1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Season the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Brush each chicken breast with a tablespoon of maple syrup, ensuring they are well-coated.
4. Lay the bacon slices on a separate baking sheet. Bake the chicken and bacon in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
5. While the chicken and bacon are baking, mix the coleslaw, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Set aside.
6. Once cooked, slice the chicken breasts into slider-sized pieces.
7. To assemble, place a piece of chicken on the bottom half of each slider bun, followed by a slice of bacon. Add a spoonful of coleslaw mix, if using, and top with the other half of the bun.
8. Serve immediately, and enjoy the flavors blending together with every bite!

The key here is balance—a lesson I learned the hard way as a kid trying to fix an over-salted chili. The maple syrup and bacon add a sweet and smoky contrast to the seasoned chicken, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.