Chicken & Waffle Sliders from Dave & Buster's feature crispy, golden fried chicken nestled between mini buttery waffles, topped with a drizzle of sweet maple syrup, offering a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors in a bite-sized treat.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Waffle maker (mini)
- Ladle or scoop
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Pastry brush (for butter or syrup)
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for waffles)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for waffles)
- Nonstick cooking spray or melted butter (for waffle maker)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup maple syrup
When preparing your Chicken & Waffle Sliders, ensure the boneless, skinless chicken breast is fully marinated in buttermilk to tenderize and infuse flavor. Use a precise blend of spices including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in the flour coating for a well-balanced crispy crust. The waffle batter requires a combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to achieve golden, fluffy mini waffles. Melted butter or nonstick cooking spray is essential for greasing the waffle maker to prevent sticking and maintain perfect waffle texture. Your copycat Chicken & Waffle Sliders from Dave & Buster's will deliver a delicious mix of savory fried chicken and sweet maple syrup-drizzled waffles in every bite.
Instructions
- Cut chicken breast into slider-sized pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Place chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture; marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper for dredging.
- Preheat deep fryer with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Dredge marinated chicken pieces in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Fry chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through; place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Preheat mini waffle maker and spray with nonstick cooking spray or brush with melted butter.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and sugar.
- Add 2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt; whisk until just combined.
- Scoop batter into preheated waffle maker, cooking until golden and crisp; repeat as needed.
- Butter waffles if desired.
- Place one piece of fried chicken between two mini waffles.
- Secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Drizzle maple syrup on top using a pastry brush or directly.
- Arrange sliders on a serving platter.
Substitution
Chicken & Waffle Sliders from Dave & Buster's copycat menu deliver crispy fried chicken paired with mini buttery waffles and maple syrup in a perfect sweet-savory combo. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to achieve a similar tangy effect. When deep frying the chicken, monitor oil temperature closely to keep the coating crispy without burning. Mini waffle makers vary in size, so adjust batter quantity accordingly to avoid overflow. You can brush the waffles with melted butter or use nonstick spray for easy release and extra flavor.
Tips
Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes in the spiced buttermilk mixture to ensure tender and flavorful meat. Maintain the deep fryer temperature at a consistent 350degF (175degC) for perfectly crispy, golden fried chicken without greasiness. When mixing waffle batter, whisk just until combined to prevent dense waffles, keeping them light and fluffy. Your sliders will taste best if you drizzle maple syrup immediately before serving, preserving their crisp texture.
Nutritions
Chicken & Waffle Sliders from Dave & Buster's provide a balance of protein and carbohydrates, with each slider delivering lean chicken breast rich in essential amino acids paired with mini waffles made from enriched all-purpose flour. The buttermilk marinade adds moisture and tenderizes the chicken while contributing probiotics. Butter and maple syrup increase the calorie and sugar content, offering quick energy sources but should be consumed in moderation. You can enjoy this savory and sweet combination as part of a satisfying meal, especially when paired with vegetables or a fresh side to enhance nutritional variety.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken & Waffle Sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. Reheat the chicken pieces in a preheated oven at 350degF (175degC) on a wire rack to preserve crispiness, and warm the waffles separately in a toaster or oven before assembling. Your best results come from reheating just before serving to enjoy the optimal blend of crispy and tender textures.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap chicken breast for spicy fried chicken tenders or use buttermilk marinated turkey for a different flavor profile. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle chili powder to the flour dredge for extra heat. Experiment with mini sweet potato waffles or cornbread waffles instead of classic buttermilk waffles to complement the savory chicken. To enhance texture, consider oven-baking the chicken sliders after assembling to meld flavors and keep them warm before serving.
Allergies
Chicken & Waffle Sliders contain common allergens such as eggs, milk (including buttermilk), and wheat from the flour, which may trigger reactions in individuals with allergies to these ingredients. The recipe also uses butter and vegetable oil, potentially causing issues for those with dairy or specific oil sensitivities. Your awareness of these allergens is important to avoid adverse reactions while enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
Dave & Buster's Chicken & Waffle Sliders offer a perfect balance of savory fried chicken and sweet, fluffy waffles, creating a unique flavor combination that appeals to many. The sliders are bite-sized, making them ideal for sharing or snacking while enjoying games and entertainment. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to customize the seasoning and syrup options to suit Your taste preferences. Replicating this dish at home can provide a fun cooking experience and delicious results without the restaurant price.