These mini chicken and waffle sliders are the perfect fun snack! They combine crispy chicken and sweet, fluffy waffles all in one bite. What’s not to love?
Honestly, it’s like a party on a plate! I mean, who doesn’t enjoy a little breakfast flavor for lunch? I love serving these at gatherings—they always get smiles! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: It’s the base for both the waffles and the chicken batter. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead—it works great in waffles!
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and tang. If you don’t have it on hand, mix a cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a quick substitute.
Chicken: Chicken tenders are perfect for this recipe, but boneless chicken thighs also work wonderfully. You can even use tofu for a plant-based version!
Maple syrup: While this is a classic pairing, feel free to try honey or agave syrup if you prefer. You could even whip up a spicy syrup by adding some chili flakes to your maple syrup!
How Do I Ensure Crispy Fried Chicken?
Getting that perfect crispy coating can be tricky! Here’s how to achieve great texture:
- After marinating, let the excess buttermilk drip off your chicken to prevent sogginess.
- Press the chicken well into the seasoned flour—this helps the coating stick better during frying.
- Fry in hot oil (about 350°F). Use a thermometer for accuracy, and don’t overcrowd the pan; this keeps the oil temperature steady.
- Drain the fried chicken on paper towels right after cooking to keep it crispy.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly crispy chicken that complements those delightful waffles! Enjoy your sliders!
Mini Chicken And Waffle Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Waffles:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
For the Fried Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenders or small chicken breast pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
To Assemble:
- Maple syrup for drizzling
- Optional: fresh greens (such as microgreens or arugula) for garnish
- Toothpicks or small skewers to hold sliders together
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 30 minutes for cooking. You can plan for about 45 minutes total, including marination time for the chicken and cooking the waffles and chicken. Perfect for a quick snack or a fun meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Waffles:
To start, preheat your waffle iron so it’s nice and hot. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well mixed. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter together. Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are okay!
2. Cook the Waffles:
Next, drop small spoonfuls of the batter onto the preheated waffle iron to cook mini waffles. Follow your waffle iron’s instructions and cook until they are golden brown and crisp. Once done, set them aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix the chicken tenders with buttermilk and sprinkle in the hot sauce if you’re feeling adventurous! Cover and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to marinate, or longer if you’d like to prepare ahead.
4. Season the Flour:
While the chicken is marinating, take another bowl and mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This will be your coating for the chicken.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep pan or skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You can check this with a thermometer or by tossing a small piece of bread into the oil to see if it bubbles—if it does, you’re good to go!
6. Fry the Chicken:
Now, remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing down a bit to stick well. Fry your chicken pieces in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, cooking for about 4-5 minutes per side until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
7. Assemble the Sliders:
It’s time for the fun part! Take one of your mini waffles and place it on a serving plate. Add a piece of fried chicken on top and drizzle a bit of maple syrup over it. If you’re using greens, sprinkle a few on before topping with another mini waffle. Secure everything together with a toothpick or skewer—you’ve got yourself a delicious slider!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Repeat the assembly process for the remaining sliders. Serve them warm with extra maple syrup on the side for drizzling as needed. These tasty mini chicken and waffle sliders are sure to be a hit!
Enjoy your perfect blend of crispy, sweet, and savory flavors in every tempting bite!
Can I Make the Waffles in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the waffle batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to give it a good stir before using. If you’ve made the waffles already, they can stay in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days and can be reheated in the toaster.
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute! Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will give you a similar tang and texture for your batter.
How Do I Keep the Chicken Crispy After Frying?
To keep fried chicken crispy, place it on a wire rack instead of paper towels after frying. This allows air to circulate around the chicken, preventing it from getting soggy while you finish cooking the rest. Serve immediately for the best texture!
Can I Prepare These Sliders as a Finger Food for Parties?
Definitely! Mini chicken and waffle sliders are perfect for parties. Assemble them right before serving to keep everything fresh and crispy. You can even set up a slider station with toppings like different syrups or hot sauces for guests to customize their sliders!
