Flatten the ground chuck in a baking pan and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Refrigerate while making bacon jam.
Cook chopped bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove bacon, sauté diced onion in the rendered grease, then add minced garlic. Return bacon and mix in brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Simmer until thickened.
Cook the seasoned patties on a griddle or skillet, searing for 4-6 minutes on one side. Flip, add cheese, and cook for 2 more minutes until melted.
Toast slider buns on the griddle or skillet until golden brown.
Assemble sliders by placing patties on buns and topping with bacon jam.