If you’re craving a playful, unforgettable bite that balances sweet, savory, and just a touch of smoky goodness, this Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, crispy chicken wings sandwiched between perfectly golden mini waffles, kissed with a spread of bacon jam and drizzled with warm maple syrup. It’s a fun twist on a classic comfort food combo that makes sharing easy and the flavors even better. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, party, or just treating yourself, these sliders bring a hearty, mouthwatering delight everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to bring out the best textures and flavors in your sliders. Each element plays a role—crispy chicken for savoriness, fluffy mini waffles for light sweetness, the smoky touch of bacon jam, and that rich drizzle of maple syrup to tie it all together perfectly.
- Pancake and waffle mix: This is your base for those golden, fluffy mini waffles that hold everything together.
- Bacon jam: A smoky, slightly sweet spread that adds depth and a savory punch to your sliders.
- Fully cooked breaded, boneless chicken wings (frozen): Convenient, crispy, and juicy little wings that pack plenty of flavor.
- Maple syrup: The classic sweet drizzle that perfectly balances the savory and smoky flavors.
How to Make Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Waffles
Start by mixing your pancake and waffle mix according to the package’s waffle instructions. The right batter consistency ensures your mini waffles will be light and fluffy yet crisp on the outside. Using a waffle bite maker is the perfect way to get uniform mini waffles that are just the right size for slider buns.
Step 2: Cook Mini Waffles until Golden
Heat your waffle bite maker and cook the waffles until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Aim for about 32 mini waffles total, since each slider needs two. Make sure they have that slight crisp on the outside so they won’t get soggy when assembled.
Step 3: Spread Bacon Jam
Once the waffles are cooled just enough to handle, generously spread about ¼ teaspoon of bacon jam on 16 of the mini waffles. This smoky, slightly tangy layer is what really sets these sliders apart from the ordinary.
Step 4: Heat the Chicken Wings
While the waffles cool slightly, get your chicken wings heated up. I love using an air fryer for about 4-5 minutes on each side to get them piping hot and crispy without drying them out. Whichever method you choose, just make sure they’re heated through to 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe and delicious.
Step 5: Assemble Your Sliders
Place one heated chicken wing onto the bacon jam-spread waffle. Then top it with a plain mini waffle to sandwich everything together. Secure each slider with a cocktail pick or a long toothpick so they don’t fall apart and are easy to grab.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch of Maple Syrup
Just before serving, drizzle your sliders with warm maple syrup, allowing it to seep into the waffle crevices and mingle with the bacon jam and chicken. This sweet cascade brings the whole bite to a perfect harmony of flavors.
How to Serve Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe
Garnishes
For a bit of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh chives or parsley on top right after drizzling the maple syrup. You can also add a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors and bring out a little crunch.
Side Dishes
These sliders pair wonderfully with classic brunch sides like crispy hash browns or a fresh fruit salad to brighten the plate. For a crowd-pleasing snack, serve alongside a tangy coleslaw or some pickled vegetables to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe on a wooden board with small bowls of extra bacon jam and maple syrup for dipping. You can also make mini slider baskets lined with parchment paper for a charming presentation at gatherings or game days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, keep leftover sliders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to store the waffles and chicken separately if you know you won’t eat them right away, so they don’t get soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked waffles and chicken wings (uncoupled) in individual freezer bags for up to one month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for easiest reheating and freshness.
Reheating
Reheat the waffles in a toaster or toaster oven to get their crispiness back, while warming the chicken wings in the air fryer or oven. Then assemble with a fresh spread of bacon jam and your favorite maple syrup for that just-made magic.
FAQs
Can I make the waffles from scratch instead of using a mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite waffle recipe, you can use it to make the mini waffles for these sliders. Just make sure your batter isn’t too thin so the waffles hold up well when assembled.
What type of chicken wings work best for this recipe?
Fully cooked breaded, boneless chicken wings are ideal because they’re easy to eat without bones and already have that crispy coating. Frozen wings are convenient and reheat nicely.
Is bacon jam necessary or can I substitute it?
Bacon jam adds a wonderful smoky and salty flavor that complements the sweetness, but you can substitute with thick balsamic glaze or even a spicy honey mustard for a different twist.
Can I prepare these sliders for a large party?
Yes! This Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe is perfect for serving a crowd since the bites are small and easy to eat. You can prepare waffles and chicken wings ahead of time and assemble when ready to serve.
How do I keep the waffles from getting soggy?
The key is to toast or warm the waffles right before assembling and serve the sliders soon after adding the syrup. Also, assembling last minute and using crispy waffles helps prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe enough to anyone who loves bold flavors and fun finger foods. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make, and the balanced combination of sweet, savory, and smoky will have everyone asking for seconds. Next time you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 sliders 1x
Description
Chicken and Waffle Sliders combine crispy, breaded chicken wings with mini waffles, enhanced by the sweet and savory flavors of bacon jam and maple syrup. Perfect as a fun appetizer or party snack, these bite-sized sliders feature golden mini waffles sandwiching a hot chicken wing, drizzled with warm maple syrup for a deliciously indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Waffles
- 2 cups pancake and waffle mix
- Butter or oil for waffle maker (optional, per waffle mix instructions)
Chicken
- 16 fully cooked breaded, boneless chicken wings (frozen)
Condiments and Toppings
- 4 teaspoons bacon jam
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare waffle batter: Follow the package directions for your pancake and waffle mix, making sure to prepare the batter specifically for waffles to get the right texture.
- Cook mini waffles: Preheat your waffle bite maker and cook mini waffles until they are golden brown and cooked through. You will need about 32 mini waffles in total to make the sliders.
- Arrange waffles: Remove the cooked mini waffles from the waffle maker and separate them into small circles. Place them on a large serving plate to assemble the sliders.
- Spread bacon jam: Using about ¼ teaspoon of bacon jam, spread it evenly over 16 of the mini waffles. This adds a sweet and smoky flavor base for the chicken.
- Heat chicken wings: Warm the fully cooked breaded boneless chicken wings according to package instructions. The preferred method is air frying for 4-5 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you may use an oven or stovetop method if preferred.
- Assemble sliders: Place one heated chicken wing on top of the jam-covered mini waffle, then top with another plain mini waffle to form a slider.
- Secure sliders: Use cocktail picks or long toothpicks to pierce through the stacked waffles and chicken, securing each slider together for easy handling.
- Repeat assembly: Continue assembling the remaining sliders with the rest of the mini waffles and chicken wings.
- Add maple syrup: Just before serving, evenly drizzle the ¼ cup of maple syrup over all the sliders. Aim to get some syrup into the waffle pockets on the top for added sweetness and moisture.
Notes
- Ensure chicken wings are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- If you don’t have a waffle bite maker, use a regular waffle iron and cut waffles into smaller circles after cooking.
- Bacon jam can be substituted with maple butter or a similarly sweet and savory spread if unavailable.
- These sliders are best served immediately after assembly for optimal texture and flavor.
- You can prepare the waffles and chicken ahead of time and assemble just before serving to save time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
