If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the crispy, spicy goodness of fried chicken with the sweet, fluffy charm of waffles, then you’re going to adore this Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe. These mini marvels bring together the best of both worlds in bite-sized portions that are perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself. With each slider delivering that perfect harmony of crunch, warmth, and a touch of heat, this dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple but packs a punch with every ingredient. Each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s signature textures and bold flavors, from the tender marinated chicken to the crisp waffle “buns.”
- 3 cups waffle mix: The base for light, fluffy mini waffles that cradle the chicken perfectly.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced and pounded thin for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- 2 cups buttermilk: Provides tang and tenderizes the chicken during marination.
- ½ cup Cholula® Original Hot Sauce: Adds a gentle kick and depth to the marinade.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The perfect coating for creating that irresistible crispy crust.
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt: Enhances overall flavor and seasons the chicken and flour coating.
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder: Adds rich, savory notes to the dredge.
- Canola oil: Ideal for frying to achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
- 12 eggs (optional): For topping, if you want to add a decadent fried egg to your sliders.
How to Make Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken
Start by slicing the chicken breasts into 2-inch squares and pounding them to about a ¼ inch thickness for quick and even frying. Place the pieces in a large freezer bag to keep everything tidy. Next, mix the buttermilk with Cholula hot sauce and pour the mixture over the chicken. This marinade not only tenderizes the meat but infuses it with a subtle smoky heat that’s absolutely irresistible. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight if you can—patience pays off here!
Step 2: Make Mini Waffles
While the chicken is soaking up those flavors, preheat your waffle maker. Prepare the batter according to your waffle mix package instructions. Using about an eighth of a cup of batter per mini waffle, cook each for around 3 minutes until golden and fluffy. Let them cool on a rack to keep them crisp and ready to stack with the chicken. You’ll want to make 24 mini waffles total, perfect for assembling 12 sliders.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
Take the chicken out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes—this helps the chicken cook evenly. Meanwhile, reserve your buttermilk marinade for dipping later. In a bowl, mix the flour, kosher salt, and garlic powder to create a flavorful dredging mixture. Half of this mixture goes into a large freezer bag; this will make the coating process less messy and more efficient.
Step 4: Double Dredge the Chicken
Dip 4 or 5 chicken pieces at a time into the reserved buttermilk marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Then, coat them thoroughly in the flour mixture inside the freezer bag. For an ultra-crispy crust, repeat this dipping and coating process once more to create a double layer of deliciousness. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let them rest for 15 minutes; this extra step ensures the coating adheres better when frying.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken to Perfection
Heat about ¾ inch of canola oil in a cast iron pan to 375°F. Fry the chicken in small batches of 3 to 4 pieces for roughly 4 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a gorgeous golden color and an internal temperature of 180°F. Remember to drain them on paper towels and sprinkle with a little salt while still hot to enhance the crust’s flavor.
Step 6: Assemble Your Sliders
Keep the fried chicken warm in a 250°F oven as you finish frying all pieces. Once everything is ready, stack each piece of crispy chicken between two mini waffles. For the classic touch, drizzle syrup over your sliders. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve with your preferred sauces or even top them with a fried egg for a rich, indulgent finish.
How to Serve Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing, simplicity can be key to letting the sliders shine. A light drizzle of maple syrup adds sweetness that perfectly balances the spicy chicken, but for an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh chives or a dash of smoked paprika. If you’re adding fried eggs on top, a little cracked black pepper and flaky sea salt will elevate the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
Since these sliders are packed with flavor and texture, pair them with sides that complement without overpowering. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, some creamy coleslaw, or even sweet potato fries offer contrasting textures and tastes that round the meal out beautifully. Don’t forget a refreshing beverage to wash it down—something citrusy or lightly sweet works wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
These Chicken and Waffles Sliders aren’t just delicious; they’re a feast for the eyes. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of syrup, spicy mayo, or honey mustard on the side for dipping fun. For a party, line them up on skewers to create fun, portable finger foods. You can also serve them stacked high with colorful microgreens to add a pop of freshness and an Instagram-worthy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of these sliders left (though that’s unlikely!), store the chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps keep the chicken crispy and the waffles from becoming soggy. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for quick reheats.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and waffles individually before assembling the sliders. Lay the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to freezer-safe bags or containers. Frozen components will keep well for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
For the best texture when reheating, pop the chicken and waffles in a preheated oven at 350°F. Warm the chicken on a wire rack to let excess moisture escape and maintain its crispiness, while warming the waffles on a separate baking sheet to keep them light. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use premade chicken tenders for this Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe?
