If you’re looking for a surefire crowd-pleaser or a playful twist on classic comfort food, Chicken and Waffles Sliders deserves a spot at your next brunch or party. Imagine tender, golden-fried chicken snuggled between toasty mini waffles, drizzled with maple syrup, and topped with crispy bacon for an irresistible sweet and savory mashup. Each handheld bite packs so much flavor and pure fun, you’ll find the platter empty in no time—don’t be surprised if these sliders steal the show every time they’re served!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, letting every ingredient shine in both taste and texture. Each component adds something special, from juicy chicken and crispy waffles to a touch of smokiness from the bacon—all brought together with a hint of maple sweetness.
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into slider-sized pieces for the perfect bite every time. Thighs bring extra juiciness, while breasts offer a leaner option.
- Buttermilk: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk ensures tenderness and adds a gentle tang that elevates flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of your coating—when seasoned well, it creates that signature crunchy crust.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and a lovely golden hue to the crispy coating.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the chicken with subtle, savory depth.
- Salt and Black Pepper: The simple duo that amplifies all the other flavors.
- Vegetable Oil: Ideal for frying up chicken that’s golden and crisp without overpowering its flavor.
- Mini Frozen Waffles: Store-bought waffles get perfectly crisp when toasted and are just the right size for sliders.
- Melted Butter: Brushed on hot waffles for a rich, indulgent finish.
- Maple Syrup: The luscious, sweet drizzle ties everything together—use pure maple syrup for best flavor.
- Bacon (optional): Adds smoky, savory crunch—totally worth it if you want that extra layer of decadence.
- Wooden Picks or Skewers: Essential for keeping your Chicken and Waffles Sliders stacked tall and party-ready.
How to Make Chicken and Waffles Sliders
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them, making sure they’re fully coated. Letting the chicken soak in all that tangy goodness for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you’re planning ahead) works magic for both flavor and tenderness. The longer the marinate, the juicier and more flavorful your sliders will be!
Step 2: Prep the Seasoned Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This powerhouse blend creates a flavorful crust when you dredge your chicken, and clinging to every nook, it turns irresistibly crispy as it fries.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat—you want it hot enough for a lively sizzle but not smoking. Dredge each piece of marinated chicken in your seasoned flour, pressing gently to help the coating stick. Fry the chicken in batches, about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and stay crisp.
Step 4: Toast the Waffles
Pop the mini waffles in your toaster and let them crisp up according to the package directions. When they’re hot, brush each one with melted butter for extra richness—it makes such a difference in flavor and helps keep the waffles soft yet crisp where it counts.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
Set up an assembly line: start with a toasted mini waffle, pile on a piece of fried chicken, and add half a bacon slice if you’re up for a savory bonus. Give it a generous drizzle of maple syrup, then cap with a second waffle. Secure each masterpiece with a wooden pick or skewer. Your Chicken and Waffles Sliders are ready to steal the spotlight!
How to Serve Chicken and Waffles Sliders
Garnishes
A pinch of freshly chopped chives, a scatter of microgreens, or a light dusting of powdered sugar can take these sliders from delicious to downright impressive. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the finished sliders highlights all those sweet and savory notes—little touches that go a long way.
Side Dishes
Keep things playful by serving your Chicken and Waffles Sliders with fruit salad, crispy home fries, or a tangy coleslaw. A simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette helps balance the rich flavors, making every bite even more satisfying—especially at brunch or for casual entertaining.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Chicken and Waffles Sliders on a big wooden platter with maple syrup in pourable jars and hot sauce on the side for guests to customize. Skewer each slider with fun party picks or small flag toothpicks, or serve in mini cupcake liners for grab-and-go ease. They’re also adorable lined up on a cake stand or tiered tray at brunch buffets!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got a few sliders left after your gathering (unlikely, but you never know!), wrap them individually or store in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty for up to two days, though the waffles will be soft rather than crisp.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken—just let it cool completely first, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to a month. While waffles don’t freeze as beautifully on their own, assembled sliders can be flash-frozen on a tray and then bagged up. Reheat straight from the freezer for a quick, homemade treat!
Reheating
To bring Chicken and Waffles Sliders back to life, use an oven or toaster oven rather than a microwave for best results. Heat at 350°F until warmed through and the waffles are crisp again, about 8–10 minutes. If you thaw frozen sliders first, they’ll need a little less time. Drizzle extra maple syrup right before serving to revive the magic!
FAQs
Can I use chicken tenders or nuggets instead?
Absolutely! Store-bought chicken tenders or nuggets work in a pinch for speedy sliders. They’ll be less juicy than freshly fried chicken, but you’ll still end up with a fun and tasty result—perfect for last-minute parties.
What’s the best way to keep the chicken crisp if serving a crowd?
After frying, keep the cooked chicken on a rack set over a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest or toast the waffles. This keeps everything warm and crisp until it’s time to assemble your Chicken and Waffles Sliders.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend and use gluten-free mini waffles. Make sure to double-check your seasoning blends and bacon, too.
Is there a dairy-free option?
You can use unsweetened oat or almond milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar in place of buttermilk, and opt for a dairy-free butter for brushing the waffles. The results are still indulgently delicious.
How spicy can I make this?
For a spicy kick, add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade. You can also sprinkle cayenne into the flour mixture or finish the sliders with hot honey instead of syrup—customize the heat level to suit your tastebuds!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up your next brunch, game day, or anytime gathering, let these Chicken and Waffles Sliders take center stage. They combine everything you crave—crunchy, fluffy, salty, sweet—in a playful bite-sized package that always brings smiles. Trust me, give them a try, and you’ll see why they’re a favorite worth sharing again and again.
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
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Chicken and Waffles Sliders are a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, perfect for brunch or as a fun appetizer. Crispy fried chicken nestled between mini toasted waffles, drizzled with maple syrup, and optionally topped with bacon, these sliders are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into slider-size pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- vegetable oil (for frying)
For 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 the Chicken: Place the chicken in buttermilk, marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Dredge: Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a dish.
- Fry the Chicken: Dredge chicken in flour, fry until golden brown and cooked through.
- Toast Waffles: Toast mini waffles, brush with melted butter.
- Assemble Sliders: Place chicken on waffle, add bacon, drizzle with syrup, top with another waffle, secure with pick.
Notes
- For a spicy twist, add hot sauce to the marinade or drizzle with hot honey.
- These sliders are versatile and perfect for various occasions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
