Chicken & Waffle Sliders

by

Chicken & Waffle Sliders are a fun and flavorful spin on a Southern classic, combining crispy fried chicken with fluffy mini waffles for a sweet and savory bite-sized treat. Each slider is stacked with a piece of juicy chicken, sandwiched between golden waffles, and drizzled with maple syrup or honey for a delicious finishing touch. The contrast of crunchy, tender, sweet, and savory makes these sliders an instant crowd-pleaser.

I first made Chicken & Waffle Sliders for a weekend brunch, and they were a huge hit! The combination of crispy chicken and soft, warm waffles was simply irresistible. What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is—you can add spicy hot sauce for a kick, serve them with bacon for extra indulgence, or even swap the syrup for a flavored butter. Chicken & Waffle Sliders are perfect for brunches, parties, or anytime you want to enjoy a playful twist on comfort food!

Perfect for:

  • Brunch gatherings
  • Game day snacks
  • Holiday parties
  • Family dinners
  • Chicken and waffle lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Chicken & Waffle Sliders will be your new go-to dish:

  • Irresistible Flavor Combination: The crispy chicken paired with sweet waffles and maple syrup is a match made in heaven.
  • Perfectly Portable: These sliders are bite-sized, making them easy to eat at parties or as a casual meal.
  • Savory and Sweet: The savory fried chicken and sweet waffle combination offers a satisfying flavor balance.
  • Crispy Chicken: The fried chicken is crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
  • Fluffy Waffles: Light and airy waffles act as the perfect base for the fried chicken.
  • Customizable Toppings: You can adjust the amount of syrup or add a spicy kick to suit your taste.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: The waffles can be made in advance, and the chicken can be prepped ahead for a stress-free meal.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
  • Comfort Food at Its Best: The combination of chicken and waffles satisfies your craving for both comfort and indulgence.
  • Versatile Dish: These sliders can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main dish depending on the occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 8 sliders
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 18g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 16g

Ingredients

For the Fried Chicken:

  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

The Waffles:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Maple Sauce:

  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley or thyme
  • Sriracha or additional hot sauce

Ingredient Highlights

  • Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
  • Paprika and Garlic Powder: Enhance the flavor of the fried chicken.
  • Maple Syrup: Sweetens the dish and pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.
  • Hot Sauce: Adds a spicy kick to balance the sweetness of the syrup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Fried Chicken:

  1. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat Oil: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  4. Coat Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and coat each piece evenly in the flour mixture.
  5. Fry Chicken: Carefully fry the chicken in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Make the Waffles:

  1. Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  5. Cook Waffles: Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Repeat until all waffles are cooked.
  6. Cut into Sliders: Once cooled slightly, cut the waffles into small squares, about the size of the fried chicken pieces.

Make the Maple Sauce:

  1. Heat Syrup and Butter: In a small saucepan, heat maple syrup and butter over medium heat until melted.
  2. Add Hot Sauce: Stir in hot sauce, if desired, for a spicy kick.

Assemble the Sliders:

  1. Layer Chicken and Waffles: Place a piece of fried chicken on top of each waffle square.
  2. Drizzle with Maple Sauce: Spoon the maple sauce over the chicken and waffles.
  3. Garnish: Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs and extra hot sauce if desired.

Serve:

  1. Enjoy: Serve the sliders immediately while warm and crispy.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Chicken & Waffle Sliders:

  • As a Brunch Dish: Serve these sliders as a main dish for a hearty brunch.
  • With Extra Maple Syrup: Drizzle extra syrup over the top for added sweetness.
  • On Game Day: Perfect as a finger food at sports events or tailgates.
  • With a Side Salad: Serve with a light salad for a balanced meal.
  • As a Snack: These sliders make for an indulgent snack for guests at parties.
  • For Special Occasions: Ideal for holiday brunches or family gatherings.
  • With Crispy Beef Bacon: Add a slice of crispy beef bacon for an extra savory layer.
  • With Pickles: Serve with a side of dill pickles to balance the sweetness.
  • On Mini Buns: Swap out the waffles for mini buns for a more classic slider feel.
  • For Kids’ Parties: These sliders are fun and kid-friendly for birthday parties.

Additional Tips

  • Maintain Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil stays at a steady 350°F to avoid soggy chicken.
  • Waffle Texture: If the waffles come out too crispy, slightly undercook them to keep them light and fluffy.
  • Keep Chicken Warm: Place fried chicken in a low oven (about 200°F) to keep warm while you cook the rest.
  • Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the chicken in small batches to ensure it cooks evenly and crisps up properly.

Recipe Variations

  • Spicy Chicken Sliders: Add cayenne pepper or paprika to the flour mixture for spicier chicken.
  • Gluten-Free Sliders: Use gluten-free flour for both the chicken and waffle batter.
  • Maple beef Bacon Waffles: Add crumbled beef bacon to the waffle batter for a smoky twist.
  • Vegan Option: Use plant-based chicken nuggets and a vegan waffle mix for a plant-based version.
  • Crispy Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more flavor.
  • Herbed Waffle Batter: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the waffle batter for extra flavor.
  • Honey Butter Sauce: Swap out maple syrup for a honey butter sauce for a different sweetness.

Special Equipment

  • Waffle Iron: For making the waffles.
  • Deep Fryer or Skillet: For frying the chicken.
  • Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Tongs: To carefully fry and remove chicken from the hot oil.
  • Shallow Dish: For coating the chicken in the flour mixture.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use frozen chicken for the fried chicken?
    Yes, frozen chicken works well, but be sure to thaw it before frying.
  2. Can I make the waffles ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the waffles ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer. Reheat in a toaster for best results.
  3. What can I substitute for buttermilk?
    Use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute for buttermilk.
  4. Can I freeze the sliders?
    Yes, freeze the assembled sliders (without sauce) and reheat in the oven.
  5. Can I skip the maple sauce?
    Yes, you can serve these sliders with a different sauce or dip if you prefer.
  6. How do I prevent the waffles from being too soggy?
    Make sure the waffles are crisp and dry before adding the sauce to avoid sogginess.
  7. How do I keep the chicken crispy?
    Serve immediately after frying, or place the chicken on a wire rack to keep the crust crispy.
  8. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, simply double the ingredients to make more sliders.
  9. Can I use a different type of syrup?
    You can use flavored syrups, like cinnamon or berry syrups, for a fun twist.
  10. How do I cut the waffles into squares?
    Use a sharp knife to cut the waffles into squares, about the size of the fried chicken pieces.

Conclusion

Chicken & Waffle Sliders are a fun, flavorful twist on a classic comfort food pairing. These mini sliders feature crispy, golden fried chicken sandwiched between fluffy, sweet waffles. Drizzled with maple syrup or honey and a touch of melted butter, they offer the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and crunchy in every bite.

These sliders are ideal for brunch, parties, or even as a playful dinner option. You can customize them by adding a dollop of spicy mayo, a slice of cheese, or even a bit of coleslaw for extra flavor and texture. Whether served as finger food or a meal, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

I can’t wait to see how your Chicken & Waffle Sliders turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!