Mini Hot Chicken and Waffle Sliders
Mini Hot Chicken and Waffle Sliders are a fun and tasty twist on a classic comfort food combination. These sliders are perfect for lunch, dinner, or a game day snack. Plus, they can be made healthier, making them great for anyone mindful of their diet.
Serve up tender chicken nuggets, fluffy mini waffles, and zesty slaw all in one bite. Let’s explore how to make these delicious sliders that fit into a balanced meal plan.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
These Mini Hot Chicken and Waffle Sliders are a great option for meal prep. They are quick to make and can be stored well, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with protein from chicken nuggets and topped with fiber-rich slaw, these sliders are a healthy version of your favorite dish. This lighter option is not only delightful but also good for weight loss, thanks to its portion control. It’s a fun meal the whole family will enjoy!
HOW TO MAKE Mini Hot Chicken and Waffle Sliders
Creating these sliders is simple and requires minimal effort. Here’s how you can whip up these delightful bites.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan
- Cooking spray
- Toothpicks or skewers for serving
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cooking spray
- 1 (16-ounce) package frozen chicken nuggets
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon water (or more if needed)
- 1 (11-ounce) package mini waffles (such as Kellogg’s Eggo)
- 1 cup prepared slaw
- 20 small dill pickle slices
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Place 20 chicken nuggets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Reserve any remaining nuggets for another use.
- Bake the nuggets in the preheated oven for 6 minutes. Flip and bake until crispy, which should take an additional 5 to 7 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the sauce: Heat the butter, maple syrup, canola oil, brown sugar, paprika, cayenne, kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until smooth and well combined (about 3 to 5 minutes). If the sauce thickens too much, reduce heat to low and whisk in 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to keep it smooth. Keep warm.
- As the sauce is cooking, toast the mini waffles and then separate each into 4 mini waffles.
- Assemble the sliders: Place a chicken nugget on top of a waffle, and then top with 1 heaping teaspoon of slaw. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of sauce, top with a pickle slice, and place a second waffle on top. Secure the slider with a toothpick or skewer if desired. Repeat this process to make the remaining sliders before serving with extra sauce.
HOW TO SERVE Mini Hot Chicken and Waffle Sliders
To keep your sliders healthy, consider serving them in smaller portions. Each slider provides a balanced bite without going overboard. Pair your sliders with a light side salad or fresh vegetable sticks for crunch and fiber. This combination will ensure you keep your meal balanced and healthy.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Mini Hot Chicken and Waffle Sliders
These sliders can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place the assembled sliders in an airtight container. If you want to freeze them, it’s best to keep the ingredients separate. You can freeze the chicken nuggets and waffles separately before assembling and then reheat when ready to serve. This practice ensures freshness and maintains quality.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
To keep things healthy, serve these sliders with a side of fresh fruit or a light green salad. This addition of healthy foods boosts your fiber intake and adds essential nutrients, making it a well-rounded meal.
VARIATIONS
-
Healthier Version: Substitute the chicken nuggets for baked or grilled chicken breast slices. Not only does this reduce calories, but it also increases the protein content, making it a heart-healthy choice.
-
High-Protein or Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower bites instead of chicken nuggets for a low-carb take. This keeps the sliders satisfying while reducing overall carbs.
-
Air Fryer Version: For a quicker version, cook the chicken nuggets in an air fryer. Simply arrange the nuggets in the air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees F for 8–10 minutes or until they are crispy. This method will result in extra crispy nuggets with less oil!
FAQs
-
Are these sliders gluten-free?
The original recipe uses frozen chicken nuggets and waffles, which may contain gluten. Check labels to ensure both are gluten-free for a gluten-free version.
-
Can I prepare these sliders ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the components ahead of time. Prepare the chicken nuggets and sauce, then assemble the sliders when you’re ready to serve.
-
How do I store leftover sliders?
Leftover sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the individual components before assembly.
-
Are Mini Hot Chicken and Waffle Sliders good for weight loss?
Yes! When prepared with lean chicken and served in controlled portions, they can be a satisfying option for weight loss.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Mini Hot Chicken and Waffle Sliders
These sliders are fantastic for meal prep! You can prepare everything in advance. Cook the chicken nuggets and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store the components separately in meals and reheat when ready to serve. You can also assemble a few sliders to have for lunch or quick dinners throughout the week. This makes it easy to stay on track with healthy eating and provides a high-protein meal that’s quick and delicious.
In conclusion, Mini Hot Chicken and Waffle Sliders are a nutritious, fun meal the whole family can enjoy. With options to adjust health factors and convenience, these sliders can fit into any balanced meal plan. Try making these delightful sliders for your next gathering, or simply to enjoy on a cozy weekend at home!
Mini Hot Chicken and Waffle Sliders
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
- Place 20 chicken nuggets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Reserve any remaining nuggets for another use.
- Bake the nuggets in the preheated oven for 6 minutes. Flip and bake until crispy, which should take an additional 5 to 7 minutes.
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the melted butter, maple syrup, canola oil, brown sugar, paprika, cayenne, kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Stir constantly until smooth and well combined (about 3 to 5 minutes). If the sauce thickens too much, reduce heat to low and whisk in 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to keep it smooth. Keep warm.
- Toast the mini waffles and then separate each into 4 mini waffles.
- Assemble the sliders by placing a chicken nugget on top of a waffle.
- Top with 1 heaping teaspoon of slaw, drizzle with 1 teaspoon of sauce, and place a pickle slice on top.
- Finish with a second waffle on top and secure the slider with a toothpick or skewer if desired. Repeat this process to make the remaining sliders before serving with extra sauce.