While premade chicken tenders can save time, they won’t have the same marinade flavor or crispy crust as freshly prepared chicken pieces. For the best experience, try to follow the recipe for that distinct balance of juicy, tender chicken and crunchy coating.
What type of waffle mix works best for this recipe?
Any standard waffle mix you like will work, but choosing one that yields light and fluffy waffles is key since they act as soft buns for your sliders. Some mixes are sweeter than others; adjust syrup usage accordingly to keep flavors balanced.
Can I make these sliders spicy or mild?
Absolutely! The amount of Cholula hot sauce in the marinade controls the heat level. You can dial it back for a milder taste or add extra for more fiery heat. Additional spicy toppings like hot honey or sriracha mayo can also amp up the kick.
Is it necessary to double dredge the chicken?
Double dredging might seem like extra work, but it creates a thick, satisfying crust that holds up well when fried. Skipping this step might result in a lighter coating that can be less crispy and flaky, so it’s worth the bit of extra effort!
Can these sliders be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free waffle mix. Just make sure your hot sauce and other ingredients don’t contain hidden gluten to keep everything safe and tasty.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe is a game-changer for your next brunch, party, or comfort food craving. Its combination of spicy, crispy chicken and fluffy, sweet waffles literally delivers happiness in every bite. Whether you follow the classic syrup topping or try your own creative twists, you’re in for a treat that will quickly become a beloved favorite. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this delightful culinary adventure—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including 2 hours marinating)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer/Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chicken and Waffles Sliders combine crispy buttermilk fried chicken with fluffy mini waffles for a perfect blend of savory and sweet. Marinated in spicy Cholula hot sauce-infused buttermilk, the chicken is double-dredged and fried to golden perfection, nestled between bite-sized waffles, and optionally topped with a fried egg. A fun and delicious twist on classic chicken and waffles, ideal for parties or a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Waffle Batter
- 3 cups waffle mix (prepared as per package instructions)
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups buttermilk
- ½ cup Cholula® Original Hot Sauce
Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
For Frying & Serving
- Canola oil, for frying
- 12 eggs (optional, for topping)
- Syrup or preferred sauces, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice chicken breasts into 2-inch squares and pound each piece to ¼ inch thickness. Place the chicken pieces in a large freezer bag.
- Make Marinade: In a bowl, mix buttermilk with Cholula Original Hot Sauce. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the freezer bag, seal, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to marinate, allowing flavors to infuse and meat to tenderize.
- Cook Waffles: Preheat your waffle maker. Prepare the waffle batter according to the package instructions. Use about ⅛ cup of batter for each mini waffle and cook for approximately 3 minutes until golden and cooked through. Place cooked waffles on a cooling rack. Repeat to make about 24 mini waffles.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, which promotes even cooking.
- Prepare Coating: Reserve some of the buttermilk marinade in a separate bowl. In another large bowl, mix the flour with kosher salt and garlic powder. Divide half of the seasoned flour mixture into the freezer bag containing the chicken.
- Double Dredge Chicken: Working with 4-5 pieces at a time, dip chicken pieces into the reserved buttermilk marinade, shaking off any excess. Then coat them well in the flour mixture inside the freezer bag. For a double coating, dip the floured chicken again into buttermilk and then back into the flour mixture.
- Rest Coated Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack and let rest for 15 minutes to help the coating adhere better. Repeat the dredging and resting with the remaining chicken pieces.
- Heat Oil: Heat canola oil in a cast iron pan to 375°F (190°C). The oil should be about ¾ inch deep for shallow frying.
- Fry Chicken: Fry chicken pieces in batches of 3-4, cooking each side for 4 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 180°F (82°C). Drain cooked chicken on paper towels and immediately season with a pinch of salt.
- Keep Warm: Place fried chicken pieces in a 250°F (120°C) oven to keep warm while frying the remaining batches.
- Assemble Sliders: Stack a piece of fried chicken between two mini waffles. Drizzle with syrup or serve with your preferred sauces for a sweet and spicy flavor balance.
- Optional Topping: For an extra indulgent slider, top each with a fried egg before serving.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Make mini waffles using a mini waffle maker for perfectly sized sliders.
- Double dredging the chicken ensures a crispy and flavorful crust.
- Keep fried chicken warm in a low oven to maintain crispiness while you finish frying.
- Customize with your favorite hot sauces or syrups for different flavor profiles.
- Adding a fried egg adds richness and a brunch-inspired touch to the sliders.
