These Mini Chicken and Waffle Sliders are the perfect bite-sized treat! Crispy chicken between fluffy waffles creates a tasty combo. Add some maple syrup for that sweet finish!
I love serving these at parties. Watching everyone take a tiny bite makes me smile! Plus, they’re super easy to make—just fry, stack, and serve. It’s a fun dish that gets everyone talking!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Waffle Batter: All-purpose flour is essential for structure. If you’re gluten-free, try a gluten-free mix or almond flour instead. Buttermilk adds tanginess; you can make a substitution by mixing milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but thighs are juicier if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, consider using cauliflower bites or chickpea patties, breaded and fried just like the chicken!
Seasonings: The seasoning mix is what makes the chicken flavorful. Don’t hesitate to adjust spices to your taste. If you love heat, add more cayenne, or switch it out for hot sauce in the marinade.
Maple Syrup: While classic maple syrup is great, you could opt for a honey mustard sauce or a spicy syrup to add a unique twist. If you’re looking for lower sugar, agave syrup also works well.
How Do I Get My Waffles Super Crispy?
The secret to crispy waffles is ensuring your waffle iron is hot enough and not overcrowding them. Here’s how:
- Preheat the waffle iron properly and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Use a small scoop of batter—don’t overfill the iron. This allows the steam to escape and prevents sogginess.
- Cook until golden brown, letting them sit for a minute on a wire rack to maintain crispness.
Remember, patience is key! Don’t rush the cooking process, and enjoy every crispy bite!
Mini Chicken And Waffle Sliders
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Waffles:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Cooking spray or additional butter for waffle iron
For The Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small tender-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk (for marinade)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
To Assemble:
- Maple syrup or honey
- Cream cheese or mascarpone (optional, for spread)
- Fresh arugula or microgreens (optional, for garnish)
- Toothpicks or small skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time and approximately 20 minutes of cooking time. You’ll marinate the chicken while you prepare your waffle batter and cook up those delicious waffles. Overall, you’ll need around 1 hour to get these tasty sliders ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken pieces in a bowl and covering them with 1 cup of buttermilk. This will help tenderize the chicken and add flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, let it marinate for 1 hour.
2. Make the Waffle Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix, and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
3. Cook the Waffles:
Preheat your mini waffle iron and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter. Pour a small amount of batter into the iron (about 1/4 cup, depending on the size) and cook until golden and crisp. Remove the waffles and set them aside on a wire rack while you cook the rest.
4. Prepare the Chicken Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. This will serve as the seasoned coating for your chicken.
5. Coat the Chicken:
Remove the marinated chicken pieces from the buttermilk and let any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
6. Fry the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
7. Assemble the Sliders:
Take one of your mini waffles and spread a small amount of cream cheese or mascarpone on the bottom. Top it with a piece of the fried chicken, and drizzle with maple syrup or honey. If you like, add some fresh arugula on top for a bit of crunch and flavor. Place another mini waffle on top and secure it with a toothpick.
8. Serve:
Arrange your delicious sliders on a platter and serve them warm. Don’t forget to keep extra syrup on the side for dipping!
Enjoy your delicious Mini Chicken and Waffle Sliders—perfect for brunch, snacks, or parties!
Can I Make the Waffles in Advance?
Yes, you can make the waffles ahead of time! Simply cook them, let them cool, and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to use them, just pop them in the toaster to reheat and crisp them up.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To make the sliders healthier, consider baking the chicken instead of frying! Coat the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour and then bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. You can also use whole wheat flour for the waffles and opt for a sugar-free syrup.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
While fresh chicken is recommended for the best texture, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before marinating. This ensures even cooking and flavor absorption!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Leftovers?
To store any leftovers, place the assembled sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For reheating, it’s best to separate the components and reheat the chicken and waffles in the oven to maintain crispiness. Enjoy them within a few days for the best flavor and texture!
