Introduction
Chicken & Waffle Sliders bring together two beloved comfort foods into one delicious, bite-sized package. These sliders feature crispy fried chicken nestled between mini waffles, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Topped with a drizzle of maple syrup and served on a soft, buttery waffle, these sliders make an unforgettable breakfast, brunch, or party treat.
I first made these for a weekend brunch, and they were an instant hit with my family. The combination of crispy chicken and fluffy waffles, with just the right touch of syrup, was both satisfying and indulgent. What’s great about these sliders is how easily they come together. Whether you’re serving them for a casual family gathering or at a special event, these sliders are sure to be a crowd favorite. They offer a fun and flavorful twist on classic comfort foods that everyone will enjoy!
Perfect for:
- Brunch
- Family gatherings
- Party appetizers
- Sweet and savory lovers
Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Waffle Sliders
Here’s why Chicken & Waffle Sliders will be your new go-to for a fun and tasty meal:
- Savory and Sweet: The crispy fried chicken and soft waffle create a perfect contrast of flavors, made even better with a touch of maple syrup.
- Convenient Size: These sliders are the perfect size for handheld eating, making them easy to serve and enjoy in any setting.
- Crispy Chicken: The chicken is seasoned to perfection and fried until golden and crispy for a satisfying crunch.
- Perfect for Parties: The mini size makes these sliders ideal for serving at gatherings, whether it’s a brunch or an evening event.
- Quick and Easy: While they sound indulgent, these sliders are quick to prepare, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your guests.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-25 minutes
- Servings: 12 sliders
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 14g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Chicken & Waffle Sliders:
- 12 mini waffles (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 pieces of boneless, skinless chicken tenders or chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- ½ cup maple syrup (or to taste)
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Ingredient Highlights
- Mini Waffles: The waffles provide the perfect base, soft and sweet, complementing the savory chicken.
- Chicken: Chicken tenders or breasts are ideal for these sliders, giving you the crispy exterior and tender interior that pairs perfectly with waffles.
- Seasonings: The blend of paprika, garlic, and onion powder enhances the flavor of the chicken, making every bite irresistible.
- Maple Syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup ties everything together with its rich, sweet flavor that elevates the savory chicken and waffles.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Chicken & Waffle Sliders:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Prepare the Dipping Station: In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs and pour the buttermilk into a third bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk, followed by the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat well.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the chicken tenders in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Assemble the Sliders:
- Toast the Waffles (Optional): If you like your waffles extra crispy, toast them lightly in a toaster or on a skillet for 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble the Sliders: Place one piece of fried chicken on the bottom half of each mini waffle. Top with the other half of the waffle to form the slider.
- Serve: Drizzle with maple syrup and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
How to Serve Chicken & Waffle Sliders
Chicken & Waffle Sliders are versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Brunch: These sliders are perfect for a fun and savory brunch dish that your guests will rave about.
- Party Appetizers: Serve as bite-sized treats at a party, and they’re sure to be a hit among guests.
- Comfort Meal: Enjoy these sliders as a satisfying meal for lunch or dinner.
- With Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of sauces, like honey mustard, spicy mayo, or even ranch, for extra flavor options.
Additional Tips for Chicken & Waffle Sliders
Here are some tips to ensure your Chicken & Waffle Sliders are perfect every time:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicy and tender, making them a great choice for sliders. They stay moist during cooking and complement the waffles better than breasts.
- Add a dash of spice: To elevate the flavor, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika on the chicken before frying. This adds a little kick to balance the sweetness of the waffles.
- Maple syrup drizzle: For extra flavor, drizzle warm maple syrup over the chicken right before serving. It enhances the sweetness and pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
- Crispy coating: For a crunchy texture, coat the chicken in a mixture of seasoned flour and cornstarch before frying. This results in a crispier crust.
- Use mini waffles: Make or buy mini waffles to ensure that the sliders are the right size for buns. You can even use frozen waffles for convenience.
- Add a tangy sauce: A tangy sauce like honey mustard or sriracha mayo can bring another layer of flavor to the sliders and add a creamy texture.
- Pickle slices: Add thin pickle slices inside the slider for a sour crunch that balances the richness of the chicken and sweetness of the waffles.
