Mini Hot Chicken and Waffle Sliders: A Deliciously Spicy Twist on a Classic
These Mini Hot Chicken and Waffle Sliders are the perfect appetizer or party snack! Crispy, juicy hot chicken nestled between sweet, fluffy waffles and drizzled with a cooling sauce – they’re a flavor explosion in every bite. This recipe combines the beloved comfort food of chicken and waffles with the fiery kick of Nashville hot chicken, all in a fun, miniature format. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these incredibly addictive sliders!
## Why You’ll Love These Sliders
* **Flavor Bomb:** The combination of sweet waffles, spicy chicken, and cool sauce is simply irresistible.
* **Perfect for Sharing:** Their small size makes them ideal for parties, game day gatherings, or potlucks.
* **Easy to Customize:** Adjust the spice level to your preference, and swap out toppings to create your own unique variations.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can prepare components ahead of time, making assembly a breeze when you’re ready to serve.
* **Crowd-Pleaser:** Seriously, who can resist mini chicken and waffle sliders?
## Ingredients You’ll Need
**For the Hot Chicken:**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot or Louisiana Hot Sauce)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1 tablespoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
* Vegetable oil, for frying
**For the Waffles:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 large egg
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 2 tablespoons melted butter, cooled
**For the Sauce:**
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1 tablespoon hot sauce (same as for the chicken, or a different kind for variation)
* 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
**For Assembly:**
* 12-16 mini waffles (store-bought or homemade)
* Pickles slices, for topping (optional)
* Chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)
## Equipment
* Mixing bowls
* Whisk
* Shallow dishes or plates
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Waffle iron (if making homemade waffles)
* Tongs or slotted spoon
* Wire rack
* Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
**1. Marinate the Chicken:**
* In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
* Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
**2. Prepare the Hot Chicken Coating:**
* In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, and ground mustard.
**3. Make the Waffles (if homemade):**
* In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
* In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and melted butter.
* Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
* Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the iron.
* Pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook until golden brown and crispy, usually 2-3 minutes per waffle. Repeat with the remaining batter. If you don’t have a mini waffle maker, simply cut larger waffles into smaller squares or circles.
**4. Fry the Hot Chicken:**
* Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). A deep-fry thermometer is very useful here.
* Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
* Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
* Remove the fried chicken with tongs or a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil. This will help keep the chicken crispy.
**5. Make the Sauce:**
* In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
**6. Assemble the Sliders:**
* Place a mini waffle on a clean surface.
* Top with a piece of hot chicken.
* Drizzle with the sauce.
* Add a pickle slice (optional).
* Top with another mini waffle.
* Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
* Garnish with chopped chives, if desired.
**7. Serve Immediately:**
* These sliders are best served warm and fresh.
## Tips for the Best Mini Hot Chicken and Waffle Sliders
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Frying the chicken in batches ensures that the oil temperature stays consistent, resulting in crispy chicken.
* **Use a Thermometer:** A deep-fry thermometer is essential for maintaining the correct oil temperature. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside before it’s cooked through. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** The amount of cayenne pepper in the flour mixture determines the spice level of the chicken. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste. You can also use a milder hot sauce in the marinade and sauce.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free waffles to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Keep the Chicken Warm:** If you’re making a large batch, keep the fried chicken warm in a preheated oven (200°F/93°C) until ready to assemble the sliders.
* **Toast the Waffles:** For extra crispy waffles, toast them lightly before assembling the sliders.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Experiment with different toppings such as coleslaw, shredded lettuce, or a different type of cheese.
## Variations
* **Honey Butter Chicken and Waffle Sliders:** Use honey butter instead of the spicy sauce.
* **BBQ Chicken and Waffle Sliders:** Use your favorite BBQ sauce instead of the hot sauce.
* **Buffalo Chicken and Waffle Sliders:** Toss the fried chicken in buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese dressing.
* **Chicken and Pancake Sliders:** Use mini pancakes instead of waffles for a sweeter twist.
* **Add Cheese:** A slice of cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone cheese adds a delicious creamy element.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
* **Chicken:** The chicken can be marinated up to 4 hours in advance. You can also fry the chicken ahead of time and reheat it in the oven. To reheat, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Waffles:** Waffles can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven before assembling the sliders.
* **Sauce:** The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
## Serving Suggestions
These Mini Hot Chicken and Waffle Sliders are perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or even a light meal. Serve them with:
* Coleslaw
* French fries
* Sweet potato fries
* Mac and cheese
* A side salad
## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per slider)
* Calories: 250-350 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 15-25g
## Recipe Card
**Mini Hot Chicken and Waffle Sliders**
**Prep Time:** 30 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour
**Servings:** 12-16 sliders
**Ingredients:**
* **Hot Chicken:**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 tablespoon hot sauce
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
* 1 tablespoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* **Waffles:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 large egg
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 2 tablespoons melted butter, cooled
* **Sauce:**
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons honey
* 1 tablespoon hot sauce
* 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* **Assembly:**
* 12-16 mini waffles
* Pickle slices (optional)
* Chives, chopped (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken pieces and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Prepare the Hot Chicken Coating:** In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, and ground mustard.
3. **Make the Waffles:** Whisk together dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk wet ingredients. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Cook waffles in a preheated waffle iron.
4. **Fry the Hot Chicken:** Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Dredge chicken in the flour mixture. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack.
5. **Make the Sauce:** Whisk together mayonnaise, honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder.
6. **Assemble the Sliders:** Place a mini waffle, top with chicken, drizzle with sauce, add pickle, and top with another waffle. Garnish with chives.
7. **Serve Immediately.**
Enjoy these Mini Hot Chicken and Waffle Sliders! They’re a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and sauces to create your own signature slider recipe. Happy cooking!