Chicken and Waffle Sliders

Introduction

Who says comfort food can’t be fun-sized? These Chicken and Waffle Sliders take everything you love about crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles and turn them into bite-sized delights that are perfect for brunch, parties, or even a late-night snack. Imagine golden, crispy chicken nestled between mini waffles, drizzled with warm maple syrup, and topped with just the right touch of butter—each bite is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.

These sliders are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving them up for a casual family breakfast or impressing guests at a gathering, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. You can make them classic with a simple buttermilk fried chicken or spice things up with a little cayenne kick. And let’s not forget the endless topping possibilities—honey butter, hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar to add your own special twist.

What makes these sliders even better is how easy they are to put together. Use frozen mini waffles for a quick shortcut, or whip up a homemade batch for an extra touch of love. If you have leftover fried chicken, even better—just warm it up, assemble, and serve! Whether you’re making them for a festive brunch spread, game day snacks, or a fun family meal, these Chicken and Waffle Sliders are sure to disappear fast.

Get ready to make a batch of these irresistible sliders, and don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these Chicken and Waffle Sliders:

• Perfect Bite-Sized Treat – Mini waffles and crispy chicken make for the ultimate handheld snack.
• Sweet and Savory Combo – The balance of flavors is irresistible.
• Great for Brunch or Parties – These sliders will be the star of any gathering.
• Crispy, Juicy, and Fluffy – The textures in every bite are simply perfection.
• Customizable – Switch up the seasonings, toppings, and sauces to make them your own.
• Kid-Friendly – A fun meal that both kids and adults will love.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and steps make this a stress-free recipe.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare elements in advance for an even easier serving process.
• Crowd-Pleasing Favorite – Whether it’s a breakfast spread or game day appetizer, these sliders disappear fast!
• Pairs Well with Everything – Serve them with syrup, hot sauce, honey butter, or even gravy.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 sliders
• Calories per slider: Approximately 280 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbohydrates: 25g, Fat: 14g, Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your Chicken and Waffle Sliders:

the Fried Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 12 small pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• 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 teaspoon vanilla extract

Assembly and Toppings:

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• Toothpicks (to hold sliders together)

Ingredient Highlights

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken, making it extra juicy.
• Cornstarch: Helps create the crispiest coating.
• Smoked Paprika & Cayenne: Adds a subtle depth of flavor and optional heat.
• Homemade Waffles: Fresh, fluffy waffles take these sliders to the next level.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Chicken and Waffle Sliders:

Prepare the Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.
2. Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
3. Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, shaking off excess, then coat it in the flour mixture.
4. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Make the Waffles

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
4. Cook the Waffles: Preheat a waffle iron and lightly grease it. Spoon small amounts of batter to make mini waffles and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions.

Assemble the Sliders

1. Stack It Up: Place a crispy chicken piece between two mini waffles.
2. Add Butter: Spread a small amount of softened butter on the waffles for extra flavor.
3. Drizzle with Maple Syrup: Pour warm maple syrup over each slider.
4. Secure with Toothpicks: Stick a toothpick through each slider to keep them together.

How to Serve

Here are some fun ways to serve your Chicken and Waffle Sliders:

1. Brunch Platter – Arrange them on a large platter with fresh fruit and extra syrup.
2. Party Appetizers – Serve them on a tray with small dipping cups of syrup and hot sauce.
3. Breakfast Board – Pair them with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh juice for a full breakfast spread.
4. Game Day Snacks – A great addition to a game-day table alongside wings and fries.
5. Southern Comfort Meal – Serve with creamy mac and cheese or collard greens for a true Southern treat.

Additional Tips

Make your sliders even better with these tips:

1. Double-Coat the Chicken – For extra crispy chicken, dip it back in buttermilk and flour before frying again.
2. Use a Mini Waffle Maker – This helps create perfectly-sized waffles for sliders.
3. Keep Waffles Warm – Place them in a low oven while frying the chicken so they stay warm.
4. Make-Ahead Option – Cook the chicken and waffles ahead of time and reheat before assembling.
5. Try a Spicy Kick – Drizzle with hot honey for a spicy-sweet twist.
6. Experiment with Toppings – Add pickles, honey butter, or even a fried egg on top.
7. Serve Fresh – These sliders are best enjoyed fresh and hot.
8. Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free flour for both the waffles and chicken.
9. Healthier Alternative – Air-fry the chicken instead of deep frying.
10. Savory Swap – Instead of syrup, try a spicy aioli or gravy.

Freezing and Storage

Want to make these Chicken and Waffle Sliders ahead of time or store leftovers? Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious!

• Storing Leftovers
• Refrigerate Assembled Sliders – Store assembled sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the waffles may become a little soft over time.
• Store Chicken and Waffles Separately – For best results, store fried chicken and waffles in separate containers.
  • Chicken – Place in an airtight container with a paper towel at the bottom to absorb excess moisture. Store in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Waffles – Store in a zip-top bag or airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating Instructions
• Chicken – Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Alternatively, use an air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken soggy.
• Waffles – Reheat in a toaster, toaster oven, or oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.

FAQ Section

Got questions about Chicken and Waffle Sliders? Here are some answers!

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Fry the chicken and make waffles in advance, then reheat before serving.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?
Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Can I use store-bought waffles?
Absolutely! Frozen mini waffles work great for a quicker option.

How do I keep the sliders warm for a party?
Place them in a warm oven (200°F) covered with foil until ready to serve.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I use frozen waffles?
Absolutely! Just toast them until crispy before assembling.

What’s the best dipping sauce?
Hot honey, spicy mayo, or classic maple syrup all work beautifully.

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Conclusion

These Chicken and Waffle Sliders are a match made in comfort food heaven! The crispy, golden-fried chicken pairs perfectly with soft, fluffy waffles, creating a sweet and savory bite that’s impossible to resist. Drizzle them with maple syrup, add a touch of hot sauce, or top them with a dollop of honey butter for extra indulgence.

Whether you’re serving them at brunch, as party appetizers, or even for a fun twist on dinner, these mini sliders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy—just grab, bite, and savor!

So why wait? Whip up a batch today and dig into this irresistible combination! And don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!