Imagine biting into the most mind-blowing combination of crispy, juicy fried chicken nestled between golden, fluffy waffle halves, with a kick of spicy mayo that will make your taste buds dance! These Fried Chicken and Waffle Sliders are not just a meal - they're a culinary adventure that transforms the classic Southern comfort food into an irresistible handheld delight that will have everyone at your table begging for more. Perfect for brunch, game day, or anytime you're craving something outrageously delicious!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 waffles, cooked
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, paprika, and garlic powder. Add chicken thighs and marinate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator to enhance flavor and tenderize the meat.
- In a separate shallow dish, mix all-purpose flour, cornmeal, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. This will create a crispy coating for the chicken.
- Remove chicken thighs from buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour-cornmeal mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for even cooking.
- Carefully place coated chicken thighs into hot oil, frying for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to keep crispy texture.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sriracha sauce to create spicy mayo, adjusting heat to taste.
- Cut cooked waffles in half to create slider-sized pieces. Toast briefly if desired for extra crispness.
- Assemble sliders by spreading spicy mayo on waffle halves, placing fried chicken thigh in between, and serving immediately.
Tips
- Marinating is Key: Don't rush the buttermilk marinade. The longer the chicken sits (ideally overnight), the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer to keep oil at a consistent 350°F. This ensures crispy, evenly cooked chicken without burning.
- Drain Fried Chicken Properly: Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain that perfect crunch.
- Customize Your Spicy Mayo: Adjust sriracha to your heat preference. Start with less and add more gradually.
- Fresh is Best: Serve these sliders immediately after assembly to enjoy maximum crispiness and temperature contrast.
- Optional Upgrade: Try adding a drizzle of honey or hot sauce for an extra flavor dimension.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 620kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 180mg
