Mini Waffle Chicken Sliders

In recent years, sliders have surged in popularity as a go-to comfort food, captivating taste buds and satisfying cravings across the globe. These bite-sized sandwiches are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual gathering, a game day feast, or a cozy family dinner. Among the array of slider options, mini waffle chicken sliders stand out as a delightful and unique combination of sweet and savory flavors. Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender piece of fried chicken nestled between two fluffy waffles, creating a mouthwatering contrast that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Discover the deliciousness of mini waffle chicken sliders, a delightful fusion of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles that makes for the perfect comfort food. Ideal for gatherings, brunch, or a cozy family dinner, these bite-sized treats can be easily customized with your favorite toppings and sauces. With a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, they promise to satisfy any craving and bring everyone together for a tasty meal everyone will love.

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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 Panko breadcrumbs (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 to ensure they cook evenly.

- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and cover. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for enhanced flavor.

Bread the Chicken:

- Set up your breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten egg in another, and Panko breadcrumbs in a third.

- Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Dredge each piece in flour, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dip it into the egg, and finally, coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Place the breaded chicken on a plate and set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

- In a large skillet, heat enough vegetable oil over medium heat to cover the bottom of the pan (about 1/4 inch). Once the oil is hot (test with a breadcrumb that should sizzle upon contact), carefully add the breaded chicken pieces in batches. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken and let it drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Make the Waffles:

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

- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, whisking to mix well. In a separate bowl, beat together the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; do not overmix—the batter should remain slightly lumpy.

- Pour the batter into the preheated waffle maker, following the manufacturer's guidelines, and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp. Continue until all the batter is used.

Assemble the Sliders:

- Carefully slice each mini waffle in half horizontally. Place a piece of crispy fried chicken on the bottom half of each waffle.

- Drizzle with maple syrup and top with coleslaw and pickles if you like a little crunch and tang. Close with the top half of the waffle to form the slider.

Serve:

- Arrange the mini waffle chicken sliders on a serving platter. Include a small bowl of extra maple syrup for dipping. Enjoy the sliders warm for the best experience!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

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

Presentation Tips:

Garnish the platter with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color, and consider serving with a side of crispy sweet potato fries for a delightful contrast.