Description
These bite-sized sliders feature ultra-crispy fried chicken nestled between fluffy mini waffles and drizzled with warm maple syrup. Perfect for parties, brunch, or family gatherings, they’re a comforting Southern-inspired treat that’s easy to make and guaranteed to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of lemon juice)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying (canola or peanut oil)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for waffles)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs (for waffles)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (or vegan butter)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cooking spray or additional melted butter (for greasing waffle iron)
- Pure maple syrup (about 1/2 cup, or more to taste)
- Mini skewers or party picks (optional)
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts or tenders into 20-24 bite-sized pieces.
- Mix flour, panko, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with buttermilk.
- Dip chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour-panko mixture. Repeat for a double-dip coating.
- Set chicken pieces aside while heating oil.
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of 1 inch. Heat to 350°F.
- Fry chicken pieces in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack to drain and stay crispy.
- Preheat mini waffle maker (or regular waffle iron).
- In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients; stir until just mixed.
- Lightly grease waffle maker. Spoon about 1 tbsp batter per mini waffle. Cook for 2–3 minutes or until golden.
- Keep finished waffles warm in the oven at 200°F if needed.
- To assemble, place a mini waffle on a plate, top with a piece of crispy chicken, drizzle with warm maple syrup, and top with another mini waffle or leave open-faced. Secure with a skewer or pick.
- Repeat until all sliders are assembled.
- Arrange sliders on a platter, optionally sprinkle with parsley or paprika, and serve immediately.
Notes
Double-dip the chicken for extra crunch. Keep oil at 350°F for best results. Waffles and chicken can be made ahead and reheated separately. For gluten-free or dairy-free, substitute flour and milk as needed. Air fryer method works for chicken if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 7
Keywords: chicken and waffles, sliders, party appetizer, brunch, comfort food, Southern, maple syrup, crispy chicken, mini waffles