If you’re searching for a perfect union of crispy, savory, and sweet, look no further than Chicken and Waffles Sliders. These delightful mini sandwiches bring together juicy, golden fried chicken, buttery waffles, and a dreamy drizzle of maple syrup in bite-sized form. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, game day feast, or looking for a fun family dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to put a smile on every face at the table with its irresistible flavor and playful presentation.

Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of reliable pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients to make Chicken and Waffles Sliders truly shine. Each element plays its own special role, ensuring that every bite is packed with rich taste, crave-worthy texture, and that signature sweet-meets-savory style.

Mini frozen waffles: These form the adorable, golden foundation and top of your sliders – toast them to a light crisp for the best texture.
Chicken tenders: Cooked and halved for slider-sized portions; their tenderness and crunch are the star of the show.
All-purpose flour: Essential for that crispy, seasoned chicken coating.
Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and deep color to the breading.
Garlic powder: A little savory punch to complement the chicken.
Black pepper: For fresh, snappy flavor in every bite.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances out the sweetness.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a hint of tang to the savory layer.
Egg: Helps the coating stick and gives a beautifully textured crust.
Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying – gives the chicken sliders their irresistible crunch.
Butter (melted): Brushed on the waffles for rich, toasty flavor.
Maple syrup: The classic finishing touch, adding sweetness that ties the sliders together.
Hot sauce (optional): For fans of a spicy kick; it’s totally customizable.
Toothpicks: Essential for assembling and serving these mini masterpieces with ease.

How to Make Chicken and Waffles Sliders

Step 1: Mix Your Seasoned Coating

Start by grabbing two shallow bowls. In the first, blend your all-purpose flour with paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. This seasoned flour will give your chicken its crispy, flavorful crust. Give it a quick whisk so everything combines nicely for even breading.

Step 2: Prep the Buttermilk Dip

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until fully combined. This mixture is key for making the coating stick and helps keep your chicken beautifully moist once fried.

Step 3: Dredge and Coat the Chicken

One tender at a time, dip each chicken piece into your buttermilk and egg mixture. Let any excess drip off, then dredge the chicken through your seasoned flour, making sure it’s thoroughly coated. This two-step breading is your ticket to slider perfection!

Step 4: Fry to Golden Brown

In a heavy skillet, heat up the vegetable oil over medium-high. Once it’s shimmering, add your breaded chicken tender halves. Fry for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. Drain the finished chicken on paper towels to keep it crisp and light.

Step 5: Toast the Waffles

While your chicken cools slightly, pop your mini frozen waffles in the toaster according to the package instructions. You want them perfectly crisp—just firm enough to hold the chicken but still tender inside. Once toasted, brush one side of each waffle round with melted butter for an irresistible finish.

Step 6: Assemble the Chicken and Waffles Sliders

Now the fun part! Place a piece of fried chicken between two buttery waffles to create a slider. Before topping, drizzle with a little maple syrup and, if you like, a dash of hot sauce for some heat. Secure each slider with a toothpick, making them easy to serve and dunk.

How to Serve Chicken and Waffles Sliders

Garnishes

The right garnish can take your Chicken and Waffles Sliders from great to gourmet. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a scatter of sliced green onions, or even a quick zest of lemon for brightness. A tiny dollop of whipped honey butter on top is a surefire way to win hearts at your table.

Side Dishes

For a more filling meal, pair these sliders with easygoing brunch favorites. Creamy coleslaw, a simple fruit salad, or a fresh arugula salad tossed with citrus all add vibrant color and freshness that balance the richness of the chicken and waffles.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the platter and turn these sliders into a festive display: line them up on a wooden board with mini pitchers of syrup and hot sauce, or arrange them in cupcake wrappers for a playful, grab-and-go appetizer at your next gathering. You can even thread them onto skewers picnic-style—it’s all about the wow factor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with a few extra Chicken and Waffles Sliders, simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep things from getting soggy, you may want to store the chicken and waffles separately and assemble just before reheating and serving.

Freezing

Both the fried chicken and toasted waffles freeze well for future slider sessions! Lay them out on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. This way, you’ll have perfectly portioned components ready whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring sliders back to their just-made glory, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at 350°F until crispy and hot through—about 10 minutes. Warm the waffles in the toaster, then assemble as you would fresh. Finish with maple syrup just before serving for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I make these Chicken and Waffles Sliders with store-bought chicken tenders?

Absolutely! Store-bought or frozen chicken tenders are a great shortcut for busy days. Simply bake or air-fry according to package directions, then assemble with the rest of the sliders for a speedy, satisfying meal.

What’s the best way to keep sliders crispy for a party?

To keep Chicken and Waffles Sliders crisp, assemble them just before serving. If you’re making a big batch, keep the fried chicken warm in a low oven (about 200°F) and toast the waffles right before guests arrive. Add syrup and hot sauce at the last minute.

Can I use gluten-free waffles and flour?

Yes! Look for your favorite mini gluten-free waffles and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You’ll still get all the crunchy, fluffy slider magic without missing a beat.

How can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Doubling is a breeze: simply multiply the ingredients by two and fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. You can toast multiple waffles at once in the oven on a baking sheet if you’re serving a large group.

What other sauces work well besides maple syrup and hot sauce?

Branch out and try honey mustard, chipotle mayo, or even a little spicy aioli for unique new layers of flavor. Switch things up at your next party by offering a fun little slider sauce bar!

Final Thoughts

Chicken and Waffles Sliders are surprisingly easy, endlessly customizable, and absolutely guaranteed to bring people together over great food. Whether you’re trying them for the first time or making them a new tradition, these sliders are meant to be shared, savored, and celebrated. Go on—gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to a bite of pure comfort!

Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 sliders 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Chicken and Waffles Sliders are a delightful twist on the classic sweet and savory combination. Perfect for a party appetizer or a fun meal, these mini sandwiches bring together crispy fried chicken tenders sandwiched between toasted mini waffles, drizzled with maple syrup and a hint of hot sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

12 mini frozen waffles
6 chicken tenders (cooked and cut in half)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 egg
vegetable oil for frying

For Assembly:

2 tablespoons butter (melted)
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Optional: hot sauce for drizzling
Toothpicks for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, mix buttermilk and egg. Dip chicken tender halves into the buttermilk mixture, then dredge in the seasoned flour.
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Toast the Waffles: Toast the mini waffles according to package instructions. Brush one side of each waffle with melted butter.
Assemble the Sliders: Place a piece of fried chicken between two waffles. Drizzle with maple syrup and hot sauce if desired. Secure with a toothpick and serve warm.