chicken Sliders do just that. Whether it’s game night, a potluck, or just a Tuesday evening when you need a win, these sweet and smoky sliders deliver joy in every bite. They’re messy in the best way, comforting like a hug, and gone in minutes.

I’ve made them for birthday parties and quiet nights in, and they never disappoint. So go ahead, grab those Hawaiian rolls, fire up your skillet, and treat yourself to something downright crave-worthy. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you.

Maple Chicken Sliders Recipe for a Crowd-Pleasing Bite