There is something utterly irresistible about the combination of savory fried chicken paired with sweet and fluffy waffles, and when you transform that into bite-sized treats, the fun multiplies. This Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe takes a beloved classic and turns it into a party-perfect appetizer or an anytime snack that feels like a celebration in every bite. With tender, perfectly seasoned chicken nestled between sweet mini waffles, these sliders are all about delightful contrasts—crispy meets fluffy, spicy meets sweet—and they will quickly become a favorite crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep things straightforward and accessible, yet each one plays a crucial role in the flavor and texture that make these sliders so addictive. From the simple waffle mix delivering the perfect golden cakes to the zesty marinade that turns the chicken into a juicy, flavorful star, every item has its place.
- 3 cups waffle mix: The foundation for tender, fluffy mini waffles that add a touch of sweetness and a beautiful golden color.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into perfect portions for frying crisp on the outside and tender inside.
- 2 cups buttermilk: Acts as a tangy marinade base that tenderizes and flavors the chicken deeply.
- ½ cup Cholula® Original Hot Sauce: Adds a lively kick that balances the sweetness of the waffles perfectly.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: For creating a crispy, golden coating on the chicken after dredging.
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt: Essential for amplifying flavors throughout the dish.
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder: Infuses the coating with a warm, savory aroma.
- Canola oil: For frying, chosen for its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- 12 eggs (optional): A luscious fried egg topping that takes these sliders over the top if you’re feeling indulgent.
How to Make Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken for Marinating
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into about 2-inch squares to make perfect slider-sized pieces. Give them a light pounding until they are about ¼ inch thick—this ensures even cooking and keeps the chicken tender. Place everything in a large freezer bag ready for the marinade.
Step 2: Marinate in Buttermilk and Hot Sauce
Mix your buttermilk together with the Cholula hot sauce, creating a piquant, creamy bath for that chicken. Pour this over your chicken squares in the bag and seal it tight. Tucking them in the fridge for at least two hours (or overnight if you can wait) is key to soaking up all those robust flavors and tenderizing the meat beautifully.
Step 3: Whip Up the Mini Waffles
While the chicken marinates, preheat your waffle maker and prepare the batter according to the waffle mix package instructions. Use roughly 1/8 cup of batter per mini waffle and cook each batch for about three minutes until golden and fluffy. Let them cool on a rack—this step builds that classic waffle texture that holds up beautifully with the chicken.
Step 4: Get the Chicken Ready to Fry
Remove your chicken from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. During this time, reserve some of the marinade, then combine the flour with kosher salt and garlic powder. Divide this seasoned flour mixture into two portions, placing half into another large freezer bag for dredging.
Step 5: Double Dredge the Chicken for Ultimate Crispiness
Dip 4 or 5 pieces of the chicken into the reserved buttermilk marinade and shake off the excess liquid. Toss them into the flour bag and shake well to coat. For extra crunch, double dip by repeating: back into the buttermilk and then the flour coating. Set the coated pieces on a wire rack and let them rest for 15 minutes before moving on with the rest.
Step 6: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat canola oil in a cast iron skillet until it reaches 375°F, about ¾ inch deep. Fry the chicken in batches—3 or 4 pieces at a time—for approximately 4 minutes per side, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 180°F for safe, juicy chicken. Drain on paper towels and season immediately with salt to finish off the flavor.
Step 7: Keep Chicken Warm While Assembling
Pop your cooked chicken into a warm oven at 250°F to keep it hot and ready. This will ensure each slider assembled is as warm and inviting as the first.
Step 8: Assemble Your Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe
Layer a crispy chicken piece between two of your mini waffles, then drizzle with syrup or your favorite sauces—like honey mustard or hot honey—for that perfect balance of flavors. For an extra special touch, crown each slider with a fried egg, adding richness and a little luxe to the bite-sized joy.
How to Serve Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate these sliders with quick and easy garnishes like fresh herbs (think chopped parsley or chives) or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that enhances every layer. Adding a drizzle of spicy honey or a dollop of creamy aioli creates contrasting flavors that make each mouthful a delight.
Side Dishes
Pair your sliders with classic sides such as crispy sweet potato fries or a refreshing coleslaw to brighten the plate. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the richness of chicken and waffles perfectly, making your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe on a charming wooden board with dipping sauces in ramekins for an inviting appetizer spread. For brunch, arrange them alongside fresh fruit and mini muffins, or stack them on tiered trays for a stunning visual impact that excites guests before the first bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents sogginess and keeps each component tasting fresh for up to three days.
