If you are craving a fun and irresistible combination that brings breakfast and comfort food together in bite-sized form, look no further than this Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe. Each slider packs crispy, juicy chicken wings nestled between golden, fluffy mini waffles that have just the right hint of sweetness and a touch of smoky bacon jam. Drizzled with maple syrup, these sliders perfectly balance savory and sweet, creating a party-worthy snack or a delightful brunch treat that’s sure to impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for these Chicken and Waffle Sliders is refreshingly simple, but every component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the tender breaded chicken wings that bring satisfying crunch to the lightly sweet waffle base and that luscious bacon jam, each ingredient has its moment to shine in this recipe.
- 2 cups pancake and waffle mix: The foundation for light, fluffy mini waffles that hold everything together beautifully.
- 4 teaspoons bacon jam: Adds a smoky, savory-sweet kick that elevates the flavor profile to another level.
- 16 fully cooked breaded, boneless chicken wings (frozen): Provides crispy, tender protein that’s convenient and delicious.
- ¼ cup maple syrup: Drizzled on top for that iconic sweet finish that ties the whole dish together wonderfully.
How to Make Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mini Waffles
Start by following the pancake and waffle mix package instructions exactly for waffles. Having the perfect waffle batter ensures your mini waffles turn out light, fluffy, and slightly crisp on the outside. You’ll be making about 32 mini waffles—think of these as the little buns for your sliders.
Step 2: Cook the Mini Waffles
Heat up your waffle bite maker and pour the batter in to cook. Keep an eye on the color and texture—you want golden-brown waffles that are firm enough to hold together but still soft inside. Once cooked, carefully remove them and separate into individual mini circles. Set them aside on a large serving plate.
Step 3: Spread the Bacon Jam
Take 16 of the mini waffles and spread about ¼ teaspoon of bacon jam on each one. This smoky-sweet layer adds a surprisingly delightful depth to each bite, making these sliders anything but ordinary.
Step 4: Heat the Chicken Wings
Next, heat your fully cooked breaded chicken wings. Using an air fryer for about 4-5 minutes on each side works wonderfully to crisp them back up while keeping the inside juicy. If you don’t have an air fryer, oven or skillet methods work, just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety.
Step 5: Assemble the Sliders
Place a hot, crispy chicken wing on top of the bacon jam–slathered waffle, then sandwich it with a plain mini waffle on top. Secure each slider with a cocktail pick or a long toothpick to keep everything perfectly stacked.
Step 6: Add the Maple Syrup Finale
Right before serving, drizzle maple syrup evenly over all your sliders. The syrup pools into the waffle crevices and mingles with the bacon jam and crispy chicken for a flavor explosion with every bite.
How to Serve Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling fresh chopped chives or a few cracked black peppercorns over the sliders for a pop of color and a subtle zing that cuts through the sweetness. A dollop of tangy Greek yogurt or a drizzle of hot honey can add extra excitement too.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides like a crunchy coleslaw or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier spread, crispy sweet potato fries or spiced roasted potatoes complement the warm, crispy textures perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Chicken and Waffle Sliders on a rustic wooden board or a bright platter scattered with fresh herbs to make that golden color pop. For parties, arranging them on mini bun trays or serving with individual syrup shots on the side lets guests customize each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the syrup separate to prevent the waffles from becoming soggy. They’ll stay good for up to 2 days.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked mini waffles and cooked chicken wings separately in freezer-safe bags. When ready to enjoy again, just thaw and reheat before assembling the sliders with fresh bacon jam and syrup.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken wings in an air fryer or oven to regain their crispiness. Warm the waffles briefly in the toaster or oven to avoid sogginess. Then, assemble your sliders fresh for best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh-made chicken instead of frozen wings?
Absolutely! Cooking fresh chicken tenders or wings works just fine—just make sure they are breaded and fully cooked before assembling your sliders for the best taste and texture.
Is there a substitute for bacon jam?
If you don’t have bacon jam, you can try a combination of caramelized onions and a smoky barbecue sauce or even a sweetened chutney. The goal is to have that smoky-sweet depth that complements the chicken.
Can I make these sliders gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free pancake and waffle mix and ensure your chicken wings and bacon jam are free from gluten-containing ingredients to enjoy this recipe without worry.
What if I don’t have a waffle bite maker?
You can use a regular waffle iron and cut the waffles into small circles with a cookie cutter. Alternatively, mini pancakes work as a slightly different but still delicious substitute.
How long do these sliders stay fresh after assembly?
Once assembled and drizzled with syrup, they’re best eaten within an hour or two to ensure the waffles stay crisp and the chicken retains its texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way the crispy chicken, fluffy waffles, smoky bacon jam, and sweet maple syrup come together in this Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, feeding a crowd, or just craving a bite of comfort food magic, these sliders won’t disappoint. I promise once you try them, you’ll be coming back for seconds and sharing this recipe with everyone you know!
Print
Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 sliders
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chicken and Waffle Sliders combine crispy, fully cooked breaded chicken wings with sweet mini waffles, bacon jam, and maple syrup for a delightful bite-sized treat perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Quick to prepare and easy to assemble, these sliders offer a delicious balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Waffles
- 2 cups pancake and waffle mix
Toppings
- 4 teaspoons bacon jam
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Chicken
- 16 fully cooked breaded, boneless chicken wings (frozen)
Instructions
- Prepare waffle batter: Prepare pancake and waffle mix according to the package directions, ensuring to follow the specific instructions for waffles to get the right consistency and texture.
- Cook mini waffles: Heat a waffle bite maker and cook mini waffles until golden brown, making about 32 mini waffles in total to create pairs for sliders.
- Arrange waffles: Remove the waffles from the waffle maker and separate them into small circles, placing them on a large serving plate for easy assembly.
- Spread bacon jam: Spread ¼ teaspoon of bacon jam over 16 of the mini waffles to add a savory and slightly sweet layer.
- Heat chicken wings: Heat the fully cooked breaded chicken wings according to package instructions. The preferred method is air frying for 4-5 minutes on each side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Assemble sliders: Place a heated chicken wing on top of each bacon-jam-covered mini waffle, then top with another mini waffle without jam to create sliders.
- Secure sliders: Use a cocktail pick or long toothpick to push through each slider to hold it together firmly.
- Repeat assembly: Repeat the assembly process using the remaining waffles, bacon jam, and chicken wings until all sliders are made.
- Add maple syrup: Just before serving, pour the maple syrup evenly over all the sliders, making sure some syrup seeps into the waffle holes on top for extra sweetness.
Notes
- For a quick heat-up, use an air fryer for the chicken wings to keep them crispy.
- You can substitute breaded wings with grilled or fried chicken if preferred.
- If you don’t have a waffle bite maker, use a regular waffle iron and cut waffles into small circles.
- Bacon jam adds a savory, slightly sweet flavor but can be substituted with regular bacon or omitted for dietary preferences.
- Serve immediately after drizzling maple syrup to ensure the waffles stay crisp.
