Easy Sweet n' Spicy Chicken & Waffle Sliders

Discover the ultimate party appetizer or fun weeknight dinner with our Easy Sweet n' Spicy Chicken & Waffle Sliders! These irresistible mini sandwiches combine crispy, golden chicken nuggets with fluffy mini waffles, all coated in a tantalizing maple Sriracha glaze. Perfect for game-day gatherings or potlucks, this crowd-pleasing recipe is quick to assemble and packed with flavor, guaranteeing a delicious experience everyone will love.

Why You'll Want to Make Easy Sweet n' Spicy Chicken & Waffle Sliders

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: It perfectly balances sweet and spicy notes with crispy chicken and fluffy waffles, creating a unique and highly satisfying taste experience.

• Easy to Make: The recipe is designed for simplicity, making it accessible even for novice cooks. It's a quick appetizer to assemble, especially using frozen components.

• Crowd-Pleaser: These sliders are a guaranteed hit at any gathering, whether it's a game-day party, a potluck, or just a casual get-together with friends and family.

• Versatile for Any Occasion: While perfect for parties, they also make a fun and flavorful weeknight dinner option when you're looking for something a bit different.

• Unique Appetizer Idea: They offer a creative twist on traditional appetizers, setting your spread apart and leaving a lasting impression on your guests.

Ingredients - Here's What You'll Need

Steps to Make Easy Sweet n' Spicy Chicken & Waffle Sliders

1. Preheat oven according to the package directions for baking chicken nuggets. I used Just Bare Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Bites which called for preheating the oven to 375°F.

Line two half-sheet pans with parchment paper and set one aside. Place 20 chicken nuggets on the other pan. It's best if you use nuggets that are more flat than round, they'll sit better in-between the mini waffles. Bake the nuggets according to the package directions, flipping them over halfway through cooking. Mine cooked for a total of 24 minutes.

2. While the nuggets are baking, prepare the glaze and sauce. To make the glaze, place the unsalted butter in a large microwave-proof bowl and heat in 30-second increments until the butter has melted, this should take about a minute. Then, add two tablespoons of maple syrup, two teaspoons of Sriracha hot sauce, and cayenne pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined, then set the bowl aside until ready to use.

3. To prepare the sauce, place the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, two tablespoons of maple syrup, two teaspoons of Sriracha hot sauce, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Then, whisk everything together until well combined. Set the bowl aside until ready to use.

4. When you have about five minutes left on the nugget cooking time, increase the oven temperature to 450°F. Then, use a bread knife to separate the mini waffles into individual pieces. If you try to break them apart, there's a good chance you could damage them. Place the waffles on the other prepared sheet pan. After you have removed the pan with the nuggets and the oven reaches 450°F, bake the waffles for five minutes.

5. Once you've removed the nuggets from the oven, use a pair of silicone tongs to place them in the large bowl with the glaze. Then, use the tongs to gently toss the nuggest in the glaze.

6. Remove the mini waffles from the oven and place half of them on a large serving platter. Then, use a small spoon to add a small amount of the sauce to the bottom waffle, about half a teaspoon.

7. Use the tongs to place one glazed nugget on each prepared waffle.

8. Top the nuggets with the remaining waffles. Serve immediately while still warm.

These Easy Sweet n' Spicy Chicken & Waffle Sliders are a testament to how simple ingredients can create an unforgettable dish. Whether you're planning a party or just craving a unique, flavorful meal, this recipe delivers big on taste and ease. Don't miss out on crafting these perfect appetizer recipes that are sure to become a new favorite in your home. Get ready to impress with this delicious combination of sweet and spicy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Crispy Chicken is Key: For the best texture, ensure your chicken nuggets are cooked until extra crispy. Using an air fryer or oven at a slightly higher temperature can help achieve this.

• Glaze Consistency: The maple Sriracha glaze should be thick enough to coat the chicken but thin enough to spread easily. Adjust consistency by adding a few drops of water if too thick, or a bit more maple syrup if too thin.

• Assembling Sliders: For best results, assemble the sliders just before serving to prevent the waffles from becoming soggy. A toothpick can help hold them together if transporting.

• Heat Level Adjustment: Control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of Sriracha hot sauce in the glaze. Add less for a milder flavor or more for a bolder kick.