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Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get started on the preparation! Follow these steps to create a delightful combination of crispy chicken and fluffy waffles that are perfect for sliders.

Crispy Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Maple Syrup

Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic comfort food with these Crispy Chicken and Waffle Sliders! Combining juicy fried chicken with fluffy waffles, each slider is drizzled with rich maple syrup for a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for brunch, game day snacks, or family dinners, these handheld delights are sure to impress your guests. Gather your ingredients and prepare to create a mouthwatering culinary experience that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp paprika

½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

Salt and pepper to taste

Oil for frying

For the Waffles:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1 tbsp sugar

½ tsp salt

1 ¾ cups milk

1 large egg

½ cup melted butter

Cooking spray or additional butter for greasing the waffle iron

For Assembly:

Maple syrup (for drizzling)

Optional: Sliced strawberries or blueberries for garnish

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, mix the buttermilk with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and ensure they are fully coated in the mixture. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, or overnight for a deeper flavor infusion.

    Prepare the Waffles: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg, and melted butter together until smooth. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix; it's okay if there are a few small lumps in the batter.

      Cook the Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions, and lightly grease it with cooking spray or melted butter. Pour the recommended amount of batter onto the waffle iron, usually enough to cover the cooking surface. Close the lid and cook for about 4-5 minutes or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, carefully remove the waffles and keep them warm in a low-temperature oven. Repeat this process with the remaining batter.

        Fry the Chicken: While the waffles are cooking, heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Take the marinated chicken thighs out of the buttermilk and dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.

          Fry the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken thighs in the skillet in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and let it drain on paper towels.

            Assemble the Sliders: Cut the waffles into quarters to create slider-sized pieces. On a serving platter, place one quarter of a waffle, then top it with a piece of crispy fried chicken. Cap it with another quarter of waffle. Drizzle each slider generously with maple syrup for that sweet touch.

              Serve: Arrange the assembled sliders on a beautiful platter. Garnish with fresh, sliced strawberries or blueberries to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while the chicken is still crispy and the waffles are warm.

                Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 6 sliders