Save This crowd-pleasing Chicken and Waffle Sliders recipe transforms the classic Southern combo into adorable, handheld bites perfect for brunches, game days, or whenever you need to impress guests. The contrast between crispy, savory chicken and sweet, fluffy waffles creates an irresistible flavor explosion that keeps everyone coming back for more.
I first made these for a Super Bowl party, and they disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. Now they're requested at every gathering I host, and I've perfected the recipe through countless iterations to get that ideal crispy-to-fluffy ratio.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken: Boneless skinless chicken breasts provide the perfect tender foundation and cook quickly when sliced into smaller pieces
- For the Chicken: Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken while adding tanginess that balances the sweet elements
- For the Chicken: Hot sauce infuses subtle heat throughout the marinade without overwhelming the palate
- For the Chicken: All purpose flour creates the crispy coating when combined with the spices
- For the Chicken: Paprika adds beautiful color and mild smoky flavor to the coating
- For the Chicken: Garlic powder provides savory depth that complements the chicken perfectly
- For the Chicken: Salt and pepper are essential for proper seasoning at every layer of flavor
- For the Chicken: Vegetable oil with its high smoke point makes it ideal for achieving that golden crust
- For the Waffles: All purpose flour forms the structure of tender mini waffles
- For the Waffles: Sugar balances the savory elements and helps achieve golden brown exteriors
- For the Waffles: Baking powder creates the perfect rise for light fluffy waffles
- For the Waffles: Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness
- For the Waffles: Whole milk adds richness and produces tender results
- For the Waffles: Large eggs provide structure and binding for the waffle batter
- For the Waffles: Melted butter creates richness and helps crisp the exteriors
- For the Waffles: Vanilla extract adds subtle warmth and complexity to the waffles
- For Serving: Pure maple syrup brings essential sweetness that makes this dish special
- For Serving: Melted butter adds richness and sheen when drizzled over the assembled sliders
- For Serving: Fresh chives provide a pop of color and mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness
- For Serving: Toothpicks keep these beautiful stacks together for easy eating
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Slice each chicken breast into 6 equal pieces to get 12 total pieces. This uniform size ensures even cooking and perfect portion sizes for the sliders. Combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl, creating a tenderizing marinade that will keep your chicken juicy. Submerge the chicken pieces completely, cover the bowl, and let them soak for at least 20 minutes. For deeper flavor development, you can refrigerate overnight.
- Prepare the Coating:
- Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish until thoroughly combined. This seasoned flour will create the flavorful crust that defines good fried chicken. Take each chicken piece directly from the marinade and press firmly into the flour mixture. The moisture from the buttermilk helps the coating adhere better. For extra crispiness, let the coated pieces rest for 5 minutes before frying.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet until it reaches approximately 350°F. The proper temperature is crucial. If the oil is too cool, the chicken absorbs excess oil. If too hot, the outside burns before the inside cooks. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which would lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry each piece for 3-4 minutes per side until they reach a deep golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F. The coating should audibly crackle when it first hits the oil.
- Mix the Waffle Batter:
- Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high heat. In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops gluten and creates tough waffles. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to allow the baking powder to activate.
- Cook the Mini Waffles:
- Lightly grease your waffle iron even if it has a nonstick surface. This ensures easy removal of the mini waffles. Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of batter for each mini waffle. Close the iron and cook for about 3 minutes until the steam significantly reduces and the waffles are golden brown. The edges should be crisp while the centers remain tender. Repeat the process until you have 24 mini waffles, keeping the finished ones warm in a 200°F oven if needed.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Place a piece of fried chicken between two mini waffles, creating a perfect slider. Drizzle generously with maple syrup and optional melted butter for that classic chicken and waffle flavor profile. Secure each slider with a toothpick to keep everything together. Sprinkle with freshly chopped chives for a bright finish that cuts through the richness. Serve immediately while still warm for the best texture contrast between crispy chicken and fluffy waffles.
Save My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the moment the maple syrup hits the hot chicken and warm waffles. That sizzle and the aroma that rises up is pure kitchen magic. When my nephew first tried these at our family reunion, his eyes went wide, and he declared them "the best thing ever invented." That moment cemented these sliders as our special occasion tradition.
Storage Tips
These sliders are definitely best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store components separately, the fried chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Waffles freeze beautifully for up to a month when placed in freezer bags with parchment paper between layers. Pop frozen waffles directly into a toaster to refresh them before assembly. Avoid storing assembled sliders as they'll become soggy.
Make-Ahead Options
For stress-free entertaining, marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. The seasoned flour mixture can be prepared and stored in an airtight container for several days. The waffle batter can be made the night before and refrigerated, though you may need to thin it slightly with a tablespoon of milk before cooking as it will thicken overnight. Having all components prepped means you can quickly cook and assemble when guests arrive, ensuring maximum freshness.
Flavor Variations
Create a spicy version by adding cayenne pepper to both the chicken coating and waffle batter. For a savory-forward profile, incorporate cheddar cheese and chopped scallions into the waffle batter. A Southern twist might include adding crumbled bacon between the chicken and waffles. For special occasions, try a sweet heat honey glaze by mixing hot sauce with honey instead of maple syrup. During fall, pumpkin spice waffles with apple butter drizzle creates a seasonal adaptation that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Create a slider bar where guests can customize their own with various toppings like bacon jam, pickled jalapeños, or flavored butters. Serve with individual ramekins of warm maple syrup for dipping. For a complete meal, pair with a fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. These sliders also work beautifully alongside other brunch classics like fresh fruit platters and mimosas. For evening service, craft cocktails featuring bourbon or whiskey make ideal companions to the sweet-savory flavor profile.
Save These sliders are a guaranteed hit, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will leave your guests asking for the recipe. Enjoy the culinary fusion that makes this dish truly unforgettable.
Cooking Questions
- → How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 20 minutes; this tenderizes and flavors the meat for juicy, flavorful results.
- → Can I make the waffles in advance?
Yes, mini waffles can be made ahead and reheated in a toaster or oven for a crisp texture right before serving.
- → What oil is best for frying the chicken?
Vegetable oil is recommended for frying due to its neutral taste and high smoke point, ensuring crispy chicken every time.
- → Are substitutions possible for the chicken cuts?
Chicken tenders can be used instead of breasts for quicker prep. Adjust cooking time accordingly for even frying.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Chopped fresh chives add color and freshness, while melted butter and extra maple syrup elevate flavors. Serve with coleslaw for extra crunch.
- → Is this dish suitable for a party?
Absolutely! These bite-sized sliders are designed for gatherings and are easy to assemble, serve, and eat.