Chicken & Waffle Sliders

Introduction

Chicken & Waffle Sliders are the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining crispy fried chicken with sweet, fluffy waffles in a bite-sized, handheld treat. This savory-sweet combination is perfect for brunch, game day, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a unique twist on classic flavors. The crispy chicken is complemented by the soft, slightly sweet waffle, and when drizzled with syrup, it’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for more.

I first made these sliders when I was craving something both savory and sweet for brunch, and they were a huge hit with my family. The combination of textures—crunchy chicken and soft waffles—is unbeatable, and the addition of syrup ties everything together perfectly. These sliders are great for serving a crowd, and they’re easy to customize with different seasonings, toppings, or even a spicy twist if you prefer.

What’s fantastic about Chicken & Waffle Sliders is that they’re not only delicious but also incredibly fun to make and eat. With just a few ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you’re hosting a brunch party or treating yourself to a fun meal, these sliders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Perfect for:

• Brunch parties
• Game day snacks
• Family gatherings
• Special occasions
• Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Chicken & Waffle Sliders

Here’s why Chicken & Waffle Sliders will become your go-to recipe for any occasion:

• Savory and Sweet: The combination of crispy chicken and sweet waffles creates the perfect balance of flavors.
• Easy to Eat: These sliders are the perfect size for a handheld treat, making them great for parties or casual get-togethers.
• Crispy Chicken: A flavorful, crunchy coating ensures the chicken stays crispy even when topped with syrup.
• Customizable: You can swap out the waffles for different types of bread or add extras like bacon or cheese to suit your tastes.
• Fun and Unique: This twist on a Southern classic is sure to wow your guests and make your meal memorable.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 sliders
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 14g, Carbs: 26g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chicken & Waffle Sliders:

• 12 mini waffles (store-bought or homemade)
• 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into smaller pieces (about 12 pieces total)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Maple syrup (for drizzling)
• Optional: Sriracha or hot sauce for a spicy kick
• Optional: Lettuce or pickles for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Chicken thighs offer a juicy, flavorful option, but chicken breasts can also be used for a leaner alternative.
• Mini Waffles: Whether homemade or store-bought, the waffles provide a soft, slightly sweet base that complements the savory chicken.
• Buttermilk: The buttermilk creates a tender coating on the chicken and helps the flour stick during frying.
• Maple Syrup: A drizzle of syrup brings the perfect balance of sweetness to this savory-sweet combination.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chicken & Waffle Sliders:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. It should be hot but not smoking.
2. Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg with buttermilk. Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture.
3. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Assemble the Sliders:

4. Toast the Waffles (if necessary): If using frozen mini waffles, toast them according to package instructions until golden and crispy.
5. Assemble: Place a fried chicken piece on the bottom of each waffle. Optionally, add a drizzle of maple syrup and top with any extra garnishes like lettuce or pickles for added flavor.
6. Serve: Place the top waffle on each slider and serve immediately while the chicken is still hot.

How to Serve Chicken & Waffle Sliders

Chicken & Waffle Sliders are perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Brunch or Breakfast: Serve these sliders alongside fresh fruit, eggs, or hash browns for a complete brunch meal.
• Game Day: They’re the perfect handheld snack for watching the big game.
• Appetizer: These sliders make an excellent appetizer for any gathering.
• Dinner: Serve with sides like coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a green salad for a more complete meal.
• For a Sweet Touch: Add extra syrup or honey on the side for dipping.

Additional Tips for Chicken & Waffle Sliders

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

• Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for crispy fried chicken tenders or small, boneless chicken breasts for a better slider experience. They should be juicy and tender to complement the waffles.
• Use Buttermilk Waffles: Buttermilk waffles add extra fluffiness and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the syrup and richness of the chicken.
• Toast the Waffles: Lightly toast the waffles before assembling the sliders. This helps them hold their structure and adds a slight crispiness that contrasts well with the moist chicken.
• Season the Chicken: Add a mix of savory spices (paprika, garlic powder, cayenne) to your fried chicken for an added layer of flavor. A touch of salt and pepper also enhances the taste.
• Make the Syrup Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, mix a little hot sauce or sriracha into your syrup. It adds a sweet-heat combo that elevates the dish.
• Add Pickles: A few slices of crispy, tangy pickles between the chicken and waffles will provide a nice contrast to the richness of the sliders.
• Use a Good Honey: For a more natural sweetness, drizzle honey over the waffles or chicken. It pairs beautifully with both and enhances the overall flavor.
• Serve with a Side of Coleslaw: For a fresh, crunchy contrast to the richness of the sliders, serve with a side of creamy coleslaw.
• Keep the Sliders Small: Make sure your sliders are bite-sized, which makes them easy to eat and gives guests a chance to try more than one slider with different flavor combinations.
• Warm the Waffles and Chicken Together: If you’re assembling the sliders ahead of time, lightly warm the waffles and fried chicken together in the oven for a couple of minutes to ensure everything is hot when served.

Recipe Variations for Chicken & Waffle Sliders

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

• Buffalo Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Toss the fried chicken in buffalo sauce before assembling the slider for a spicy kick.
• Bacon-Wrapped Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Wrap the chicken in crispy bacon before frying to add extra flavor.
• Crispy Chicken & Cornbread Waffle Sliders: Swap the waffles for mini cornbread waffles for a Southern twist.
• Cheese-Stuffed Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Stuff the chicken with cheese before frying for a gooey surprise.
• Vegetarian Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Replace the fried chicken with crispy tofu or a veggie patty for a plant-based version.

Freezing and Storage for Chicken & Waffle Sliders

• Freezing: To freeze, place the assembled sliders on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until heated through.
• Storage: Store leftover chicken and waffles in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Special Equipment for Chicken & Waffle Sliders

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

• Frying Thermometer: To ensure the oil stays at the right temperature while frying.
• Skillet or Fryer: For deep frying the chicken to perfection.
• Waffle Iron: If you’re making your own mini waffles.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For safely removing the chicken from the hot oil.
• Paper Towels: For draining excess oil from the fried chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chicken & Waffle Sliders

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Yes, chicken breasts work well too. Just ensure they are cut into small, bite-sized pieces for the sliders.
2. Can I make the waffles ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the waffles ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Reheat them in a toaster before assembling the sliders.
3. Can I use store-bought fried chicken?
   Yes, for convenience, you can use store-bought fried chicken, though homemade will give you the best results.
4. Can I make these sliders without syrup?
   While syrup adds sweetness, you can skip it and use a different topping like honey mustard or barbecue sauce for a savory option.
5. Can I make this recipe spicy?
   Yes, add hot sauce or a spicy seasoning to the chicken before or after frying to give the sliders a kick.

Print

Conclusion

Chicken & Waffle Sliders are a fun, flavorful twist on two beloved comfort foods. The crispy chicken, fluffy waffles, and touch of sweetness from syrup make these sliders a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion. They’re simple to make, easily customizable, and sure to be a hit whether you’re serving them for brunch, a party, or a casual dinner. With endless variations and a delicious combination of savory and sweet, these sliders are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

This recipe is as easy to prepare as it is satisfying, making it perfect for everything from casual family meals to festive gatherings. Whether you’re enjoying them with loved ones or treating yourself, these sliders bring a fun and tasty twist to any meal.

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!