Mini Waffle Chicken Sliders

Chicken and waffles is a beloved comfort food duo that has made its way into the hearts and stomachs of many food enthusiasts. The combination of crispy fried chicken paired with fluffy waffles, typically drizzled with syrup, offers a delightful contrast of savory and sweet flavors that is hard to resist. This iconic dish has roots in Southern cuisine, where it was often enjoyed for breakfast or brunch, but its appeal has transcended regional boundaries, making it a popular choice for any meal of the day.

Discover the delightful world of mini waffle chicken sliders, a fun twist on the classic chicken and waffles. These bite-sized treats feature crispy, marinated chicken nestled between fluffy waffles, drizzled with sweet maple syrup. Perfect for parties or family meals, they combine savory and sweet flavors that are sure to please everyone. Learn how to master the marination and frying techniques, as well as waffle-making tips, to impress your guests with this innovative comfort food.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)

Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Waffles:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 large egg

1 ¼ cups milk

¼ cup melted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly:

Maple syrup (for drizzling)

Coleslaw (optional)

Pickles (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

- Cut the chicken breasts into small fillets or tenders.

- In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).

Bread the Chicken:

- In a shallow dish, set up a breading station with flour in one bowl, beaten egg in another, and breadcrumbs in a third.

- Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in flour, then dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. Set aside on a plate.

Cook the Chicken:

- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in batches, frying until golden brown and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove and let drain on paper towels.

Make the Waffles:

- Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.

- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

- Pour batter into the preheated waffle maker and cook according to your machine's instructions until waffles are golden brown. Repeat until all batter is used.

Assemble the Sliders:

- Slice the mini waffles in half. Place a piece of fried chicken on the bottom half of each waffle.

- Drizzle with maple syrup and add coleslaw and pickles if desired. Top with the waffle halves to complete the sliders.

Serve:

- Present the mini waffle chicken sliders on a platter, with extra maple syrup for dipping alongside. Enjoy warm!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

20 mins | 1 hour 30 mins | 4-6 servings