Skip to content 
If you are looking for the absolute showstopper appetizer that disappears the second you set it down, you have found your recipe: The Ultimate Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Spicy Honey. Seriously, that combination of crispy fried chicken, soft toasted waffle, and that warm, sweet heat—it’s just magic, right? I’m Anna, and I’m that passionate food lover who believes everyday cooking should be easy and bring you joy, especially when it involves chicken!
I spent ages tweaking this recipe, trying different spice levels and waffle toasting times, just to make sure every single bite of these Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Spicy Honey delivers that perfect crunch followed by the sweet, slow burn of the honey. Because I’ve tested this so many times, I can promise you the seasoning balance is spot on. These sliders are my secret weapon for making any gathering instantly more fun, and they come together faster than you might think!
Table Of content
Gathering Your Ingredients for Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Spicy Honey
Okay, let’s talk ingredients for these amazing Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Spicy Honey. Since these sliders are all about that contrast—crispy bird against sweet waffle—we need quality stuff. Don’t skimp on the seasoning here; it makes the chicken pop! It’s really just three main groups of things you need to grab before we start mixing.
Components for the Savory Chicken
You’ll need about 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Make sure you cut those into nice, manageable 2-inch pieces so they fit perfectly on the slider. For the marinade, grab 1 cup of buttermilk. Then, for the flavor base, measure out 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. That buttermilk bath is where the real tenderness starts!
Coating and Frying Essentials
For the coating that gets super crunchy, we’re using 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (that’s the secret to extra crispiness!), and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. And of course, you need plenty of vegetable oil for frying—about 1 inch deep in your skillet. Make sure you have a paper towel ready for draining!
Crafting the Spicy Honey Drizzle
This is the best part! For the drizzle, keep it simple: 1/3 cup of honey, 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. We warm this up gently so the butter melts right into the honey and the spice blooms perfectly.
Waffle Assembly Components
You’ll need 12 frozen mini waffles—toast these up until they are golden and crisp! Finally, grab 12 small wooden picks. These aren’t just for looks; they keep your sliders from falling apart when people grab them!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Spicy Honey
Now that we have all our components lined up, let’s get cooking! Making these Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Spicy Honey is just a series of manageable steps. It moves fast once the chicken is done marinating, so try to have your coating station ready to go before you pull the chicken out of the fridge.
Marinating the Chicken for Flavor
First things first: flavor building! Put those 2-inch chicken pieces right into a bowl with the buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Give everything a good stir so the chicken is totally coated. Then, cover that bowl up—you need this to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but honestly, 2 hours is even better if you have time. When you’re ready to move on, pull the chicken out and let the extra buttermilk drip off back into the bowl. We want it wet, but not dripping!
Preparing the Crispy Coating Mixture
While that chicken is marinating, set up your dredging station. In a shallow dish, grab your flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Whisk them all together really well. The cornstarch is your secret weapon for that bakery-style crispiness, so make sure it’s fully incorporated with the flour.
Achieving Perfect Frying Temperature and Technique
Time to fry! Pour your vegetable oil into a heavy skillet until it’s about 1 inch deep. Heat that oil up until it hits 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You absolutely must use a thermometer here; if the oil is too cool, the coating gets greasy, and if it’s too hot, the outside burns before the inside cooks. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mix, pressing lightly to make sure that coating sticks everywhere. Fry the chicken in small batches—don’t crowd the pan! Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You have to check the temperature; the chicken must reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit internally before you pull it out onto a paper towel-lined plate.
Preparing the Warm Spicy Honey
While the last batch of chicken is finishing up, let’s make that amazing drizzle. In a tiny saucepan, combine your honey, butter, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set the heat to low. You only need a minute or two, just until the butter melts completely and everything is smooth and warm. Don’t let it boil! Keep this warm while you toast your mini waffles according to their package directions.
Once everything is ready—chicken cooked, waffles toasted, honey warm—you can assemble these beauties! Just stack one piece of chicken between two waffles, drizzle that spicy honey right over the top, and stick a wooden pick right through the middle. Serve them warm immediately!
Why You Will Enjoy These Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Spicy Honey
I know you’re busy, which is why I love this recipe so much. These Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Spicy Honey are designed to impress without keeping you stuck in the kitchen all day. They are the perfect little bites for game days, potlucks, or just when you need a fun dinner that everyone will actually eat!
Quick Assembly for Parties
Once the chicken is fried, the assembly takes maybe five minutes flat. You can even prep the honey drizzle ahead of time. They’re easy to hold, easy to eat while mingling, and the wooden picks make sure they stay together—no messy hands!
Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory
This is the flavor harmony everyone talks about! You get the salty, savory crunch from the seasoned fried chicken, which is immediately cut by the sweetness of the waffle and that kick of heat from the spicy honey. It’s a complex flavor profile that tastes gourmet but is totally simple to execute.
Simple Preparation for Busy Cooks
We aren’t doing anything complicated here. The marination is passive time, and the frying is quick because the chicken pieces are small. If you can dredge and fry, you can master these sliders. They truly are proof that easy cooking can still be incredibly flavorful. If you are looking for other easy chicken recipes, check out my guide on oven baked boneless skinless chicken!
Essential Equipment for Making Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Spicy Honey
You don’t need a million fancy gadgets for these Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Spicy Honey, but a few key tools make the process smooth. Trust me, having the right gear makes frying so much less stressful! If you want to see more of my favorite kitchen tools, follow me on Pinterest.
