These Mini Chicken and Waffle Sliders are a fun twist on a classic dish! Juicy chicken pieces snugly fit between little waffles, making them bite-sized and perfect for any meal.
Who knew chicken and waffles could be so cute? I love serving them at brunch or game day, and they always disappear fast. Just a drizzle of syrup on top, and everyone is happy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main ingredient for the chicken coating. You can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour instead if you have dietary restrictions.
Chicken Tenderloins: If you don’t have tenderloins, chicken breasts cut into strips work just fine. For a healthier option, try baked chicken instead of fried.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes!
Waffle Batter: Store-bought waffle mix is super convenient. If you’re making it from scratch, you can add blueberries or chocolate chips for a tasty twist.
Maple Syrup and Honey: Both are excellent toppings, but if you want a healthier option, try agave syrup or even yogurt as a dip!
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Fried Chicken?
Getting crispy chicken is all about the frying technique. First, ensure your oil is hot—around 350°F (175°C)—so the chicken fries quickly and evenly. Here’s how you can achieve it:
- Make sure to double dip your chicken: first in the buttermilk and then in the seasoned flour, then repeat. This extra coating helps create crunch.
- Fry in small batches. Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, which makes the chicken soggy.
- Let the fried chicken rest on paper towels after frying to absorb excess oil.
Lastly, serve your sliders immediately for that perfect mix of crispy chicken and fluffy waffles!
Mini Chicken And Waffle Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins or small chicken strips
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups waffle batter (homemade or store-bought)
For Topping:
- Maple syrup or honey, for drizzling
- Optional: mayonnaise or aioli for spreading on waffles
- Fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley) for garnish (optional)
- Mini skewers or toothpicks to hold sliders together
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total, with around 15 minutes for preparation and cooking the chicken, plus time to make the waffles. Get ready for some delicious sliders that are quick and fun to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk with the egg until smooth. Dip each chicken tenderloin into the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off, then coat thoroughly with the flour mixture. For extra crispy chicken, you can double dip by repeating the buttermilk and flour steps.
2. Fry the Chicken:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated chicken tenderloins in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once done, transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
3. Make the Mini Waffles:
Preheat your mini waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour small dollops of waffle batter into the preheated waffle maker and cook until the waffles are golden and crisp. Aim to make enough to pair with all your chicken pieces!
4. Assemble the Sliders:
Take a bottom mini waffle and, if desired, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise or aioli on it. Place one piece of fried chicken on top of the waffle. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey for that perfect sweet touch. Finish with another mini waffle as the top, and secure everything together with a mini skewer or toothpick. If you’d like, add some chopped fresh herbs on top for a splash of color and flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
These sliders are best enjoyed immediately while everything is hot and crispy. They make a fun and tasty dish perfect for brunch, snacks, or parties! Share them with friends and family and watch them disappear!
Enjoy your Mini Chicken and Waffle Sliders!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure it fries up crispy.
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. Alternatively, you can cook the waffles earlier and reheat them in the toaster or air fryer for a few minutes to get them crispy again before assembling your sliders.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store the chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’re best eaten within 2-3 days. When reheating, do so in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness, as microwaving might make them soggy.
Can I Make These Sliders Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make these sliders gluten-free! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your waffle mix is also gluten-free. The taste will still be delicious!
