Introduction

Chicken & Waffle Sliders are the ultimate comfort food mash-up that brings together two beloved dishes in one irresistible bite. Imagine crispy, golden fried chicken tucked between fluffy, syrup-drizzled waffles, creating the perfect balance of savory and sweet. These sliders offer a delightful contrast in textures—the tender, juicy chicken, paired with the warmth and slight sweetness of waffles, making each bite pure comfort food magic.

I first tried making these sliders for a family brunch, and let me tell you, they were a hit from the very first bite. The combination of crunchy chicken and soft waffles, with just the right amount of syrup, was something everyone couldn’t get enough of. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to prepare, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to impress your guests or treat yourself. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at a gathering, a fun dinner, or for a leisurely brunch, Chicken & Waffle Sliders never disappoint.

What I love most about these sliders is how customizable they are. You can switch up the toppings, use different sauces, or even try different kinds of waffles to make them your own. They’re a crowd-pleaser, and every time I serve them, I get rave reviews. If you’re looking for a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Chicken & Waffle Sliders are the perfect choice!

Perfect for:

Brunch parties
Tailgating and game day
Casual dinner gatherings
Holiday meals
Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Chicken & Waffle Sliders will quickly become a favorite:

Perfect Sweet and Savory Combination: The crispy fried chicken, soft waffles, and syrup come together to create a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and salty.
Bite-Sized Delight: These sliders are small and easy to eat, making them perfect for sharing or serving as an appetizer at parties.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your tastes—try adding hot sauce for a spicy kick or switch up the cheese for a different flavor profile.
Easy to Make: The recipe is simple and quick, yet the result feels elevated and special. Great for both beginner and seasoned cooks alike.
Comfort Food at Its Best: Chicken and waffles are a classic comfort food duo, and in slider form, they’re even more fun and shareable.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 40 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12 sliders
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 14g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

To make Chicken & Waffle Sliders, you’ll need:

12 mini waffles (store-bought or homemade)
12 small boneless, skinless chicken tenders or chicken breast fillets, cooked
2 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons maple syrup (or more to taste)
1 cup buttermilk (for marinating chicken)
1 cup all-purpose flour (for coating chicken)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
6 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, such as parsley or thyme)

Ingredient Highlights

Chicken Tenders or Breasts: Tender, juicy chicken is the star of this dish, providing a savory base that complements the waffles.
Mini Waffles: Soft, fluffy waffles provide a delicate balance to the crispy chicken. You can make them from scratch or use store-bought for convenience.
Buttermilk: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize it and adds extra flavor.
Maple Syrup: Sweet maple syrup enhances the waffles and chicken combination, tying the dish together.
Cheddar Cheese (optional): Melted cheese adds extra richness, though it’s optional for a more classic take on chicken and waffles.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chicken & Waffle Sliders:

Prepare the Chicken:

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes. For a deeper flavor, you can marinate for a few hours or overnight.
Prepare the Coating: In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture until evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and drain on a paper towel.

Prepare the Waffles:

Make the Waffles: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the mini waffles. If using store-bought waffles, heat them according to the package instructions. If making from scratch, cook the waffles in a waffle maker until golden brown.

Assemble the Sliders:

Assemble the Sliders: Once the chicken is cooked and the waffles are ready, place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half of each mini waffle. Top with a slice of cheddar cheese (if desired), then place the top half of the waffle on the chicken.
Drizzle with Syrup: Drizzle a small amount of maple syrup over each slider. You can also add more syrup to taste.
Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the sliders immediately while warm.

How to Serve

Chicken & Waffle Sliders are a versatile dish that can be served in different ways to suit any occasion:

As a Brunch Dish: Serve them alongside fresh fruit and a glass of orange juice for a fun brunch spread.
With Hot Sauce: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or sriracha for those who like a little heat with their sweet.
Mini Sandwich Style: Serve on a platter as a shareable appetizer for parties or casual gatherings.
With Fries or Tater Tots: Pair the sliders with crispy fries or tater tots for a more substantial meal.
For a Comforting Dinner: Serve these sliders as a comforting dinner with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make sure your Chicken & Waffle Sliders turn out perfect every time:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and stays crispy.
Use Fresh Buttermilk: Fresh buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and infuses it with flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Customize with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the flour coating to suit your preferences—try adding thyme, rosemary, or even a little brown sugar for extra sweetness.
Make-Ahead Option: You can fry the chicken ahead of time and reheat it in the oven or a hot skillet before assembling the sliders.
Frozen Waffles Work Well: If you’re short on time, frozen mini waffles are a great shortcut and still taste delicious.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Chicken & Waffle Sliders:

Spicy Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Add cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken marinade for a spicy kick.
BBQ Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Drizzle BBQ sauce over the chicken instead of maple syrup for a smoky, tangy twist.
Honey Mustard Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Use honey mustard in place of maple syrup for a tangy-sweet option.
Buffalo Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Toss the fried chicken in buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy flavor.
Bacon-Topped Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Add crispy bacon between the chicken and waffle for extra crunch and flavor.
Vegan Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Use plant-based chicken tenders and vegan waffles for a completely vegan version of this dish.
Sriracha Honey Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Combine honey and sriracha sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor profile.
Southern Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Make the chicken extra crispy with a double-dip coating, and serve with a drizzle of hot sauce and honey.
Cheese-Stuffed Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Stuff the chicken tenders with cheese before frying for an oozy, melty surprise.
Fruit-Filled Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Add a few fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries on top of the waffles before serving.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing: To freeze, assemble the sliders with the fried chicken, but don’t add syrup. Wrap each slider in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
Storage: Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sliders in the oven for 10-12 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items that will make preparing Chicken & Waffle Sliders easier:

Waffle Iron: Essential for making mini waffles from scratch.
Skillet: A deep skillet or cast iron pan is ideal for frying the chicken.
Tongs: Tongs help you safely flip the chicken tenders without making a mess.
Shallow Dish: A shallow dish for dredging the chicken in the flour mixture.
Basting Brush: For drizzling butter and syrup over the waffles and chicken.
Cooling Rack: Helps keep the chicken crispy while draining any excess oil.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen waffles for this recipe?
Yes, frozen mini waffles work well and save time, so feel free to use them!
Can I make this recipe without buttermilk?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add cayenne pepper to the chicken coating, or drizzle hot sauce over the sliders for a spicy kick.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can fry the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken and waffles before assembling the sliders.
Can I make these sliders in a larger size?
Yes, you can use regular-sized waffles and larger pieces of chicken to create full-sized sandwiches instead of sliders.

Conclusion

Chicken & Waffle Sliders are a playful and mouthwatering take on the classic chicken and waffles. The crispy fried chicken paired with fluffy waffles offers the ultimate combination of savory and sweet flavors, and the maple syrup drizzle brings it all together in a perfectly balanced bite. Whether you’re making them for a brunch gathering, party appetizer, or a fun weeknight dinner, these sliders will be a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

What makes these sliders even better is how customizable they are. You can swap out the chicken for grilled or roasted varieties, add extra toppings like hot sauce or pickles, or even use gluten-free waffles to suit your dietary preferences. The versatility and ease of making them make Chicken & Waffle Sliders the perfect dish for any occasion.

I can’t wait to see how your Chicken & Waffle Sliders turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your delicious creations! Feel free to share any unique twists you added to the recipe in the comments too. Enjoy!