If you have a soft spot for the irresistible charm of sweet and savory bites, then this Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe is about to become your new favorite obsession. Imagine tender, juicy fried chicken nestled between crisp, golden mini waffles, kissed by the rich indulgence of maple syrup and a touch of melted butter. These sliders take the classic Southern comfort food you love and turn it into perfectly portioned, fun-sized delights that are ideal for brunch, appetizers, or anytime you want to wow your guests with simple yet sensational flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe just right is all about using straightforward, staple ingredients that come together in the most harmonious way. Each has a role to play—from the juicy chicken for hearty satisfaction to the mini waffles that add a crispy, sweet base for your slider.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose your favorite cut, trimmed and cut into slider-size pieces for perfect bites.
- 1 cup buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken beautifully and adds subtle tanginess to the flavor profile.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The key to that golden, crispy coating that hugs the chicken in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a warm, smoky hint that deepens the flavor subtly but importantly.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle garlicky aroma without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the waffles.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): The frying medium that crisps the chicken to perfection.
- 12 mini frozen waffles (toasted): The base and top for your sliders, their slight sweetness complements the savory chicken.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Brushed on the waffles to add richness and golden color.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (for drizzling): The star sweetener that brings the entire dish together with its luscious warmth.
- 6 slices cooked bacon (halved, optional): For those who love a smoky, crisp bacon boost in every bite.
- Wooden picks or skewers: Essential for holding each slider beautifully intact.
How to Make Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by placing your chicken pieces in a bowl and generously covering them with buttermilk. This step is so important because it tenderizes the chicken, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth rather than feeling tough. Let your chicken soak in this creamy bath for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator; if you can plan ahead, leaving it overnight intensifies the flavor and juiciness even more.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Mixture
While your chicken marinates, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. This seasoned flour is the magic coating that crisps up beautifully when fried and adds a layer of flavor that’s simple but absolutely essential to the iconic taste of these sliders.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering and ready for action. Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off before dredging it in your seasoned flour. Press the flour lightly to coat thoroughly. Fry your chicken in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan, cooking each piece for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil, keeping them crisp and delicious.
Step 4: Toast and Butter the Waffles
While your chicken is frying, toast the mini waffles according to package instructions. Don’t skip brushing them with melted butter afterward – this little extra step creates a gorgeous golden sheen and adds richness that balances the salty crunch of the chicken perfectly.
Step 5: Assemble Your Sliders
Now comes the fun part! Place one piece of fried chicken on a toasted waffle. If you’re using bacon, add half a slice on top for a smoky, crispy layer. Drizzle a little maple syrup over the top to introduce that signature sweet-savory flair. Finally, cap it with another toasted waffle and secure the whole bundle with a wooden pick or skewer. Serve immediately for the best crispy, juicy experience.
How to Serve Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate these Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe creations with some fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and brightness. A small sprinkle of powdered sugar dusted over the top can also bring a playful hint of sweetness and visual appeal that makes your sliders almost too pretty to eat.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides simple and complementary. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpart to the deep flavors of the sliders, while coleslaw adds a crunchy, creamy texture that pairs perfectly. For a heartier feast, serve with crispy sweet potato fries or a bowl of fresh fruit salad for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party or appetizer tray, arrange these sliders on a wooden board with small bowls of hot honey, extra maple syrup, or spicy aioli on the side. You can also thread several sliders onto larger skewers for easy grabbing and sharing. Use colorful napkins or fun toothpicks to match your theme and make the presentation even more festive and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers from your Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sliders will keep well for about 2 days, but keep in mind the waffles may lose a bit of their crispness over time.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the fried chicken pieces separately, wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn, for up to 1 month. It’s best to freeze the waffles separately too. Assemble right before serving after reheating to maintain the ideal texture and flavor combination.
Reheating
To bring those sliders back to their fresh-from-the-fryer glory, reheat the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore crispness. Toast your waffles fresh or warm them in the toaster just before assembly. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it may make the breading soggy and the waffles chewy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe?
Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work well. Thighs tend to be juicier and slightly more flavorful, but breasts are leaner and perfectly fine as long as you don’t overcook them.
What can I substitute for buttermilk if I don’t have any on hand?
You can easily make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, then use it as a buttermilk substitute for marinating your chicken.
Is it necessary to use frozen mini waffles, or can I make my own?
Frozen mini waffles are super convenient and consistent for this recipe, but if you have a favorite homemade waffle recipe, go for it! Just make sure they’re proportioned to slider size and toasted for that perfect crisp.
Can I make these sliders spicy?
Definitely! Add a few dashes of your preferred hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade or drizzle hot honey instead of maple syrup for a spicy-sweet kick that livens up the dish wonderfully.
Are these sliders kid-friendly?
Yes, these sliders are fantastic for kids who love fun finger foods. You can skip the bacon and mild the seasoning to suit younger palates. The familiar flavors of chicken and waffles usually make these a big hit with the whole family.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly joyful about serving up a fresh batch of Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe that brings sweet and savory together in such a playful, bite-sized way. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a charming brunch dish, these sliders hit all the right notes. So grab your ingredients, get frying, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this comfort food classic turned slider superstar. You won’t regret it!
Print
Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 6 sliders
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chicken and Waffles Sliders combine crispy fried chicken pieces with buttery toasted mini waffles, crowned with optional bacon and drizzled with sweet maple syrup. Perfect as a fun and flavorful appetizer or a delicious brunch treat, these sliders bring together classic Southern comfort food flavors in a bite-sized form.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into slider-size pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 1 inch deep)
Assembly
- 12 mini frozen waffles, toasted
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup, for drizzling
- 6 slices cooked bacon, halved (optional)
- Wooden picks or skewers, for assembling
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Place the cut chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to tenderize and add flavor.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet to about 1 inch depth and heat it over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot enough for frying (around 350°F or until a pinch of flour sizzles).
- Dredge Chicken: Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere a good coating.
- Fry Chicken: Carefully place coated chicken pieces in the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Toast Waffles: Toast mini frozen waffles following package instructions until golden and slightly crisp. Brush both sides lightly with melted butter for extra flavor and sheen.
- Assemble Sliders: Take one toasted waffle and place a fried chicken piece on top. Add half a bacon slice if desired. Drizzle with maple syrup, then crown with another waffle to create a slider. Secure with a wooden pick or skewer.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the sliders warm, drizzled with extra maple syrup if preferred. Enjoy as a hearty appetizer or brunch dish.
Notes
- For a spicy variation, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade or drizzle hot honey instead of maple syrup.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful bites; breasts work well too for a leaner option.
- Ensure oil temperature remains consistent for even frying and to prevent greasy chicken.
- These sliders make a great fun finger food for gatherings, brunches, or game days.
- Leftover waffles can be toasted and buttered fresh for the best texture.
