Spicy Honey Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe for Crowd-Pleasing Bites

Benefits and Advantages of Chicken Waffle Sliders

Chicken waffle sliders combine the crispy, spicy flavors of fried chicken with the soft sweetness of fluffy waffles, creating an irresistible bite-sized snack or meal. This recipe shines due to its quick and straightforward preparation, ideal for weeknight dinners or casual parties. Using lean boneless, skinless chicken breasts adds nutritional value through high protein content while enabling control over fat and calorie levels. The inclusion of buttermilk in the marinade tenderizes the chicken, enriching the flavor and juiciness. Additionally, the recipe’s flexibility allows easy swapping of ingredients to accommodate dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free or vegan adaptations. This fantastic contrast of textures and flavor layers appeals broadly, making the sliders a crowd favorite that balances indulgence with nutritional awareness.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Waffle Sliders

The following list contains essential ingredients for making delicious chicken waffle sliders with the signature sweet and spicy flair:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 adobo chipotle peppers in sauce
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tbsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp buttermilk (added to the flour mixture)
• 8.5 oz corn muffin mix
• 1 large egg
• 2/3 cup buttermilk (for waffles)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup salted butter (room temperature, for maple-spiced butter)
• 1 1/2 tbsp light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup (for maple-spiced butter)
• 1/2 tsp hot sauce (for maple-spiced butter)
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (for maple-spiced butter)

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Chicken Waffle Sliders

Chicken waffle sliders are versatile and can be modified to fit different dietary requirements without losing their core flavor profile:

• Vegan Adaptation: Replace chicken breast with plant-based patties or jackfruit to replicate texture and protein. Use vegan waffle batter made from almond or oat flour and substitute butter with plant-based margarine.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blends and corn muffin mixes for the waffle batter. Ensure all spice blends and sauces are gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
• Lower Calorie Version: Use skinless chicken breast, bake or air-fry instead of deep frying, and reduce added sugars in the waffle batter by opting for natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol.
• Dairy-Free Modifications: Swap all butter and buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut oil and almond or oat milk with a touch of vinegar.

These substitutions allow you to tailor the sliders while maintaining the balance of sweet, salty, and spicy notes characteristic of the dish.

How to Prepare the Perfect Chicken Waffle Sliders: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Marinate the chicken: Blend buttermilk, chipotle peppers, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Submerge the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 5-6 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor and tenderness.
2. Prepare the coating: Mix flour, cornstarch, salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and cayenne in a resealable bag. Add 2 teaspoons of buttermilk to form crumbly texture.
3. Coat the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and dredge in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off excess and refrigerate for 20 minutes to set the crust.
4. Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or large skillet. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 13-15 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels and keep warm.
5. Make the waffles: Preheat your waffle iron. Combine corn muffin mix, egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and maple syrup. Cook waffles until crisp and golden. Cut each waffle into quarters to form slider buns.
6. Prepare the maple-spiced butter: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper. Chill briefly, then soften to spread.
7. Assemble the sliders: Spread maple-spiced butter on both waffle quarters and chicken pieces. Sandwich the chicken between waffle quarters. Optionally drizzle with extra maple syrup and hot sauce. Secure with toothpicks if desired.
8. Serve immediately: Enjoy the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors in every bite.

For crispier chicken, bring chicken to room temperature before frying and adjust seasoning in the flour mixture to taste. Using cornmeal waffles adds natural sweetness and texture, but buttermilk or toasted mini waffles can serve as quicker alternatives.

Interested in crispy, flavorful chicken? Check out How to Make Fried Chicken for more tips.

Mastering Chicken Waffle Sliders: Advanced Tips and Variations

To master chicken waffle sliders, begin by marinating boneless, skinless chicken breasts overnight in a flavorful blend of buttermilk, chipotle peppers, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. This process enhances tenderness and infuses the chicken with deep, spicy notes. For an extra crisp crust, incorporate cornstarch with your flour mixture and add a splash of buttermilk to create a crumbly coating before frying.

Experiment with different spice profiles such as smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to adjust heat levels. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary also add complexity. Consider using mini waffles for bite-sized sliders ideal for appetizers or party snacks. Sauce variations such as honey mustard, spicy aioli, or maple-spiced butter elevate flavor combinations uniquely. Vegan alternatives include shredded jackfruit or plant-based patties paired with gluten-free waffle recipes crafted with almond or oat flour.

