Experience the ultimate blend of sweet and savory with these Southern Chicken and Waffles Sliders. Perfectly crispy fried chicken is sandwiched between mini waffles, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup and a hint of hot sauce. These sliders are a fun, bite-sized take on the classic comfort food dish, making them ideal for brunch, parties, or a deliciously indulgent snack.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Number of servings: 8 sliders
- Serving size: 2 sliders
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
Ingredients:
For the fried chicken:
- 450g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 8 small pieces
- 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (2.5g)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (2.5g)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (2.5g)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil, for frying
For the waffles:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar (15g)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (5g)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (2.5g)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.2g)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
For assembly:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 8 small waffle pieces or mini waffles
- Butter for greasing the waffle iron
Method of Preparation:
- Marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces and buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness.
- Prepare the waffles: Preheat your waffle iron and grease it lightly with butter. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Spoon the batter onto the preheated waffle iron, using about 2 tablespoons of batter per mini waffle. Cook according to the waffle iron's instructions until the waffles are golden brown and crisp. Repeat until all the batter is used. Set the waffles aside and keep them warm.
- Fry the chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, coating them well.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Assemble the sliders: Place a piece of fried chicken on top of a mini waffle. Drizzle with maple syrup and a dash of hot sauce if using. Top with another mini waffle to form a sandwich. Secure with a toothpick if desired. Repeat with the remaining waffles and chicken pieces.
- Serve: Serve the chicken and waffle sliders warm, with extra maple syrup and hot sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Use a waffle maker: If you don't have a mini waffle maker, simply cut regular-sized waffles into smaller pieces for the sliders.
- Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and enhances the flavor.
- Keep the chicken crispy: To keep the fried chicken pieces warm and crispy while you fry the rest, place them on a wire rack in a low oven (about 200°F/95°C).
- Make ahead: The waffles can be made ahead and reheated in the toaster or oven for quick assembly.
- Spice it up: Add more hot sauce to the batter or dredging mix if you prefer a spicier flavor.
FAQs:
- Can I bake the chicken instead of frying? Yes, you can bake the chicken pieces at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- What can I use instead of buttermilk? If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Can I make these sliders gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free flour for both the waffles and the dredging mixture.
- How can I store leftovers? Store leftover waffles and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the waffles in a toaster and the chicken in the oven before assembling.
- What sides go well with these sliders? Serve the sliders with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
These Southern Chicken and Waffles Sliders are a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food combination. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, game day party, or simply craving something indulgent, these sliders are sure to impress with their crispy chicken, sweet waffles, and the perfect balance of maple syrup and hot sauce. Enjoy these bite-sized treats that bring a taste of the South to your table!