Chicken & Waffle Sliders

Short Description

Chicken & Waffle Sliders are the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, featuring crispy fried chicken nestled between fluffy, golden waffles. These mini sandwiches are drizzled with maple syrup and can be served as an appetizer, brunch dish, or game-day treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A delightful balance of crispy, juicy, and fluffy textures
• Perfect for brunch, parties, or a fun twist on comfort food
• Easy to customize with different toppings and sauces
• Kid-friendly and great for entertaining
• Can be made with homemade or store-bought ingredients for convenience

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast or chicken tenders
• Buttermilk
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Egg
• Milk
• Mini waffles (homemade or store-bought)
• Maple syrup
• Butter
• Hot sauce (optional)
• Pickles (optional)
• Cooking oil for frying

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into small pieces and soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Breading: In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Coat the Chicken: Whisk egg and milk in a separate bowl. Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg mixture, and coat again in the flour.
4. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
5. Toast the Waffles: Lightly toast mini waffles in a toaster or oven until golden and crisp.
6. Assemble the Sliders: Place a piece of fried chicken on a waffle, drizzle with maple syrup, add pickles if desired, and top with another waffle. Secure with a toothpick.
7. Serve Immediately: Enjoy warm with additional maple syrup or hot sauce if preferred.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture and drizzle with spicy honey.
• Cheesy Twist: Melt cheddar or pepper jack cheese onto the waffles before assembling.
• Air-Fried Option: Cook the chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Healthier Alternative: Use grilled chicken instead of fried and opt for whole wheat waffles.
• Bacon Lover’s Version: Add crispy bacon slices for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Chicken: Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Reheating Waffles: Toast in a toaster or warm in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and waffles separately for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

FAQs

How do I keep the chicken crispy?

Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.

Can I use frozen waffles?

Yes, store-bought frozen waffles work great. Just toast them before assembling.

What’s the best oil for frying?

Use oils with high smoke points like vegetable, peanut, or canola oil.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep and fry the chicken in advance, then reheat and assemble before serving.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour for breading and gluten-free waffles.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What toppings pair well with these sliders?

Pickles, coleslaw, honey butter, or hot honey are great additions.

Can I make mini sliders for appetizers?

Yes, use smaller waffle pieces and bite-sized chicken for party-friendly portions.

What’s the best way to marinate the chicken?

Soaking in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) makes the chicken extra tender and flavorful.

How do I prevent soggy waffles?

Toast the waffles well before assembling and avoid drizzling too much syrup in advance.

Conclusion

Chicken & Waffle Sliders are a deliciously fun and versatile dish, perfect for brunch, parties, or a unique dinner. With crispy fried chicken, fluffy waffles, and a drizzle of maple syrup, they offer an irresistible blend of flavors. Whether you keep them classic or customize with your favorite toppings, these sliders are sure to be a hit!

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