Golden Crispy Chicken & Waffle Sliders Recipe for Brunch Fun

Southern comfort meets modern twist in these delectable chicken & waffle sliders that blend crispy, golden-brown textures with sweet and savory flavors.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly between mini waffles, creating a mouthwatering handheld treat.

The secret lies in the perfectly seasoned buttermilk-marinated chicken, ensuring each bite bursts with incredible taste.

Crispy exterior and juicy interior make these sliders an irresistible crowd-pleaser for weekend brunches or game day gatherings.

Drizzled with maple syrup and hot sauce, these sliders elevate classic comfort food to a whole new level.

The combination of crunchy chicken and fluffy waffles promises a culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to delight your taste buds with this irresistible Southern-inspired dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 660 kcal

Servings: 4

Chicken & Waffle Sliders Recipe Ingredient Checklist

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides a light, crunchy exterior that locks in chicken's juiciness, choosing unbleached flour for richer flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps develop golden crust, opt for fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Adds sharp, warming kick to the coating, freshly ground gives more intense flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces subtle savory depth, look for pure powder without additives.
• Paprika: Contributes warm color and mild sweet-peppery notes, choose bright red Hungarian variety for best taste.
• Cayenne Pepper: Delivers subtle heat and complexity, adjust quantity based on spice tolerance.

• Egg: Helps coating adhere to chicken, selecting fresh farm eggs ensures better binding.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy richness, whole buttermilk provides deeper flavor profile.

• Vegetable Oil: Creates crisp, even frying environment, use neutral oil with high smoke point.
• Mini Waffles: Serves as perfect slider base, choose pre-made or homemade for convenience.
• Butter: Adds golden crispness when toasting waffles, unsalted allows better flavor control.

• Maple Syrup, Hot Honey: Provides sweet-spicy glaze, select pure maple syrup or artisan hot honey for gourmet touch.

Tools to Stack and Crisp Sliders to Perfection

• Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls for preparing chicken coating and buttermilk mixture.
• Whisk: Essential for blending egg and buttermilk smoothly.
• Skillet or Frying Pan: For frying chicken and toasting waffles.
• Tongs: Perfect for safely handling and turning chicken while frying.
• Meat Thermometer: Helps ensure chicken is cooked to safe internal temperature.
• Paper Towels: Useful for draining excess oil from fried chicken.
• Toothpicks or Skewers: To secure sliders and make them easy to pick up.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurately measuring spices and ingredients.

How to Make Chicken & Waffle Sliders That Wow

• Whip Up the Chicken Coating

Mix dry spices into flour, creating a zesty blend that’ll make your chicken sing with flavor. Prepare a separate bowl with egg and buttermilk for dipping.

• Fry to Golden Perfection

Dunk chicken pieces into the creamy buttermilk bath, then generously coat with the spiced flour. Sizzle in hot oil until the outside turns a gorgeous golden brown and the inside becomes perfectly tender.

• Crisp the Waffles

Warm mini waffles until they’re delightfully crisp and slightly buttery, ready to cradle your juicy chicken.

• Create Delicious Sliders

Layer a piece of crispy chicken between two waffle rounds. Drizzle with sweet maple syrup or spicy honey for an explosive flavor combination. Secure with a toothpick to keep your slider looking sharp.

• Serve and Savor

Present these mouthwatering sliders immediately while they’re hot and crispy. Keep extra syrup nearby for those who love an extra sweet touch.

Add-On Flavors Like Spicy, Sweet, or Savory

• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper amount in the flour mixture to dial up or tone down heat intensity for personal preference.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare crispy chicken pieces and waffles in advance, then quickly assemble sliders just before serving to maintain crispiness.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free mini waffles for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Healthier Frying Option: Swap deep-frying with air fryer technique or oven-baking chicken at 425F for a lighter, less greasy version of the classic dish.
• Flavor Boost Hacks: Experiment with different seasoning blends like ranch powder, BBQ spice mix, or herbes de Provence in the chicken coating for unique flavor profiles.

Serve With Syrup, Slaw, or a Big Smile

• Brunch Showstopper: Arrange these sliders on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of maple syrup, creating an Instagram-worthy presentation that will wow your guests.
• Southern Comfort Platter: Pair the sliders with classic southern sides like creamy coleslaw, crispy collard greens, or pickled okra to enhance the authentic southern flavor profile.
• Cocktail Companion: Serve alongside refreshing beverages like sweet tea, bourbon-based cocktails, or mimosas that complement the sweet and savory notes of the chicken and waffles.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Transform these sliders into bite-sized party appetizers by cutting them smaller and arranging on a large platter for easy sharing during sports gatherings or casual get-togethers.

Store Sliders for Breakfast or Late-Night Leftovers

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store sliders in an airtight container for maximum freshness, keeping them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Remove toothpicks before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheating Magic: Revive crispy chicken by warming sliders in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwave to maintain the waffle's crunchiness and chicken's original texture.
• Advance Preparation Hack: Prepare chicken and waffles separately earlier in the day. Keep chicken and waffles in separate containers to prevent sogginess, assembling right before serving for optimal taste and crispiness.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Individually wrap unassembled components in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Chicken can be frozen for up to 1 month, waffles for 2 weeks. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating and assembling.

Crispy Chicken & Waffle Sliders Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade chicken & waffle sliders combine southern comfort with miniature gourmet flair. Crispy buttermilk-marinated chicken nestles between golden waffles, promising a delightful flavor experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 8 small pieces)
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
• 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• 16 mini waffles (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsps butter (for toasting)
• 2 tbsps hot honey (optional, for spice)
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 8 mini skewers or toothpicks

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Instructions

1. Spice Preparation: Craft a zesty flour blend by mixing flour with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne in a shallow container, ensuring thorough spice integration.
2. Liquid Coating: Whisk egg and buttermilk into a smooth, uniform dipping solution for chicken dredging.
3. Chicken Coating: Immerse chicken pieces in buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drain, then meticulously coat in seasoned flour, pressing gently to achieve complete coverage.
4. Oil Heating: Warm vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to 350F, maintaining steady temperature for optimal frying conditions.
5. Frying Process: Submerge coated chicken in hot oil, cooking until exterior turns deep golden-brown and internal temperature reaches 165F, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Chicken Preparation: Remove fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess oil to drain while preserving crispiness.
7. Waffle Crafting: Toast mini waffles in a buttered skillet or toaster, targeting a crisp, golden texture.
8. Slider Assembly: Layer crispy chicken onto waffle half, generously drizzle with maple syrup or hot honey for flavor enhancement.
9. Final Presentation: Crown with second waffle, secure using a toothpick, and serve immediately while piping hot, offering additional syrup on the side for optional indulgence.

Notes

• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil consistently at 350F to ensure even, crispy chicken without burning or undercooking.
• Crisp Coating Technique: Press seasoned flour gently onto chicken to create a thick, adherent crust that stays crisp during serving.
• Rest Fried Chicken: Allow chicken to drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and preserve the crunchiness of the coating.
• Waffle Texture Balance: Toast waffles until golden and crisp to provide a sturdy base that won’t become soggy from chicken and syrup.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg