Gather ’round, my flavor-loving friends, for a taste of pure delight! Today, we’re diving into the delicious world of Crispy Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Maple Drizzle – a harmonious fusion of comfort and sophistication that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with joy. Get ready to experience the perfect balance of crispy, juicy chicken, fluffy waffles, and a drizzle of luscious maple syrup that will leave you craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Maple Drizzle
Prepare to be swept off your feet by this cozy, indulgent creation! These Crispy Chicken and Waffle Sliders are the epitome of comfort food elevated to new heights. The golden, crispy chicken nestled between fluffy waffles and crowned with a lush maple drizzle will transport you to a state of pure bliss. It’s the perfect marriage of sweet and savory, with each bite promising a satisfying and craveable experience. Whether you’re serving them as a show-stopping appetizer or a hearty main dish, these sliders are sure to bring a touch of warmth and joy to any gathering.
Ingredients
Dive into the list of mouthwatering ingredients that come together to create this flavor-packed masterpiece. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, all-purpose flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and a blend of spices to achieve that irresistible crispy coating. For the waffle base, you’ll use a classic waffle batter, complete with ingredients like buttermilk, butter, and a hint of vanilla. And of course, no Crispy Chicken and Waffle Sliders would be complete without a drizzle of pure maple syrup to tie it all together.
- 1 lb (454 g) – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup (120 g) – All-purpose flour
- 2 large – Eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (100 g) – Breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
- 1 cup (240 ml) – Buttermilk
- 1⁄4 cup (57 g) – Unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp – Vanilla extract
- 1⁄4 cup (60 ml) – Pure maple syrup
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (will result in a slightly less juicy texture)
- Buttermilk: Regular milk mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar (for a tangy flavor)
How to Make Crispy Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Maple Drizzle
Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure, as we guide you step-by-step through the process of creating these mouthwatering Crispy Chicken and Waffle Sliders.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by pounding the chicken thighs to an even thickness, ensuring they’ll cook evenly. Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes: one for the flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the breadcrumbs. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with a wire rack to ensure those crispy chicken bites come out perfectly.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to bring the magic to life! Dredge the chicken in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Arrange the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy. While the chicken is in the oven, whip up a batch of fluffy waffles using your favorite recipe or mix.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the chicken and waffles are ready, it’s time to assemble your masterpiece. Slice the waffles into slider-sized portions and top each one with a crispy chicken thigh. Drizzle the entire creation with a generous amount of pure maple syrup, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a truly mouthwatering presentation.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra touch of indulgence, you can add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped pecans to the top of each slider. The creamy, nutty flavors will complement the crispy chicken and maple syrup perfectly.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Smoky and Spicy Twist: Incorporate a pinch of chipotle or cayenne pepper into the breading for a zesty kick.
- Festive Garnish: Top the sliders with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for a touch of holiday flair.
- Spicy Maple Syrup: Drizzle the sliders with a mixture of maple syrup and hot sauce for an added burst of heat.
- Crispy Chicken Tenders: Use chicken tenders instead of thighs for a bite-sized, easy-to-eat option.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Fresh fruit, a side salad, or crispy potato wedges.
Storage: Store the cooked chicken and waffles separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, and the waffles in the toaster or oven until warm and crispy.
Make-Ahead: The breaded chicken can be prepared a day or two in advance and kept in the refrigerator until ready to bake. The waffles can also be made ahead and stored in the freezer until needed.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the cozy comfort of these Crispy Chicken and Waffle Sliders, knowing that they pack a nutritional punch as well. Each serving provides a balanced blend of protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the waffles, and a touch of sweetness from the maple syrup. With a moderate calorie count and a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, you can savor this delightful dish guilt-free.
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 34 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to achieve that crispy chicken texture?
The key to perfectly crispy chicken is in the breading process. By dredging the chicken in flour, dipping it in beaten eggs, and then coating it in breadcrumbs, you create a delightful crunchy exterior that seals in the juicy, flavorful meat.
Can I make the waffles ahead of time?
Absolutely! The waffles can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to assemble the sliders. Simply reheat them in the oven or toaster when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make these Crispy Chicken and Waffle Sliders gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the breading. For the waffles, opt for a gluten-free waffle mix or recipe.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Absolutely! The breaded chicken can be prepared a day or two ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bake the chicken until hot and crispy.
What’s the best way to reheat the sliders?
For the best texture, reheat the assembled sliders in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is hot and crispy, and the waffles are warm and slightly crisped.
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- smoky maple bbq chicken sliders with coleslaw
- crispy maple bourbon chicken thighs with herb glaze
Crispy Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Maple Drizzle
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delicious crispy chicken and waffle sliders are the perfect sweet and savory bite-sized treat topped with a rich maple drizzle.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– Oil for frying
– 8 mini waffles
– 1/2 cup maple syrup
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Marinate chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
3. 2. In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. 3. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. 4. Dredge marinated chicken thighs in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
6. 5. Fry chicken in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
7. 6. Remove chicken and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. 7. Toast mini waffles until golden brown.
9. 8. Assemble sliders by placing a piece of fried chicken between two mini waffles.
10. 9. Drizzle with maple syrup and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
– For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in buttermilk and flour.
– Serve with extra maple syrup on the side for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sliders
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken, waffles, sliders, breakfast, brunch