Prepare the Fried Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken – In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours for extra tenderness).
2. Prepare the Coating – In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
3. Set Up Breading Station – In another bowl, whisk an egg. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
4. Coat the Chicken – Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, dip it into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs.
5. Heat the Oil – In a deep skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry Until Golden – Fry the chicken pieces for about 4-5 minutes per side or until crispy and golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and let excess oil drain.

Make the Waffles

1. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Combine – Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
4. Cook the Waffles – Preheat a waffle iron, grease it lightly, and pour small amounts of batter to make mini waffles. Cook according to the waffle iron’s instructions.

Assemble the Sliders

1. Cut Waffles – If using regular-sized waffles, cut them into smaller squares or circles to match the size of the chicken.
2. Layer the Sliders – Place a piece of crispy fried chicken between two mini waffles.
3. Drizzle with Syrup – Add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey butter over the chicken.
4. Secure with a Skewer – Insert a skewer or toothpick to hold the slider together.