Spicy Chicken Waffle Sliders Recipe

If using frozen mini Belgian waffles, heat according to package directions until crisp (usually 2–3 minutes in a toaster). If using a waffle mix, prepare batter per package, cook 12 mini Belgian waffles in a mini waffle maker and keep warm on a rack in a 200°F (95°C) oven.

Brush both sides of each waffle lightly with melted butter to add flavor and promote browning. Keep warm until assembly.

Slice the chicken into 12 small pieces roughly the width of the mini waffles (about 1.5–2 oz each). Pound thicker pieces to an even thickness if needed.

In a bowl combine buttermilk and 2 tsp hot sauce. Add the sliced chicken, toss to coat, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours). This tenderizes and imparts heat.

In a shallow dish whisk together flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.

Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in seasoned flour, pressing to adhere. For an extra-crispy crust, double-dredge: dip quickly back into buttermilk then into the flour mix again.

Pour oil into a heavy skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of about 1/2 inch and heat over medium-high until temperature reaches 350°F (175°C) or a breadcrumb test sizzles immediately.

Fry chicken in batches (do not crowd) 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain and keep warm in the oven if needed.

While chicken cooks, prepare cheeses and toppings: slice cheddar into pieces that fit the mini waffles and measure out bleu cheese and pickles.

If you like melted cheddar, place waffle bottoms on a tray, top each with a hot fried chicken piece, then a slice of cheddar and return to the warm oven (200°F / 95°C) for 1–2 minutes until the cheddar softens.

Combine 3 tbs honey, 1 tsp hot sauce and 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar in a small bowl and whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness. Warm slightly if desired to thin the honey for drizzling.

To assemble each slider: place one butter-brushed waffle (bottom) on your work surface. Add 1 piece of fried chicken, 1/2 slice cheddar (or 1 slice folded), a sprinkle (about 1 tsp) of crumbled bleu cheese and 1 pickle slice if using.

Top with the matching waffle (top). Repeat to make 6 sliders (12 waffles used).

Drizzle each slider lightly with the spicy honey mixture or plain honey (about 1/2 tsp per slider). If using hot honey, add more to taste.

Garnish with chopped chives or parsley. Serve immediately while chicken is hot and waffles are crisp.