Print

Crispy Chicken and Waffle Sliders Easy Spicy Maple Sriracha Recipe

crispy chicken and waffle sliders - featured image

These sliders combine crispy fried chicken with mini waffles and a spicy maple sriracha sauce for a playful, indulgent, and easy-to-make comfort food perfect for late-night cravings or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) chicken tenders or boneless thighs
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or plain yogurt thinned with milk)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil (canola or sunflower) for frying
  • About 12 store-bought mini frozen waffles
  • Butter or non-stick spray for toasting waffles
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) pure maple syrup
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons sriracha sauce
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional toppings: pickled jalapeños, finely chopped fresh chives or green onions, romaine or butter lettuce leaves

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken tenders, fully submerge, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  2. In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Optionally, mix in 1 tablespoon cornstarch for extra crispiness.
  3. Pour vegetable oil into a skillet to about 1 inch depth and heat over medium-high to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Remove chicken from marinade one piece at a time, letting excess drip off. Dredge thoroughly in flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly.
  5. Carefully place chicken pieces in hot oil without overcrowding. Fry about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Transfer to wire rack to drain excess oil.
  6. Toast mini waffles in a toaster or warm in a skillet with butter until crisp and golden.
  7. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine maple syrup, sriracha, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until warmed through and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Adjust sriracha to taste.
  8. Assemble sliders by spreading spicy maple sriracha sauce on bottom waffle, placing a piece of crispy chicken on top, drizzling more sauce, adding optional toppings, and finishing with the top waffle.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for best crispiness. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for tenderness. Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying. Toast waffles with butter to prevent sogginess. Sauce can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to one week.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and waffles, sliders, spicy maple sriracha, crispy chicken, mini waffles, comfort food, easy recipe, late night snack