I’ve got to tell you about these Dreamy Chicken Waffle Sliders. Seriously, they’re just the right mix of crispy and fluffy, sweet and savory. I mean, who wouldn’t want to sink their teeth into a warm waffle hugging some golden chicken? The first time I whipped these up, my kitchen looked like a tornado hit it—but the smiles made it worth it. So, are you ready to make brunch fun and a little messy? Let’s get into the details.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You know, I never thought I’d be the kind of person who got super excited about chicken and waffles. But here I am, raving about chicken waffle sliders 2, and honestly, it’s an experience I didn’t know I needed.
Imagine the crispy, golden chicken nestled between two warm, fluffy waffles. It’s sweet, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. I mean, who wouldn’t want a taste explosion with every bite?
Plus, they’re perfect for brunch or a fun weeknight dinner. I’ll admit, I’ve had a few clumsy moments trying to assemble them—waffles sliding everywhere—but let’s be real, that just adds to the charm.
Equipment List
When it comes to whipping up these chicken waffle sliders, having the right equipment can make the process a whole lot smoother—and trust me, you’ll appreciate that.
First off, grab a good, reliable frying pan or deep fryer for getting that chicken crispy. You’ll also need a mixing bowl or two for the dry ingredients and then the wet stuff, of course. Don’t forget a whisk for mixing; a fork just won’t cut it here.
And if you want those perfect mini waffles, investing in a mini waffle maker is key. It feels a bit fancy, but it’s oh-so-worth it. Plus, you might even feel like a breakfast chef. Additionally, consider using commercial steamers for bao to elevate your menu options and impress your guests with perfectly steamed buns.
Our Ingredients
When you’re itching to plunge into something truly delicious like chicken waffle sliders, having the right mix of ingredients is essential. This recipe brings together crispy, tender chicken and sweet, fluffy waffles, all drizzled with a sticky, savory sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.
It’s comfort food heaven, right? And they’re mini, which means you can convince yourself to have more than one. Or two. Or three. But who’s counting? Let’s gather those ingredients and get ready to create a meal that’s so good it might replace breakfast and dinner altogether.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1/2 cup pancake mix
- 1 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs (for the chicken)
- 1 1/2 cups pancake mix (for waffles)
- 2 eggs, separated (for the waffles)
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (for waffles)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp all-purpose flour (for sauce)
Now, let’s chat about those ingredients for a moment. If you’ve got a spice drawer that’s overflowing (or maybe just a tiny herb jar that you can barely see into) think about how fresh each seasoning can elevate your slider game.
Fresh spices not only make things flavorful, but they also show off your cooking skills like you’re a food magician. And if you spot any gluten-free pancake mix or flour, you can easily swap them in for a different twist on this recipe.
As for chicken, your best bet for juiciness is usually that boneless breast, but don’t shun the thighs if you feel adventurous; they’ve a rich flavor that can make your sliders even tastier. The more effort you put into selecting your ingredients, the more your taste buds will thank you. So are you ready to whip this up? Let’s get to cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these Chicken Waffle Sliders is a delightful adventure in cooking, combining crispy chicken and fluffy waffles with a sweet and sticky sauce. Mixing the batter is quick and simple—just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a plateful of sliders that will impress anyone lucky enough to snag one (or two). Additionally, using the right commercial deep fryer can significantly enhance your frying experience by ensuring consistent temperature control and frying efficiency.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting 1 lb of boneless chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of pancake mix, 1 1/2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
2. Create Wet and Dry Mix: In another bowl, whisk 3/4 cup of buttermilk and 2 eggs together until smooth. This is your wet mix. Now, dip each chicken piece into the wet mix before coating it well in the dry mix. Make sure every bit of chicken is covered—this step is essential for that crispy bite.
3. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches for about 4-5 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’re aiming for that beautiful crispy exterior.
Once they’re done, drain them on paper towels to get rid of the excess oil.
4. Make the Waffles: While your chicken is frying, you can work on those waffles. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of pancake mix, 2 separated eggs (reserve the whites), 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk, 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp of nutmeg, 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 cup of milk.
Fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites gently—this will give your waffles a fluffy texture.
5. Cook the Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron according to its instructions. Pour the batter into the iron and cook until they’re golden brown (this usually takes about 3-4 minutes, depending on your waffle maker).
After cooking, make sure to keep them warm while you finish everything else.
6. Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 3 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add 2 tsp of minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it turns fragrant.
Then, mix in 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1/2 cup of honey, 1 tsp of cornstarch, 1 tsp of balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes, and 1 tsp of all-purpose flour.
Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens nicely—this is where the magic happens.
7. Assemble the Sliders: Now comes the fun part! Take two mini waffle squares and stack them with a piece of the glazed chicken in between. Drizzle your sticky sauce on top and, if you’re feeling fancy, maybe add a tiny sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes for that burst of flavor.
And voilà, you’ve created Chicken Waffle Sliders! Once you try these little bites of joy, you’ll be counting the minutes until the next time you can whip them up.
Just remember, they’re best served immediately; the crispiness of the chicken and the warmth of the waffles will have you swooning. So go ahead, dig in, and enjoy the deliciousness.
Tips & Variations
Let’s plunge into some quick tips and variations that can elevate your Chicken Waffle Sliders from great to absolutely unforgettable.
First off, don’t skip the buttermilk; it seriously makes the chicken tender and juicy.
Want a crunchier texture? Try adding crushed cornflakes to the coating mix.
I’ve even swapped out the chicken for crispy tofu for a fun twist—so good!
If you’re feeling adventurous, play with your sauce—add a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick or switch to maple syrup for a sweeter vibe.
And if you don’t have a mini waffle maker, no worries. Just cut regular waffles into smaller pieces.
Trust me, it’s all about creativity. You can’t go wrong here, right?
How to Serve?
Serving Chicken Waffle Sliders can turn any meal into a special occasion, and you know what? They’re perfect for everything from game days to casual gatherings with friends.
I like to stack those crispy, glazed chicken pieces between two mini waffles and grab a side of dipping sauce for a fun twist. Don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for that extra kick.
Serve ‘em on a platter, and just watch as your guests dig into them. I mean, who wouldn’t want to indulge in something this delightful?
I always keep napkins handy—it gets messy, but that’s half the fun, right? So, dig in, savor every bite, and enjoy the smiles around the table.
Storage & Reheating Guide
Even if you’ve managed to save some Chicken Waffle Sliders for later, you’ll want to know how to properly store and reheat them to keep that deliciousness alive.
First, let them cool down completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days—if they last that long. Using proper airtight food storage will help maintain their freshness for a longer period.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F. Pop them in for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re warmed through.
Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but honestly, the oven keeps that crispy texture. Who doesn’t love crispy, juicy goodness? Trust me, doing this will make you feel like a kitchen wizard.
Final Thoughts
After you wrap up those delicious Chicken Waffle Sliders and store them like a pro, it’s hard not to think about all the joy they bring to any meal.
Seriously, who knew waffles and chicken could be such a match made in heaven? I still can’t believe I didn’t try this combo sooner.
Just imagine surprising your friends at the next party with these little delights, they’ll be begging for the recipe.
And the best part? You can mix and match the sauces to suit your taste buds.
If you mess up a little, no worries. I’ve burned my fair share of waffles.
Just remember, cooking is all about having fun.