Mini Chicken and Waffle Sliders for a Fun Brunch Fiesta Recipe
These Mini Chicken and Waffle Sliders are a delightful twist on classic comfort food, perfect for a fun and flavorful brunch. Crispy, golden fried chicken tenders are sandwiched between toasted mini waffles and drizzled with sweet maple syrup, creating a delicious balance of savory and sweet in every bite. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing at gatherings or family breakfasts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound Boneless Chicken Tenders (substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option)
- 1 cup Buttermilk (or regular milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute)
Coating
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (gluten-free version available)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
Others
- 12 pieces Mini Frozen Waffles (homemade waffles can elevate your dish)
- 2 cups Vegetable Oil (canola oil works as a lighter alternative)
- 1/2 cup Maple Syrup (can experiment with flavored syrups like blueberry)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (optional, for brushing waffles)
- 12 pieces Toothpicks
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all ingredients and equipment needed for the recipe to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the boneless chicken tenders in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Allow the chicken to soak for at least 15 minutes. This step tenderizes the meat and imparts flavor.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish, mix the all-purpose flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful coating for the chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture to evenly coat every piece.
- Fry Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the oil and fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare Waffles: Toast the mini waffles according to the package instructions until crisp. Optionally, brush them with melted unsalted butter to enhance flavor and texture.
- Assemble Sliders: Take one toasted mini waffle, place a fried chicken tender on top, then cover with another waffle to form a slider. Secure with a toothpick to hold together.
- Serve: Drizzle the assembled sliders generously with maple syrup just before serving to add a sweet finish and enjoy immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute chicken breasts for chicken tenders.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, use regular milk mixed with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
- Gluten-free flour can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Feel free to experiment with flavored syrups like blueberry or cinnamon to add a unique twist.
- Ensure the oil temperature is hot enough before frying to prevent greasy chicken.
- Use a thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Keywords: chicken and waffles, mini sliders, brunch recipe, fried chicken, sweet and savory, easy brunch, comfort food