Freezing
You can freeze both the cooked chicken and mini waffles by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to one month, perfect for quick meals on busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, place waffles in a toaster or oven at 350°F for a few minutes until crisp again, and warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat to regain its crunch. This method brings back that just-made magic with ease.
FAQs
Can I use regular hot sauce instead of Cholula?
Absolutely! Any hot sauce you love can be swapped in to personalize the heat level and flavor profile of your Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe. Just adjust the quantity to your spice tolerance.
Is it necessary to double dredge the chicken?
While not mandatory, double dredging really locks in the coating, giving the chicken an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the waffles. It’s worth the extra step!
Can I make the waffles from scratch?
Definitely! Using your favorite homemade waffle recipe works wonderfully here. Just be sure they’re small enough in size to create perfect slider buns.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet for frying?
A heavy-bottomed pan or deep fryer will do the trick just as well. Just keep an eye on the oil temperature so the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t absorb too much oil.
Are these sliders kid-friendly?
Yes! By adjusting the spice level and serving with sweet syrup or mild sauce, these sliders become a hit with kids and adults alike. They’re fun, finger-friendly, and packed with flavor.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’re equipped with this delicious and approachable Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe, it’s the perfect time to bring a little extra joy to your table. Whether for a game day, brunch, or anytime snack, these sliders bring together comfort and excitement in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them and share this crowd-pleaser with your favorite people!
Print
Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2+ hours marinating time)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 60 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 12 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Chicken and Waffles Sliders featuring crispy, double-dredged fried chicken breasts marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, sandwiched between mini homemade waffles. Perfect for brunch or a fun party appetizer, these sliders combine savory and sweet flavors with an optional fried egg topping for added richness.
Ingredients
Waffles
- 3 cups waffle mix (prepared as per package instructions)
- 12 eggs (optional, for topping)
Chicken Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups buttermilk
- ½ cup Cholula® Original Hot Sauce
Coating & Frying
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- Canola oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice chicken breasts into 2-inch squares and pound each piece to ¼ inch thickness for even cooking. Place the chicken pieces into a large freezer bag.
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, mix the buttermilk and Cholula hot sauce. Pour this marinade over the chicken in the bag, seal it, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Cook Waffles: Preheat your waffle maker. Prepare the waffle batter following the package instructions. Use approximately â…› cup of batter per mini waffle and cook each for about 3 minutes. Cool the waffles on a rack. Repeat to make 24 mini waffles suitable for sliders.
- Bring Chicken to Room Temp: Remove the chicken from the fridge and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure even frying.
- Prepare Coating: Reserve a small amount of the buttermilk marinade for coating. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, kosher salt, and garlic powder. Divide half of this flour mixture into a new freezer bag.
- Double Dredge Chicken: Dip 4-5 chicken pieces into the reserved buttermilk, shake off any excess, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture bag. For extra crunch, dip the coated pieces again into buttermilk and then flour for a double dredge.
- Rest the Coated Chicken: Place the dredged chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for 15 minutes to set the coating. Repeat the coating process with remaining chicken pieces.
- Heat Oil: In a cast iron skillet, heat canola oil to 375°F (190°C) with about ¾ inch of oil depth, ideal for frying.
- Fry Chicken: Fry chicken in batches of 3-4 pieces for 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 180°F (82°C). Drain on paper towels and season immediately with salt.
- Keep Warm: Transfer fried chicken pieces to a 250°F (120°C) oven to keep warm while finishing the rest of the chicken and preparing the sliders.
- Assemble Sliders: Stack each piece of fried chicken between two mini waffles. Drizzle with syrup or your preferred sauces for a sweet and savory bite.
- Optional Topping: For an extra touch, top each slider with a fried egg for additional richness and flavor.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances tenderness and flavor but a minimum of 2 hours will still yield great results.
- Ensure oil temperature remains consistent at 375°F for perfectly crispy chicken without absorbing excess oil.
- Double dredging helps create an extra crispy crust that holds up well in the slider.
- Mini waffles can be made in advance and refrigerated or frozen for convenience.
- Fried eggs as a topping add great texture and richness but can be omitted for a simpler slider.
