Mini Chicken Waffle Sliders

Brunch can always use a little fun, and that is exactly what these mini chicken and waffle sliders bring to your table. Crispy fried chicken tucked between buttery waffles and finished with a drizzle of maple syrup turns an ordinary weekend into something special. They are just the right balance of sweet and savory, plus finger food always seems to disappear the fastest.

I whipped these up for a Sunday gathering and not a single one was left on the platter. Now it is my most requested brunch dish with friends texting the night before to make sure they are on the menu.

Ingredients

• Mini frozen waffles: bring fun and convenience you can toast them quickly and they get extra delicious with melted butter
• Small boneless chicken tenders: ensure every bite stays juicy and are the perfect fit for slider size
• Buttermilk: makes the chicken so tender opt for the real deal if you can and give the tenders a nice soak
• All purpose flour: creates the perfect crispy breading and is easy to season well
• Paprika: for gentle warmth and a pretty color
• Garlic powder: rounds out the flavor and works best when it is still fresh smelling
• Vegetable oil: gets the tenders crisp and golden pick a neutral oil for best results
• Maple syrup: ties everything together look for pure maple for that rich deep flavor
• Unsalted butter: for brushing warm waffles every slider is better with a little bit of butter
• Toothpicks: make these easy to eat and perfect for sharing

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Let the chicken tenders bathe in buttermilk for at least fifteen minutes which softens the meat and starts the flavoring process. The longer the soak the deeper the flavor

Season the Flour:

Combine flour paprika garlic powder salt and black pepper in a shallow dish to create a deeply seasoned breading. Give everything a real mix for even flavor

Coat the Chicken:

Dredge each buttermilk soaked chicken tender in the flour blend pressing gently to help the coating stick well. Shake off excess flour so crust cooks up crisp not doughy

Fry to Golden Perfection:

Heat vegetable oil in a wide skillet over medium high until hot enough for a pinched crumb to fizz. Slide in the tenders and fry them about four to five minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels so they stay crisp

Toast and Butter the Waffles:

Pop the mini waffles in the toaster so they are piping hot and lightly crisp. While still warm brush each side generously with melted butter to add flavor and prevent dryness

Build the Sliders:

Place a piece of hot fried chicken between two waffles. Anchor each slider together with a toothpick right through the center. Just before serving generously pour maple syrup over the top for the final brunch touch

I absolutely love pure maple syrup for this recipe. The first time I tried Vermont syrup with these sliders it changed everything and now I keep it on hand just for brunch gatherings. Fried chicken and warm waffles are always a hit at our family morning parties.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Store any extra sliders in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven to keep them crispy. If making ahead keep the chicken and waffles separate and assemble just before serving so nothing gets soggy. Leftover chicken can be diced and tossed over a bed of greens or tucked into a wrap for lunch the next day.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

No buttermilk on hand Make your own by adding a splash of lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for five minutes. You can swap chicken tenders for boneless thighs if you prefer darker meat. For a twist try hot honey instead of maple syrup for a sweet spicy finish.

Perfect Ways to Serve This

Arrange sliders on a big platter and scatter with chopped chives or parsley. For a brunch board style add bowls of fruit and yogurt alongside. These pair perfectly with a bubbly mimosa or a strong cup of coffee.

These sliders are the hit of every brunch in our house. Serve them up hot and watch them disappear fast.

Recipe Q&A

→ How do I keep chicken tenders juicy?

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and helps retain moisture during frying.

→ Can I use homemade waffles instead of frozen?

Yes, homemade mini waffles work perfectly if you prefer a fresh, personal touch.

→ What's the best way to toast mini waffles?

Lightly toast them according to package instructions, then brush with melted butter while still warm.

→ Is it necessary to use toothpicks?

Toothpicks make serving and eating the sliders cleaner and help hold them together.

→ Can I substitute the maple syrup?

For a twist, try honey or spicy maple syrup to add extra flavor to your sliders.