Get ready to fall in love with your new brunch obsession: Chicken and Waffles Sliders. Imagine crispy, golden mini waffles hugged around juicy fried chicken tenders, kissed with a drizzle of spiced maple syrup and secured with a playful skewer. These sliders pack all the comfort and flavor of a Southern classic into bite-sized treats, perfect for easy entertaining, lazy weekend brunches, or just a fun family meal where everyone gets their hands deliciously messy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple doesn’t mean boring — each ingredient in this recipe brings something truly special, whether it’s the crunch from golden mini waffles, the spicy kick from cayenne, or the irresistible sweetness of maple syrup. Gathering these ingredients is just the start to unlocking bold flavors and textures in every bite.
- Mini Waffles (12): Store-bought make this quick, but homemade waffles let you add a personal touch.
- Small Fried Chicken Tenders (12): Use crispy fried tenders for that signature crunch in every slider.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Brushed over the waffles, butter adds a golden sheen and richer flavor.
- Maple Syrup (1/4 cup): Authentic maple syrup gives a sweet, caramelly base to your spiced drizzle.
- Cayenne Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch of cayenne brings just enough heat to play off the sweetness.
- Smoked Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): This smoky spice deepens the flavor, adding a sophisticated barbecue note.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all other flavors and balances the sweet and spicy elements.
- Toothpicks or Skewers (12): Must-haves for easy assembly and fun presentation at your table.
How to Make Chicken and Waffles Sliders
Step 1: Warm Up the Waffles
Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the mini waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, brush them lightly with melted butter, and pop them into the oven for 3 to 4 minutes. This gives you warm, toasty waffles with buttery crisp edges, forming a tasty and sturdy slider base.
Step 2: Make the Spiced Maple Syrup
While your waffles are warming up, whisk together the maple syrup, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and salt in a small bowl. This simple step infuses your syrup with warmth and depth, transforming it into a sticky, spicy-sweet elixir that takes these Chicken and Waffles Sliders to the next level.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
Take one warm waffle and top it with a golden fried chicken tender. Drizzle a generous spoonful of your spiced maple syrup over the chicken, letting it seep into all the crispy nooks and crannies. Top with a second mini waffle, gently press, and then secure everything in place with a toothpick or skewer. This step is pure fun — don’t be afraid to get a little hands-on.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange your Chicken and Waffles Sliders on a platter while they’re still warm and drizzle a little more spiced maple syrup over the top, if you like. Serve extra syrup on the side for dipping — watching everyone reach for seconds is all part of the magic.
How to Serve Chicken and Waffles Sliders
Garnishes
Add a pop of color and freshness by garnishing with chopped chives, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even a bit of grated lemon zest. A dusting of powdered sugar also lends a beautiful, brunch-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
These sliders are truly crowd-pleasing on their own, but pairing them with tangy coleslaw, a fresh fruit salad, or a classic potato hash creates a perfectly balanced feast. They also sit happily alongside a pitcher of mimosas or iced sweet tea.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange the sliders on a wooden board with syrup shot glasses for dunking. Or, serve each slider individually in a parchment cupcake liner for easy, mess-free munching. Don’t forget to add fun toothpicks or mini flag skewers for a festive touch — it’s all about wowing your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftover Chicken and Waffles Sliders, simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep the sliders assembled but hold off on any extra syrup until you’re ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
You can freeze the individual chicken tenders and waffles separately. Once cooled, store them in freezer-safe bags for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and assembling fresh sliders.
Reheating
To bring leftover sliders back to life, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes or until warmed through and crisped up. Reheat syrup separately, then drizzle just before serving for that gooey, straight-out-of-the-oven experience.
FAQs
Can I use baked chicken tenders instead of fried?
Absolutely! Baked chicken tenders make for a lighter option, and they’re just as delicious in these Chicken and Waffles Sliders. The key is to make sure your chicken is still nice and crispy for the best texture contrast.
What if I can’t find mini waffles?
No worries! You can make your own using a mini waffle maker or cut regular-sized waffles into smaller rounds or squares using a biscuit cutter. Either way, the bite-sized format makes serving and eating so much fun.
Is there a way to make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily swap in gluten-free waffles and gluten-free breaded chicken tenders. Just be sure to double-check your syrup and spice labels, and you’ll have gluten-free Chicken and Waffles Sliders in no time.
Can I make the spiced maple syrup ahead?
Definitely! The syrup mixture can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and kept in a sealed jar in the fridge. Warm it gently before serving for the best pourable consistency.
Do these Chicken and Waffles Sliders work for a brunch buffet?
They shine at any brunch buffet! Since they’re individually portioned and easy to hold, guests can grab and go, making your hosting duties so much easier. Just keep extra syrup and napkins handy!
Final Thoughts
There’s something downright irresistible about Chicken and Waffles Sliders — the playful format, the comforting flavors, and that spicy-sweet kick bring pure joy to any table. Try them this weekend and watch everyone light up with excitement at first bite. Your next brunch, game day, or family gathering is destined to be legendary!
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Chicken and Waffles Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Chicken and Waffles Sliders are a delicious twist on a classic Southern dish, perfect for brunch or as a party appetizer. Crispy fried chicken tenders sandwiched between mini waffles and drizzled with a spicy maple syrup – a sweet and savory combination that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the sliders:
- 12 mini waffles (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 small fried chicken tenders
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 12 toothpicks or skewers for assembly
For the spiced maple syrup:
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the waffles: Arrange the mini waffles on a baking sheet and brush with melted butter. Warm in the oven for 3–4 minutes.
- Make the spiced maple syrup: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Assemble the sliders: Place one fried chicken tender on each waffle. Drizzle with spiced maple syrup and top with another waffle to create a sandwich. Secure with a toothpick.
- Serve: Serve warm with extra spiced maple syrup for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the waffles before assembly.
- You can use baked chicken strips for a lighter option.
- These sliders are perfect for brunch or as a game-day appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking and Assembly
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
