Ingredients
For the Chicken
Chicken thighs or tenders 🐔: 1 lb
Buttermilk 🥛: 2 cups
Hot sauce 🌶️: 2 tbsp (optional)
All-purpose flour 🍞: 1 1/2 cups
Cornstarch 🌽: 1/2 cup
Paprika 🌶️: 1 tsp
Garlic powder 🧄: 1 tsp
Salt and black pepper 🧂: To taste
Vegetable oil 🛢️: For frying
For the Waffles
All-purpose flour 🍞: 1 1/2 cups
Baking powder 🥄: 1 tsp
Sugar 🍬: 2 tbsp
Salt 🧂: 1/2 tsp
Eggs 🥚: 2, beaten
Milk 🥛: 1 1/4 cups
Butter 🧈: 1/4 cup, melted
Vanilla extract 🌼: 1 tsp
For the Spicy Maple Syrup
Maple syrup 🍯: 1/2 cup
Hot sauce 🌶️: 1-2 tsp (adjust to taste)
Butter 🧈: 2 tbsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine buttermilk 🥛 and hot sauce 🌶️. Add the chicken 🐔 and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2️⃣ Prepare the Waffle Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour 🍞, baking powder 🥄, sugar 🍬, and salt 🧂.
In another bowl, combine beaten eggs 🥚, milk 🥛, melted butter 🧈, and vanilla extract 🌼. Add to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
3️⃣ Fry the Chicken
Heat oil 🛢️ in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
In a shallow dish, mix flour 🍞, cornstarch 🌽, paprika 🌶️, garlic powder 🧄, salt, and pepper 🧂.
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and coat each piece in the flour mixture.
Fry the chicken 🐔 in batches for 6-8 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
4️⃣ Cook the Waffles
Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with non-stick spray or melted butter 🧈.
Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook until golden and crisp. Use a smaller portion for mini waffles.
5️⃣ Make the Spicy Maple Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup 🍯, hot sauce 🌶️, and butter 🧈. Heat over low heat until well blended.
6️⃣ Assemble the Sliders
Place a piece of fried chicken 🐔 between two mini waffles 🧇.
Drizzle with spicy maple syrup 🍯 and secure with a toothpick if needed.
7️⃣ Serve
Serve warm with extra spicy maple syrup on the side.
Pro Tip:
Add a slice of cheddar cheese 🧀 or crispy bacon 🥓 for an extra layer of indulgence.
