Chicken & Waffle Sliders

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Introduction

Chicken & Waffle Sliders are a delightful combination of savory, crispy fried chicken and sweet, fluffy mini waffles, creating a fun and flavorful bite-sized treat. Perfect for brunches, parties, or even as a unique dinner option, these sliders offer a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. Topped with a drizzle of syrup or honey, they bring a comforting mix of sweet and savory that will leave everyone reaching for seconds.

I remember the first time I made these for a weekend brunch with friends. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of freshly made waffles and golden fried chicken, and the sliders disappeared as quickly as I could assemble them. What’s great about Chicken & Waffle Sliders is how customizable they are—you can add a spicy kick with a dash of hot sauce, garnish with crispy bacon for extra indulgence, or even use flavored syrups like maple or honey butter for a unique twist.

These sliders are surprisingly easy to make, too. With pre-made mini waffles or a simple waffle recipe, and bite-sized pieces of fried chicken, you can put together a batch in no time. Whether served as a centerpiece for a brunch spread or a creative appetizer for a gathering, Chicken & Waffle Sliders are always a crowd-pleaser!

Perfect for:

  • Brunch gatherings
  • Party appetizers
  • Family dinners
  • Comfort food enthusiasts
  • Unique potluck dishes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Chicken & Waffle Sliders will be a hit at your table:

  • Sweet and Savory Combo: The tender chicken and fluffy waffles pair perfectly with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
  • Bite-Sized Convenience: Easy to serve and eat, making them great for parties or on-the-go meals.
  • Customizable Toppings: Add spicy sauces, pickles, or slaw for a personalized twist.
  • Fun and Unique Presentation: These sliders bring a touch of creativity and playfulness to your table.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, they’re a guaranteed hit!

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Preparation Time: 25 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 12 sliders
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 15g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chicken & Waffle Sliders:

For the Chicken:

  • 12 small chicken tenders or nuggets
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Waffles:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For Assembly and Toppings:

  • ½ cup maple syrup or honey
  • 12 toothpicks or small skewers
  • Optional toppings: Hot sauce, pickles, or coleslaw

Ingredient Highlights

  • Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and tenderizes the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful.
  • Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne bring bold flavors to the crispy coating.
  • Homemade Waffles: Freshly made mini waffles provide a fluffy, sweet base for the sliders.
  • Maple Syrup: A classic pairing that enhances the sweet-savory balance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken tenders in a bowl with buttermilk and let them soak for at least 20 minutes (or up to overnight for extra tenderness).
  2. Mix the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing to adhere.
  4. Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Prepare the Waffles:

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
  3. Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
  4. Cook the Waffles: Heat a waffle maker and grease lightly with cooking spray or butter. Pour small portions of batter (about 1-2 tablespoons) into the waffle maker to create mini waffles. Cook according to the waffle maker’s instructions until golden brown.

Assemble the Sliders:

  1. Layer the Sliders: Place a piece of fried chicken between two mini waffles.
  2. Secure and Garnish: Insert a toothpick or skewer to hold the slider together. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey and add optional toppings like hot sauce or pickles.

How to Serve

  • As a Brunch Dish: Pair with fresh fruit and coffee for a hearty brunch spread.
  • For Parties: Serve as an appetizer or finger food for guests to enjoy.
  • With a Side: Add coleslaw, fries, or a salad for a complete meal.
  • For Kids: Skip the spicy seasonings and let kids enjoy the classic chicken-and-waffle combo.

Additional Tips

  • Use store-bought waffles for convenience if you’re short on time.
  • Keep fried chicken warm in the oven while making waffles.
  • Experiment with flavored syrups like honey mustard or spicy maple syrup.

Recipe Variations

  1. Spicy Chicken Sliders: Add hot sauce to the chicken marinade or use spicy maple syrup.
  2. Sweet & Spicy Sliders: Combine honey with a dash of cayenne for the perfect drizzle.
  3. Cheesy Sliders: Add a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese between the chicken and waffles.
  4. Vegan Sliders: Use plant-based chicken and waffles with a maple-agave drizzle.
  5. Buffalo Chicken Sliders: Toss fried chicken in buffalo sauce before assembling.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken tenders and waffles separately for up to 2 months. Reheat before assembling.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment

  • Deep skillet or frying pan
  • Waffle maker
  • Mixing bowls
  • Toothpicks or small skewers

FAQ Section

  1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying? Yes, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
  2. Can I use frozen waffles? Absolutely, for quicker preparation.
  3. How do I make the chicken extra crispy? Double-dredge the chicken for a thicker coating.
  4. Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free flour and waffles.
  5. Can I make them in advance? Yes, prep the components ahead of time and assemble when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Chicken & Waffle Sliders are the ultimate sweet-and-savory treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With crispy fried chicken nestled between fluffy mini waffles and topped with a drizzle of syrup, these sliders deliver bold flavor in every bite. They’re a delightful mix of textures and tastes that are sure to impress.

This recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat, making it ideal for brunches, parties, or even a playful twist on dinner. Customize them with your favorite toppings like spicy honey, creamy coleslaw, or a touch of hot sauce for an extra kick. No matter how you serve them, these sliders are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

I’d love to see how your Chicken & Waffle Sliders turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your creative and delicious creations. Happy cooking!

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