Chicken and waffles are a Southern classic, but turning them into bite-sized sliders with a spicy-sweet drizzle?

That’s where the magic happens. I made these Chicken & Waffle Sliders with Hot Honey for Father’s Day brunch one year, and now they’re requested every single time.

Mini waffles sandwiching crispy fried chicken tenders and a drizzle of homemade hot honey—it’s the perfect combo of sweet, savory, crunchy, and indulgent.

Imagine biting into a savory slider where the crispy chicken is perfectly nestled between two fluffy waffles, all complemented by a sweet and spicy hot honey drizzle.

This recipe for Chicken & Waffles Sliders is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience packed with flavor.

These sliders are ideal for brunches, game days, or a festive gathering with friends. The hot sauce adds a zesty kick that will have everyone coming back for more.

You can easily whip these up and impress your guests with a dish that’s both delicious and visually appealing!

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Here’s Why You’ll Love My Chicken & Waffles Sliders with Hot Honey

These sliders are bold, fun, and super easy to serve at parties or casual family brunches. The mini waffles bring that fluffy, golden texture while the buttermilk-marinated chicken is incredibly juicy and crisp.

That finishing touch of hot honey adds just the right amount of heat to make each bite pop with flavor. They’re cute enough to wow your guests and satisfying enough to keep Dad full and happy.

Creating the Perfect Chicken & Waffles Sliders

Chicken & Waffles Sliders are a delightful treat that marries the savory crunch of fried chicken with the fluffy sweetness of waffles.

This dish captures the essence of comfort food, making it a popular choice for brunch gatherings and festive occasions.

The secret to achieving that perfect crispy chicken lies in the marinade. Soaking the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with flavor.

The combination of spices, including onion powder and smoked paprika, provides an irresistible taste that enhances each bite.

Ingredients That Shine

To create these mouthwatering sliders, you’ll need a handful of key ingredients. Begin with tender chicken breast, cut into small pieces to ensure each slider is packed with flavor.

Combine this with buttermilk for marinating, all-purpose flour for the coating, and spices like onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to elevate the chicken’s taste.

Sweet waffles serve as the perfect vehicle to hold everything together, while a drizzle of hot honey adds a sweet and spicy kick.

Simple Preparation Steps

The preparation process for Chicken & Waffles Sliders is straightforward. Start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce.

This step not only enhances flavor but also ensures the chicken remains juicy during cooking.

Next, coat the marinated chicken with a seasoned flour mixture. This creates the desired crunch when fried.

Carefully fry the chicken until it reaches a golden brown hue, ensuring a delightful texture in every slider.

Assembly of the Sliders

Assembling the sliders is where the fun begins. Take a quarter of a fluffy waffle and place a piece of fried chicken on top.

Drizzle generously with hot honey, then crown it with another waffle quarter.

The combination of the crispy chicken, soft waffles, and the sweet-spicy honey drizzle creates an enticing flavor profile that is hard to resist.

For added crunch and flavor, garnishing the sliders with pickle slices is a fantastic touch.

Perfect Pairing and Presentation

These sliders are perfect for sharing, making them an ideal centerpiece for any brunch table. Arrange them on a rustic wooden platter, providing an inviting atmosphere for your guests.

Serve these sliders with sweet potato fries, fresh fruit skewers, or a crunchy coleslaw for balance.

A side of pickles or quick-pickled red onions adds a tangy bite. For drinks, try a bourbon lemonade, sweet iced tea, or a fizzy mimosa to keep things festive.

To elevate the experience, consider serving small bowls of extra hot sauce and honey on the side.

This allows guests to customize their sliders to their liking, ensuring everyone enjoys their meal exactly how they prefer.

Tips for the Best Chicken & Waffles Sliders with Hot Honey

Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least an hour (overnight is even better) to get it extra tender.

Fry the chicken until golden and let it rest on a rack, not paper towels, to keep the crust crispy.

Use a waffle iron to make your own mini waffles or use frozen minis in a pinch. And don’t skip the hot honey—it’s super easy to make and totally transforms the dish.

Savory Chicken & Waffles Sliders with Hot Honey Drizzle
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Savory Chicken & Waffles Sliders with Hot Honey Drizzle

Recipe by JoanneCourse: Brunch or AppetizerCuisine: Southern-Inspired Comfort FoodDifficulty: Medium
Servings

12

sliders
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories (per 2 sliders)

520

kcal

These Chicken & Waffles Sliders are a mouthwatering treat, combining tender, crispy chicken with sweet waffles, drizzled with hot honey for a touch of sweetness and spice.

The flavor profile is a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making each bite a delightful experience.

Ingredients

  • For the Fried Chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into 12 slider-size pieces)

  • 1 cup buttermilk1 cup buttermilk

  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce

  • 1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • Vegetable oil for frying

  • For the Waffles:

  • 1 and ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 1 and ¼ cups buttermilk

  • 1 large egg

  • 3 tablespoons melted butter

  • Non-stick spray or butter for the waffle iron

  • For the Hot Honey:

  • ½ cup honey

  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

  • Optional Add-ons:

  • Pickle chips

  • Arugula or baby greens

  • Butter or mayo for spreading

Directions

  • Marinate the Chicken:
  • In a bowl, combine chicken, buttermilk, and hot sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
  • Prepare the Waffles:
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Heat mini waffle maker or waffle iron. Lightly grease and cook mini waffles (about 2 tablespoons of batter per waffle). You’ll need 24 waffles total. Set aside.
  • Make the Hot Honey:
  • In a small saucepan, warm honey over low heat. Stir in red pepper flakes and hot sauce. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes, then remove from heat and let steep.
  • Fry the Chicken:
  • In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture and shake off excess. Heat oil in a deep skillet (350°F). Fry chicken in batches, about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on a wire rack.
  • Assemble the Sliders:
  • On one mini waffle, add a piece of fried chicken. Top with a pickle or a few arugula leaves (if using), then drizzle with hot honey. Top with another waffle. Serve warm!

Notes

  • Use chicken tenders instead of thighs if you prefer white meat.
  • You can bake the chicken for a lighter version—400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway
  • Make a spicy maple variation by swapping honey for maple syrup and adding chili flakes.

Storage and Warming

Store leftover chicken and waffles separately. Reheat chicken in the oven or air fryer to keep it crispy. Waffles can be toasted.

Hot honey can be stored at room temperature in a sealed jar.

Chicken & Waffle Sliders with Hot Honey Drizzle