Before serving, toast the waffles lightly to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess. Use high-quality maple syrup or natural honey for drizzling to complement the spicy chicken without overpowering it. These tips and variations create a versatile and flavorful slider experience tailored to diverse preferences.

How to Store Chicken Waffle Sliders: Best Practices

Proper storage is key to preserving the delightful texture and flavors of chicken waffle sliders. Store sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to keep them fresh. To prevent waffles from becoming soggy, it’s best to store the chicken and waffles separately.

Freeze cooked chicken breasts tightly wrapped and waffles stacked with parchment paper between each piece to avoid sticking. This method prolongs shelf life for up to one month. When reheating, thaw frozen components overnight in the refrigerator. Warm waffles in a toaster or oven until crisp, while reheating chicken gently in a microwave or skillet to retain moisture and avoid drying out.

Reassembling just before serving maintains the sliders’ texture and flavor, making these storage tips essential for enjoying leftovers or prepping ahead for gatherings.

Nutritional Value of Chicken Waffle Sliders

Chicken waffle sliders offer a balanced mixed nutrient profile suitable for an energy-packed meal. Each slider typically provides between 250 and 300 calories, with 15 to 20 grams of protein largely contributed by lean boneless chicken breast, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.

The carbohydrate content, predominantly from waffles made with whole wheat or cornmeal mixes, ranges from 20 to 25 grams per slider, supplying fuel for sustained energy. Fat content varies between 8 and 12 grams depending on cooking techniques and toppings, with healthier fats available when using vegetable oils and moderate butter amounts.

Essential micronutrients include iron and vitamin B6 from the chicken and fiber from whole grain waffles. Including fresh vegetable toppings further enhances vitamin and mineral content while keeping calorie intake balanced. Choosing low-fat cooking methods and wholesome batter options can help manage overall nutritional goals while enjoying indulgent flavors.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Waffle Sliders

Spicy Honey Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe for Crowd-Pleasing Bites

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🍯 Enjoy the delightful fusion of spicy and sweet in these crowd-pleasing Spicy Honey Chicken and Waffle Sliders!
🐓 Perfect for brunch gatherings or snack time, these sliders offer a unique twist on classic comfort food with layers of flavor.

• Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Spicy Fried Chicken Marinade:
2 cups buttermilk
2 adobo chipotle peppers in sauce
1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Tabasco style)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For Frying the Chicken:
Vegetable oil for frying
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 tbsp kosher salt
1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
2 tsp buttermilk

For the Cornmeal Waffles:
8.5 oz corn muffin mix
1 large egg
2/3 cup buttermilk
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp pure maple syrup

For the Maple-Spiced Butter:
1/4 cup salted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 tbsp light brown sugar
1 1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp hot sauce
Pinch of cayenne pepper

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: Blend buttermilk, chipotle peppers, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Submerge chicken breasts and marinate for 5-6 hours or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare coating: Combine flour, cornstarch, salt, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and cayenne in a large resealable bag. Add 2 tsp buttermilk to the flour mixture to form crumbs.
3. Coat the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, dip in the flour mixture, shake off excess, then refrigerate for 20 minutes to set the crust.
4. Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 13-15 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Drain on paper towels and keep warm in a low oven.
5. Make waffles: Preheat waffle iron. Mix corn muffin mix, egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and maple syrup until combined. Cook waffles until crisp and golden, then cut each waffle into quarters to serve as slider buns.
6. Prepare maple-spiced butter: Whisk together butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, hot sauce, and cayenne. Chill slightly, then shape or soften for spreading.
7. Assemble sliders: Spread maple-spiced butter on each waffle quarter and on fried chicken pieces. Sandwich chicken between waffle quarters. Optionally drizzle sliders with additional maple syrup and hot sauce for extra flavor. Toothpicks may be used to secure sliders.

Last Step:

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Notes

🕰️ Let chicken come to room temperature before frying for even cooking.
🌶️ Adjust seasoning in flour mixture to taste; increase cayenne or garlic powder for more heat or punch.
🧇 Cornmeal waffles provide a natural sweetness and textured base; buttermilk waffles or toasted mini waffles can be used as quicker alternatives for convenience.

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Marinating time: 6 hours
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 sliders
• Calories: 618
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 1837 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 143 mg