If you’re craving a fun, irresistible twist on a classic comfort food duo, these Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Bacon Jam and Maple Syrup Recipe are exactly what you need. Delightfully crispy, sweet, and savory, these bite-sized sliders pack an explosion of flavors in every mouthwatering bite. They’re perfect for gatherings, game days, or just treating yourself to something extraordinary yet surprisingly simple to whip up. Trust me, once you try this combo, it will quickly become a new favorite to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity fool you—each ingredient plays a key role in creating those perfect sweet and savory layers that make these Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Bacon Jam and Maple Syrup Recipe so special. From the fluffy waffles to the tangy bacon jam and the crisp chicken, every component shines and comes together beautifully.
- 2 cups pancake and waffle mix: This is your base for making the light, crispy waffles that hold everything together perfectly.
- 4 teaspoons bacon jam: Packed with smoky sweetness, it adds a rich depth of flavor that balances the dish.
- 16 fully cooked breaded, boneless Chicken Wings (frozen): These deliver that irresistible crunch and tender chicken center in every slider.
- ¼ cup maple syrup: The golden drizzle that adds sweetness and a sticky finish that ties all the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Bacon Jam and Maple Syrup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Waffle Batter
Start by following the package instructions for your pancake and waffle mix, making sure to prepare it specifically for waffles. This step ensures your waffles come out light and fluffy, the perfect foundation for your sliders.
Step 2: Cook Mini Waffles
Heat up your waffle bite maker and cook the mini waffles until they turn a gorgeous golden brown color. You’ll need about 32 mini waffles in total—enough to create 16 sliders, each with two waffle layers.
Step 3: Arrange Waffles for Assembly
Take your freshly cooked waffles out and separate them into individual circles, placing them on a large serving plate. This makes it easier to build your sliders evenly and quickly.
Step 4: Add the Bacon Jam
Spread a thin layer, about ¼ teaspoon, of bacon jam over 16 of the mini waffles. This little spread packs a punch of smoky-sweet flavor that complements the chicken brilliantly.
Step 5: Heat the Chicken Wings
Warm up your breaded chicken wings using your preferred method. For best results, I love the air fryer—just 4 to 5 minutes per side until they’re hot and crispy, making sure they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety.
Step 6: Assemble the Sliders
Place one heated chicken wing over the bacon jam–covered mini waffle. Top it with another mini waffle that doesn’t have jam, creating a neat little sandwich.
Step 7: Secure with Picks
Use a cocktail pick or a long toothpick to spear through each slider. This keeps everything snug and perfect for picking up and eating in one delicious bite.
Step 8: Repeat and Prepare to Serve
Continue assembling all the sliders until you’ve used up all your mini waffles and chicken wings. Then you’re almost ready!
Step 9: Drizzle with Maple Syrup
Just before serving, pour the maple syrup evenly over all sliders. Let the syrup seep into the waffle holes on top, adding that balance of sticky sweetness to each bite.
How to Serve Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Bacon Jam and Maple Syrup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh chives or parsley over the top adds a pop of color and a fresh note that complements the richness of the sliders perfectly. You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar to heighten the sweet vibe if you like.
Side Dishes
Serve these sliders alongside a crisp green salad to lighten things up or some tangy coleslaw for a refreshing crunch. Roasted sweet potatoes or simple seasoned fries also pair wonderfully for those who want a fulfilling, hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering multiple sliders on a wooden board for a fun shared platter. You could also serve them on a bed of greens or alongside small dipping bowls with extra maple syrup and hot sauce for those who like a kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the assembled sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the waffles from drying out and the chicken juicy and ready for a quick snack or next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked waffles and chicken wings separately in airtight bags for up to a month. Avoid freezing the sliders fully assembled to maintain the best texture when reheated.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the waffles and chicken in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes until they’re warm and crispy again. Then reassemble quickly with a fresh drizzle of syrup for near-fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular chicken tenders instead of wings?
Absolutely! Chicken tenders work great and are often easier to handle in slider form. Just make sure they’re fully cooked and crispy.
Is bacon jam hard to find or make?
You can buy bacon jam in many specialty stores or online, but it’s also quite straightforward to make at home with simple ingredients like bacon, onions, brown sugar, and vinegar simmered down into a jam.
Can I make the waffles from scratch instead of using mix?
Yes, homemade waffle batter works beautifully here! Just choose your favorite recipe, and adjust cooking times for mini waffles accordingly.
Can these sliders be made gluten-free?
Definitely. Use a gluten-free pancake and waffle mix and ensure the chicken wings and bacon jam are gluten-free as well. The sliders will still be just as delicious!
What’s the best way to keep the waffles from getting soggy?
Cooking the waffles until crisp and assembling the sliders just before serving helps. Also, warming the chicken wings separately and adding syrup last keeps everything perfectly balanced.
Final Thoughts
These Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Bacon Jam and Maple Syrup Recipe are a total game changer for your snack or brunch repertoire. They bring together sweet, savory, smoky, and crunchy in one bite-sized delight that everyone will rave about. Don’t miss out—grab your ingredients and give these sliders a whirl at your next gathering or cozy night in. You’ll thank me later!
Print
Chicken and Waffle Sliders with Bacon Jam and Maple Syrup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 sliders
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chicken and Waffle Sliders are a delightful combination of crispy breaded chicken wings sandwiched between sweet mini waffles, topped with savory bacon jam and a drizzle of maple syrup. Perfect as a creative appetizer or fun party snack, they combine the classic comfort of chicken and waffles into bite-sized sliders that are easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Waffle Batter
- 2 cups pancake and waffle mix
Toppings and Fillings
- 4 teaspoons bacon jam
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Chicken
- 16 fully cooked breaded, boneless chicken wings (frozen)
Instructions
- Prepare Waffle Batter: Mix 2 cups of pancake and waffle mix according to the package instructions, making sure to follow the directions for waffles specifically to get the right consistency.
- Cook Mini Waffles: Preheat a waffle bite maker and cook the batter in small portions until the mini waffles are golden brown. You will need about 32 mini waffles in total.
- Arrange Waffles: Remove the cooked mini waffles and separate them into individual small circles. Place them on a large serving plate for assembly.
- Apply Bacon Jam: Spread approximately ¼ teaspoon of bacon jam evenly over 16 of the mini waffles. This adds savory sweetness and depth to the sliders.
- Heat Chicken Wings: Heat the frozen fully cooked breaded chicken wings according to package instructions. The recommended method is air frying for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, other heating methods like oven baking or pan heating can be used.
- Assemble Sliders: Place one heated chicken wing on top of the bacon jam-spread mini waffle, then cover it with another mini waffle that has no jam to form a slider.
- Secure Sliders: Use a cocktail pick or long toothpick to pierce through each slider, holding the two waffle pieces and chicken wing securely together.
- Repeat Assembly: Continue assembling all remaining chicken wings and mini waffles following the same method until you have 16 sliders.
- Add Maple Syrup: Just before serving, pour the ¼ cup of maple syrup evenly over the sliders. Make sure to drizzle syrup into the holes on the top waffles to add sweet moisture and flavor.
Notes
- For crispier chicken wings, consider reheating them in an air fryer rather than a microwave.
- If you don’t have mini waffle makers, you can use a larger waffle maker and cut the waffles into smaller circles using a biscuit cutter or a glass.
- Bacon jam can often be found in gourmet or specialty food stores, or you can make your own by cooking down bacon with onions, brown sugar, and vinegar.
- These sliders are best enjoyed immediately after assembly to keep the waffles from getting soggy.
- You can adjust the amount of bacon jam and syrup according to your taste preference.