- A heavy skillet is a must for even heat distribution when frying the chicken.
- A reliable meat thermometer is non-negotiable! We have to hit that 165 degrees Fahrenheit mark safely.
- You’ll need a couple of mixing bowls—one for the wet marinade and one shallow dish for the dry coating.
- Don’t forget a whisk to make sure your flour mixture is lump-free, and a small saucepan for warming that spicy honey.
Tips for Achieving Expertly Crispy Chicken
Getting that perfect crunch on your fried chicken is the real key to amazing Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Spicy Honey. Don’t just toss the chicken in the oil and hope for the best! First, you have to manage that oil temperature like a hawk. If it drops below 325 degrees Fahrenheit, the coating soaks up too much oil and gets soggy. Keep it steady at 350 degrees!
When you dredge the chicken, really press that flour mixture onto the pieces. You want a solid, thick coat sticking tight. And here’s something my dad always taught me: after the chicken comes out of the oil, make sure it drains properly on paper towels. Don’t let it sit in a pile, or the steam will soften the crust you just worked so hard to build. A quick drain and serving right away makes all the difference! For more crispy chicken ideas, see how I make crispy oven baked chicken legs.
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Spicy Honey
If you happen to have any of these incredible Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Spicy Honey left over—which, surprise, surprise, doesn’t always happen in my house—you’ll want to store them correctly so they are still delicious the next day. The biggest challenge here is keeping the waffle from getting soggy overnight. We want to protect that crispy chicken coating!
Storing Leftovers Safely
If you have any leftovers, let the chicken cool down completely before you try to store them. This prevents condensation from building up inside your container, which is the enemy of crispiness! Place the assembled sliders in a single layer if you can, in an airtight container. They should be fine in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Don’t try to store them drenched in the spicy honey; keep the honey separate if you can!
Reheating for Best Texture
Please, please, please skip the microwave if you want to save these! The microwave will turn everything soft. For the best results when reheating your Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Spicy Honey, you want dry heat. An oven or a toaster oven set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit is your best bet. Pop them in for about 5 to 8 minutes, checking often. This helps crisp up the coating again and warms everything through evenly. If you have an air fryer, that works wonders too! If you prefer air frying, you might enjoy my recipe for air fryer lemon pepper chicken tenders.
| Storage/Reheating Guide | Details |
|---|---|
| Storage Time (Refrigerated) | Up to 3 days |
| Reheat Method (Best) | Oven or toaster oven |
| Reheat Temperature | 350°F (175°C) |
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Spicy Honey
I get so many questions about these sliders because everyone wants them to be perfect for their next gathering! Here are the things you ask me most often about making these Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Spicy Honey.
Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you totally can! The buttermilk marinade needs time anyway, so you can do that part the day before. Even better, you can fry the chicken pieces completely, let them cool, and store them in the fridge. The next day, just reheat them in the oven until crispy before assembling your party appetizer. Just don’t drizzle the honey until right before serving!
What is the best way to keep the sliders warm for a party?
If you are making a huge batch for a crowd, skip the assembly until serving time. Keep the fried chicken warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in a very low oven—think 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the waffles toasted and ready to go. Assemble them in small batches right as people are ready to eat so that the waffle stays crisp and the chicken hot!
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
You certainly can try! If you really want to skip the frying part of this fried chicken recipe, you should toss the coated chicken pieces with just a tiny bit of oil spray and bake them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You might need to flip them halfway through. Just remember, baking won’t give you that deep, rich golden color or the exact same texture we get from the oil, but it’s a good option if you prefer less fat!
Sharing Your Latest Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Spicy Honey
I really hope you give these Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Spicy Honey a try for your next get-together. They are such a fun twist on a classic comfort food! When you make them, please come back here and tell me how they turned out. I love hearing about your kitchen adventures, so drop a rating below or tell me in the comments if you added anything extra to the spicy honey!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note before you run off to the kitchen! The nutritional data I provided—like calories and fat content—is just an estimate based on the ingredients listed here and standard serving sizes. Since brands of waffles, honey, the exact cut of chicken you use can all change things, these numbers aren’t set in stone. Always use these figures as a general guide only!
Print
Stunning 12 Chicken and Waffle Sliders
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 sliders 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Spicy Honey are crispy, sweet, and savory party bites. You assemble seasoned fried chicken pieces between toasted mini waffles and finish with a warm, spicy honey drizzle. These make a fun appetizer for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2 inch pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 12 frozen mini waffles, toasted according to package directions
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 12 small wooden picks
Instructions
- Place the chicken pieces in a bowl with buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes minimum, up to 4 hours.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip away. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat completely.
- Pour vegetable oil into a heavy skillet to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fry the chicken in batches for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel lined plate.
- While the chicken cooks, toast the mini waffles until golden and crisp following package directions.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, butter, and crushed red pepper flakes. Warm for 1 to 2 minutes until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Assemble the sliders: place one piece of fried chicken between two mini waffles. Drizzle lightly with spicy honey and secure with a wooden pick. Serve warm.
Notes
- Keep the oil temperature between 325 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit during frying. This helps the chicken cook through without burning the coating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slider
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: Unknown
- Sodium: Unknown
- Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated Fat: Unknown
- Unsaturated Fat: Unknown
- Trans Fat: Unknown
- Carbohydrates: 22 grams
- Fiber: Unknown
- Protein: 12 grams
- Cholesterol: Unknown
