Crispy Chicken and Waffle Sliders

Name: Crispy Chicken and Waffle Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Oil for frying; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1 tbsp sugar; ½ tsp salt; 1 ¼ cups milk; 1 large egg; ½ cup melted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Maple syrup; Optional: Butter for greasing the waffle iron

Highlighted under: Comfort Recipes

I absolutely love the combination of sweet and savory, and these Crispy Chicken and Waffle Sliders bring both to the table in a fun and delicious way. Tender, juicy chicken sits nestled between two fluffy waffles, creating a delightful bite that’s perfect for brunch or game day. The hint of maple syrup in the waffles adds a unique twist that harmonizes beautifully with the crispy chicken. It's quick to assemble, and everyone in my family can't get enough of this mouthwatering creation!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-06T22:17:27.324Z

I had been searching for a new way to enjoy chicken and waffles, and that's when these sliders came to mind. The idea of miniaturizing this classic dish intrigued me, and after a few experiments in the kitchen, I found the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The crispy chicken makes each bite satisfying while the sweet waffles tie it all together. Making them slider-sized means I can enjoy more than one without feeling guilty!

What truly elevates these sliders is a drizzle of maple syrup right before serving. It adds a wonderful sweetness that contrasts against the savory, deep-fried chicken perfectly. Plus, the waffles act like a soft, edible bun, making every bite a pleasure. Trust me, once you try these, they will become a staple in your household — just like they are in mine!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Deliciously crispy chicken with a perfect crunch
Fluffy, homemade waffles create the ideal base
Great for gatherings — fun and easy to eat!

      

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk is a crucial step that not only tenderizes the meat but also adds moisture and flavor. The acidity in buttermilk helps break down the proteins in the chicken, making it juicy and succulent once fried. For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can also let it sit for several hours or even overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor absorption.

If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the buttermilk marinade. This will infuse the chicken with warmth without sacrificing its crunch. Just a few dashes can elevate the flavor profile, creating a delightful balance with the sweetness of the waffles.

Waffle Techniques

When preparing the waffle batter, it’s essential to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to tough waffles instead of the light and fluffy texture you're aiming for. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed; some lumps are okay. For fluffier waffles, let the batter rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before pouring it into the waffle iron. This resting period allows the baking powder to activate, resulting in a lighter texture.

Consider diversifying your waffle flavors by adding ingredients such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry mix. This can bring an additional layer of warmth and complexity. You can also experiment with alternatives like almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk for a dairy-free version, maintaining flavor while catering to dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

These sliders are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Beyond just maple syrup, you can add toppings like sliced strawberries, whipped cream, or even a dollop of honey mustard for a savory twist. Each addition can transform the sliders, making them suitable for different occasions or personal tastes.

For a make-ahead option, prepare and freeze the cooked chicken and waffles separately. Reheat them in the oven to regain their crunch—oven heating at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes should do the trick. This will save time for any brunch gatherings, ensuring you can enjoy these irresistible bites with minimal effort on the day of serving.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your sliders:

For the Chicken

1 lb chicken breast, sliced into strips
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying

For the Waffles

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tbsp sugar
½ tsp salt
1 ¼ cups milk
1 large egg
½ cup melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract

For Serving

Maple syrup
Optional: Butter for greasing the waffle iron

Make sure everything is fresh and ready to go!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your sliders:

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken strips with buttermilk and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Prepare the Waffle Batter

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.

Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. In a separate bowl, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge marinated chicken in the seasoned flour and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.

Cook the Waffles

Preheat your waffle iron and grease it lightly with butter. Pour the batter into the iron and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually about 5 minutes.

Assemble the Sliders

Once the waffles are cooked, stack a piece of fried chicken between two waffles. Drizzle with maple syrup and serve immediately.

Enjoy your sliders while they're warm!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add toppings like pickles or coleslaw for an extra crunch. Also, preheat your frying oil to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chicken isn’t achieving that perfect crispy coating, try double-dipping. After marinating and coating the chicken in seasoned flour, dip it back into the buttermilk and then back into the flour again. This creates a thicker crust that holds better during frying, providing that satisfying crunch when you take a bite.

Another common issue is the waffles sticking to the waffle iron. To combat this, ensure that your iron is adequately preheated before cooking. If necessary, use a little more butter or a non-stick cooking spray for greasing. A well-greased waffle iron prevents tearing and ensures a beautiful, intact waffle as you lift it out.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're cooking for a larger crowd, this recipe scales perfectly. For every additional pound of chicken, simply increase the amounts of buttermilk and flour accordingly, maintaining the same seasoning ratios. It’s best to fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the temperature of the oil and lead to soggy chicken.

For the waffles, you can double or triple the batter and cook them in batches as well. Store any extra waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer, and once they are completely frozen, transfer them to a sealed bag. This makes it easy to reheat later and enjoy quick sliders any time!

Flavor Variations

For a twist on flavors, experiment with different spices in the chicken flour mixture. Adding curry powder or smoked paprika introduces unique notes that can complement the sweetness of the waffles beautifully. This can make for an interesting variation that stands out at any brunch table.

Moreover, consider adding mix-ins to the waffle batter, such as chocolate chips, berries, or nuts for extra texture and flavor. These additions can make each bite incredibly delicious, enhancing the overall experience of the sliders while keeping the essence of the original recipe intact.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating.

→ How can I make the waffles in advance?

You can prepare the waffle batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

→ Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

You can make your own by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

→ Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, but it might not be as crispy.