If you are looking for a snack that perfectly balances crispy, savory chicken with fluffy, sweet waffles, then this Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe is an absolute must-try. These bite-sized sliders bring together the comfort of classic Southern flavors in a fun and easy-to-make form that’s perfect for parties, game days, or a delightful treat any time. With the smoky sweetness of bacon jam, the crispiness of breaded chicken wings, and the golden charm of mini waffles, every slider bursts with a harmony of taste and texture that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your hands on just a few simple ingredients is all it takes to whip up these irresistible sliders. Each ingredient has its own special role, from adding essential moisture and sweetness to delivering crunch and depth of flavor.
- 2 cups pancake and waffle mix: This forms the fluffy mini waffles that cradle the chicken, providing a tender and slightly sweet base.
- 4 teaspoons bacon jam: Adds a smoky, savory-sweet layer that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 16 fully cooked breaded, boneless Chicken Wings (frozen): These are the crispy, protein-packed star of the sliders, offering a delicious contrast in texture.
- ¼ cup maple syrup: The perfect drizzle of sticky sweetness that ties everything together with a classic touch.
How to Make Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mini Waffles
Start by preparing your pancake and waffle mix exactly as the package instructs, making sure you follow the method intended for waffles instead of pancakes. This will ensure your mini waffles have that perfect crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture that makes these sliders so irresistible.
Step 2: Cook the Mini Waffles
Heat your waffle bite maker and cook the batter in small portions until each mini waffle turns a beautiful golden brown. You’ll want about 32 mini waffles in total, enough to sandwich each chicken wing perfectly.
Step 3: Arrange the Waffles
Once cooked, carefully remove each mini waffle from the maker and separate them into small circles if needed. Lay them out on a large serving plate, preparing for assembly.
Step 4: Add the Bacon Jam
Spread about ¼ teaspoon of bacon jam evenly across 16 of the mini waffles. This smoky-sweet spread is what lifts these sliders from tasty to unforgettable.
Step 5: Heat the Chicken Wings
While the waffles cool, heat your fully cooked breaded chicken wings following the package directions. I love using the air fryer method because it keeps the coating crisp—just 4 to 5 minutes on each side at the right temperature should do the trick. Make sure your chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit inside for safe eating.
Step 6: Assemble the Sliders
Place one hot chicken wing atop each mini waffle slathered with bacon jam. Then crown each with another mini waffle without jam on top. Secure each slider with a cocktail toothpick or long pick so they remain perfectly stacked and easy to handle.
Step 7: Finish with Maple Syrup
Just before serving, drizzle maple syrup generously over all the sliders, making sure some syrup seeps into the waffle holes on top. This final touch adds a beautiful sticky sweetness that makes every bite a scrumptious combination of flavors and textures.
How to Serve Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and flavor, garnish your sliders with a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or a few red pepper flakes if you love a little heat. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also accentuate the sweet side, creating a picture-perfect plate.
Side Dishes
These Chicken and Waffle Sliders go wonderfully with classic Southern sides like coleslaw or a crisp green salad for balance. For a more indulgent gathering, serve alongside creamy mac and cheese or crispy seasoned fries to keep the comfort food theme alive.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your sliders on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper for a casual vibe, perfect for a laid-back get-together. Alternatively, thread them onto a long skewer for an eye-catching appetizer platter that encourages easy sharing and snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Chicken and Waffle Sliders, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping them chilled will preserve the quality of both the chicken and waffles without sogginess.
Freezing
While these sliders are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the mini waffles separately in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Simply reheat the waffles and freshly warm the chicken wings when ready to assemble for the best experience.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken wings in an air fryer or oven until crisp again, and toast the waffles lightly in a toaster or oven to bring back their crunch. Then assemble your sliders freshly to enjoy near-original texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen wings?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh chicken, cook it thoroughly beforehand and bread it to your liking. Just be sure the chicken is fully cooked and crisped up before assembling your sliders.
What can I substitute for bacon jam?
If bacon jam is hard to find, you can use a combination of caramelized onions and cooked bacon bits, or even a smoky BBQ sauce to achieve a similar savory-sweet flavor.
Are these sliders spicy?
The recipe is naturally mild, but you can add a little cayenne pepper to the waffle batter or add hot sauce to the chicken for a spicy kick to suit your taste.
Can I make the mini waffles ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the mini waffles a few hours in advance and keep them warm in a low oven until ready to serve, but for the best texture, assemble and serve soon after heating the chicken.
What drinks pair well with Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe?
A crisp sparkling cider, light beer, or even a sweet iced tea pairs beautifully with these sliders, balancing savory and sweet elements while refreshing your palate between bites.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of biting into a perfectly balanced Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe—crispy, sweet, savory, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting friends or indulging in a cozy night in, this recipe brings excitement to your table with simplicity and delectable flavors. Go ahead and try it out—you might just find your new favorite comfort snack!
Print
Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken and Waffle Sliders are a delightful appetizer combining crispy, breaded chicken wings with fluffy mini waffles, enhanced by savory bacon jam and sweet maple syrup. Perfect for parties or game day snacks, these bite-sized treats offer a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors, easily prepared using an air fryer and waffle maker.
Ingredients
Waffles
- 2 cups pancake and waffle mix
Chicken Wings
- 16 fully cooked breaded, boneless chicken wings (frozen)
Toppings and Condiments
- 4 teaspoons bacon jam
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare Waffle Batter: Mix the pancake and waffle mix according to the package directions, making sure to follow the specific instructions for waffles to ensure a light and fluffy batter.
- Cook Mini Waffles: Preheat your waffle bite maker and cook the batter in small batches until the mini waffles are golden brown. You will need to make about 32 mini waffles total for the sliders.
- Plate Mini Waffles: Remove the cooked mini waffles from the waffle maker and separate them into individual small circles, placing them neatly on a large serving plate.
- Apply Bacon Jam: Spread approximately ¼ teaspoon of bacon jam on 16 of the mini waffles. This adds a savory depth that complements the chicken.
- Heat Chicken Wings: Warm the frozen, fully cooked breaded chicken wings. The preferred method is using an air fryer, cooking them for 4-5 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you can heat them using the oven or stovetop according to package instructions.
- Assemble Sliders: Place one heated chicken wing on top of the bacon jam spread mini waffle, then top it with another mini waffle without jam, creating a sandwich.
- Secure Sliders: Insert a cocktail pick or long toothpick through each assembled slider to hold it together firmly.
- Repeat Assembly: Continue the assembly process with the remaining mini waffles and chicken wings until all sliders are made.
- Add Maple Syrup: Just before serving, drizzle the ¼ cup of maple syrup evenly over all the sliders, allowing some syrup to fill the waffle holes on top for extra sweetness and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, ensure chicken wings are heated to 165°F to guarantee safety and optimal taste.
- You can prepare the mini waffles ahead of time and reheat briefly before assembly.
- Bacon jam can be substituted with other savory spreads if preferred.
- Use cocktail picks to make the sliders easy to serve and eat at parties.
- If you don’t have a waffle bite maker, use a regular waffle iron and cut waffles into smaller circles.
