Description

These Chicken & Waffle Sliders are the perfect mix of crispy, juicy fried chicken and fluffy, sweet waffles. Topped with maple syrup and a touch of spice, they make a great appetizer, brunch item, or party snack.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 8 small pieces)
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Waffles:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly:

2 tablespoons butter (melted, for brushing)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
8 mini skewers or toothpicks

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for extra tenderness).
Make the Waffle Batter:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
Cook the Waffles:
- Preheat your waffle iron and grease it lightly.
- Pour small amounts of batter into the waffle iron to make mini waffles. Cook until golden brown.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne.
- Remove chicken from marinade, dredge in flour mixture, and fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Assemble the Sliders:
- Brush waffles with melted butter.
- Place a piece of fried chicken between two mini waffles. Secure with a skewer or toothpick.
- Mix maple syrup with hot sauce (if using) and drizzle over the sliders.
Serve Warm:
- Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor!

Notes

For a shortcut, use frozen mini waffles instead of making your own.
Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes for a lighter option.
Add pickles or a slaw for extra crunch and flavor.