These adorable mini chicken and waffle sliders are a fun twist on a classic dish! Juicy chicken bites sit between delicious, fluffy waffles for a sweet and savory treat.
They’re perfect for brunch or as a tasty snack anytime! I love serving them with a drizzle of maple syrup—it makes each bite even more delightful. Who can resist that combo? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Tenders: Chicken tenders are great for this recipe because they’re tender and cook quickly. If you don’t have tenders, you can cut chicken breasts into strips. Alternatively, for a healthier option, try using turkey breast!
Buttermilk: Buttermilk is key for marinating and tenderizing the chicken. If you don’t have it, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to create a quick substitute!
Flour: All-purpose flour is typical, but you could use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or even gluten-free flour if needed. Just ensure it’s suitable for frying.
Mini Waffles: Store-bought mini waffles save time, but homemade ones are a treat! If you can’t find mini waffles, you can make regular waffles and cut them into smaller sizes.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Fried Chicken?
Frying can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll get crispy, golden chicken every time! The temperature of the oil is key. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C) for perfectly fried chicken. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to keep the oil’s temperature steady.
- Let the chicken drain on paper towels after frying to avoid sogginess.
These steps will help you achieve that crispy texture we all love! Enjoy crafting your sliders!
Mini Chicken And Waffle Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into small strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Waffles:
- Mini waffles (store-bought frozen or homemade)
- Butter, for spreading on waffles
- Maple syrup, for drizzling
- Toothpicks or small skewers, for assembling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 20-30 minutes to cook. If you marinate the chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes to 2 hours first, that’s the only extra time needed! Once cooked, your sliders will be ready to impress in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken strips in a bowl and pouring the buttermilk over them. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor and tenderness.
2. Prepare the Flour Coating:
While your chicken is marinating, grab a shallow dish and combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix to make a tasty coating for the chicken!
3. Coat the Chicken:
When you’re ready, take the chicken out of the fridge. Let any excess buttermilk drip off, and then dredge each piece in your flour mixture, pressing a little to help the coating stick.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat enough vegetable oil to fully submerge the chicken pieces (about 1 to 2 inches deep) to 350°F (175°C). You can use a kitchen thermometer to check or drop a small piece of batter in; if it sizzles right away, the oil is ready!
5. Fry the Chicken:
Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, place the fried chicken on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Prepare the Mini Waffles:
If you’re using frozen mini waffles, toast them as instructed on the package until they’re warm and slightly crisp. If making your own, cook them until golden brown and fluffy.
7. Assemble the Sliders:
Take the bottom half of each waffle and spread a little butter on it. Place a piece of fried chicken on top, drizzle with maple syrup, and then cover with the top waffle. Repeat until all sliders are assembled!
8. Secure and Serve:
To hold everything together, insert a toothpick or small skewer into each slider. Serve warm with extra maple syrup on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Enjoy your delicious mini chicken and waffle sliders – they’re perfect for brunch, parties, or a fun snack anytime! 🎉
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it first! Defrost chicken in the fridge overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. This ensures even cooking and avoids a watery texture.
Can I Make the Waffles Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the waffles in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a toaster or microwave when you’re ready to assemble your sliders for a quicker meal!
How to Store Leftover Sliders?
If you have any leftover sliders, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, reheat each slider in the microwave or oven until warmed through, then add a drizzle of maple syrup before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free! Just use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for the chicken coating. Choose gluten-free mini waffles as well, if making from scratch or buying pre-made!