- Season your waffle batter: Add a pinch of salt or cinnamon to your waffle batter for enhanced flavor and to help bring out the savory-sweet contrast in the dish.
- Toast the waffle buns: Lightly toast the waffles before assembling the sliders for a little extra crispiness and to prevent them from getting soggy.
- Serve with a side: Pair the sliders with a simple salad or crispy fries to balance the richness of the dish.
Recipe Variations for Chicken & Waffle Sliders
Here are a few variations of Chicken & Waffle Sliders to try:
- Spicy Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Add a little heat to the chicken by tossing it in hot sauce or using a spicy seasoning mix.
- Bacon & Waffle Sliders: Add crispy bacon to the slider for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
- Buffalo Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Coat the chicken tenders in buffalo sauce for a tangy twist.
- Vegetarian Waffle Sliders: Replace the chicken with a crispy fried veggie patty or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Maple Bacon Waffle Sliders: Top each slider with a strip of crispy bacon to elevate the flavor combination.
Freezing and Storage for Chicken & Waffle Sliders
- Freezing: Assemble the sliders without the syrup, then wrap them individually and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Storage: Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Special Equipment for Chicken & Waffle Sliders
Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Chicken & Waffle Sliders easier:
- Skillet or Fryer: A large skillet or deep fryer is ideal for frying the chicken to a golden crisp.
- Waffle Iron: A waffle iron is essential for making the mini waffles, whether you’re using a store-bought batter or homemade.
- Meat Thermometer: Ensure your chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature.
- Tongs: Tongs make it easier to flip the chicken and remove it from the oil.
- Paper Towels: For draining excess oil after frying.
Frequently Asked Questions for Chicken & Waffle Sliders
- Can I use frozen waffles?
Yes, frozen mini waffles work perfectly for these sliders. Just toast them to your desired level of crispness. - Can I make these sliders ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and waffles ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble and serve the sliders fresh for the best texture. - What type of chicken is best for sliders?
Chicken tenders or small pieces of chicken breasts work well for sliders due to their size and tenderness. - Can I make the waffles from scratch?
Yes, you can make your own mini waffles from scratch or use a premade waffle mix. - Can I serve these sliders with a dipping sauce?
Yes, dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy mayo are great accompaniments for these sliders.
Chicken & Waffle Sliders
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Chicken & Waffle Sliders bring together two beloved comfort foods into one delicious, bite-sized package. These sliders feature crispy fried chicken nestled between mini waffles, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Topped with a drizzle of maple syrup and served on a soft, buttery waffle, these sliders make an unforgettable breakfast, brunch, or party treat. Whether you’re serving them for a casual family gathering or at a special event, these sliders are sure to be a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
- 12 mini waffles (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 pieces of boneless, skinless chicken tenders or chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- ½ cup maple syrup (or to taste)
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Ingredient Highlights
- Mini Waffles: The waffles provide the perfect base, soft and sweet, complementing the savory chicken.
- Chicken: Chicken tenders or breasts are ideal for these sliders, giving you the crispy exterior and tender interior that pairs perfectly with waffles.
- Seasonings: The blend of paprika, garlic, and onion powder enhances the flavor of the chicken, making every bite irresistible.
- Maple Syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup ties everything together with its rich, sweet flavor that elevates the savory chicken and waffles.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Prepare the Dipping Station: In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs and pour the buttermilk into a third bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk, followed by the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat well.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the chicken tenders in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Assemble the Sliders:
- Toast the Waffles (Optional): If you like your waffles extra crispy, toast them lightly in a toaster or on a skillet for 1-2 minutes.
- Assemble the Sliders: Place one piece of fried chicken on the bottom half of each mini waffle. Top with the other half of the waffle to form the slider.
- Serve: Drizzle with maple syrup and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 14g
Conclusion
Chicken & Waffle Sliders are the perfect combination of savory and sweet, making them a crowd-pleaser at any event. The crispy fried chicken, fluffy waffles, and drizzle of maple syrup create a deliciously satisfying bite. Whether for a brunch gathering, party, or weeknight dinner, these sliders will be a hit every time.
This recipe is simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, making it ideal for everything from casual get-togethers to special occasions. Whether you’re serving them for a fun brunch or enjoying them as a comforting dinner, these sliders will surely satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
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!