Chicken & Waffle Sliders

Introduction

Chicken & Waffle Sliders bring together two beloved comfort foods in one irresistible bite. The crispy, savory chicken paired with the sweet, fluffy waffles creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. These sliders are ideal for a fun brunch, game day, or any time you’re craving something savory and sweet.

I first made these when I was looking for a unique twist on a classic breakfast, and they quickly became a family favorite. The combination of crispy chicken and soft, warm waffles is truly unbeatable. What’s great about these sliders is how customizable they are—you can drizzle them with syrup for that extra sweetness, or add a little hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a main dish, or a fun snack, these sliders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, making them a go-to choice whenever you want something satisfying and delicious!

Perfect for:

• Brunch
• Game day parties
• Casual gatherings
• Comfort food cravings

Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Waffle Sliders

Here’s why Chicken & Waffle Sliders will become your new favorite:

• Savory and Sweet: The combination of crispy fried chicken and sweet waffles is the perfect flavor pairing.
• Crispy Chicken: The chicken is perfectly seasoned and fried to a golden crisp, making every bite satisfying.
• Fluffy Waffles: Soft, fluffy waffles serve as the perfect base for the chicken, soaking up any sauce without losing their texture.
• Versatile: You can easily customize these sliders by adding different sauces, cheeses, or even pickles for extra flavor.
• Easy to Serve: Sliders are perfect for serving at parties or gatherings where guests can easily grab one or two.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 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 Chicken & Waffle Sliders:

• 12 mini waffles (store-bought or homemade)
• 12 small boneless chicken tenders (or 4-6 chicken breasts, sliced into strips)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Tenders: Chicken tenders are ideal for sliders because they are easy to handle and cook quickly.
• Mini Waffles: Mini waffles are perfectly sized for sliders, offering a sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
• Seasoning: A blend of garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder ensures the chicken is flavorful without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness that enhances the flavor combination.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chicken & Waffle Sliders:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken Coating: In a bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken tenders in batches, about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Prepare the Waffles:

4. Toast the Waffles: If you’re using store-bought waffles, lightly toast them to add some crispness. For homemade waffles, cook them according to your preferred recipe, making sure they are slightly crisp on the outside but soft inside.

Assemble the Sliders:

5. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine honey or maple syrup with Dijon mustard (if using). Stir until smooth.
6. Assemble the Sliders: Place a mini waffle on a serving plate. Add a fried chicken tender on top of the waffle, then drizzle with the honey-mustard sauce. Top with another waffle to complete the slider.
7. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Chicken & Waffle Sliders

Chicken & Waffle Sliders are a fun and delicious way to serve these iconic comfort foods:

• Brunch: These sliders are perfect for brunch, offering a savory-sweet combination everyone will love.
• Game Day: Serve them as a fun appetizer during game day, where guests can easily grab a couple.
• Casual Parties: Ideal for casual gatherings, they make a tasty and filling snack for friends and family.
• With a Side: Pair them with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Additional Tips for Chicken & Waffle Sliders

Here are some tips to ensure your Chicken & Waffle Sliders are perfect every time:

• Use Thin Chicken Strips: Thin, small chicken tenders or strips cook faster and fit perfectly on the waffles.
• Make Your Own Waffles: If you have time, making your own waffles gives you full control over flavor and texture.
• Adjust the Sauce: You can adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by adding more or less honey and mustard to suit your taste.
• Fry in Batches: To avoid overcrowding the pan, fry the chicken tenders in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
• Crisp the Waffles: Toast the waffles to add an extra layer of crispiness, which will help balance the soft chicken and prevent sogginess.
• Toast the Waffles: Lightly toast the waffles in a skillet before assembling the sliders. This will give them a crispy texture that holds up better to the chicken and syrup.
• Fresh Greens for Contrast: Add a layer of fresh greens like arugula or spinach to the slider for a bit of bitterness that balances out the richness of the chicken and waffles.

Recipe Variations for Chicken & Waffle Sliders

Here are 5 variations you can try for Chicken & Waffle Sliders:

• Spicy Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the chicken coating for a spicy kick.
• Cheesy Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Add a slice of cheese (cheddar or Swiss) on top of the chicken before serving for a cheesy twist.
• BBQ Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Swap the honey-mustard sauce for BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
• Buffalo Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Toss the fried chicken in buffalo sauce for a tangy, spicy version.
• Vegetarian Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Replace the chicken with crispy fried plant-based patties for a vegetarian option.

Freezing and Storage for Chicken & Waffle Sliders

• Freezing: You can freeze the fried chicken tenders and waffles separately. To reheat, bake the chicken and waffles in the oven until heated through and crispy.
• Storage: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Special Equipment for Chicken & Waffle Sliders

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Chicken & Waffle Sliders easier:

• Waffle Iron – To cook the waffles for the slider buns.
• Cast Iron Skillet – Ideal for frying the chicken to get a crispy texture.
• Meat Thermometer – To ensure the chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature.
• Bread Knife – For cutting the waffles into slider-sized portions.
• Mixing Bowls – For preparing the chicken marinade, breading, and waffle batter.
• Tongs – To safely handle the chicken while frying.
• Cooling Rack – To place the fried chicken on, helping it stay crispy.
• Basting Brush – For brushing on sauce or glaze for extra flavor.
• Slotted Spoon – For removing the chicken from the frying oil.
• Toothpicks – To hold the sliders together once assembled.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chicken & Waffle Sliders

1. Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
   It’s best to assemble them just before serving to keep the waffles crisp. However, you can prepare the chicken and waffles in advance and assemble when ready to serve.
2. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions, then assemble with the waffles.
3. Can I use gluten-free waffles or chicken?
   Yes, you can use gluten-free waffles and breading for the chicken to make this dish gluten-free.
4. Can I make these sliders spicier?
   Absolutely! You can add hot sauce to the batter or use a spicy mustard in the sauce to give them a fiery kick.
5. Can I use a different type of meat?
   Yes, you can substitute the chicken with turkey or even pork for a different flavor profile.

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Conclusion

Chicken & Waffle Sliders are a delicious and fun way to enjoy the best of both savory and sweet worlds. With crispy chicken, fluffy waffles, and a drizzle of honey-mustard sauce, these sliders will become a favorite at any meal or gathering. Easy to make and fully customizable, they’re the perfect treat for anyone who loves a creative twist on comfort food.

This recipe is as enjoyable to prepare as it is to eat, making it great for brunch, appetizers, or even as a main course. Whether you’re serving them at a casual gathering or a festive event, these sliders are sure to impress and disappear in no time.

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 delicious creations. Happy cooking!