White Castle's Chicken and Waffles Slider Copycat Recipe

The Chicken and Waffles Slider from White Castle features a tender, crispy fried chicken filet nestled between two mini golden Belgian waffle buns, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup for a delicious blend of savory, sweet, and fluffy flavors.

Equipments

• Deep fryer
• Fry baskets
• Tongs
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Belgian waffle maker (mini size)
• Ladle or scoop (for waffle batter)
• Baking sheet or tray (for assembly)
• Squeeze bottle or spoon (for maple syrup)
• Serving platter or plate

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (for waffles)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for waffles)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for waffles)
• 2 large eggs (for waffles)
• 1 3/4 cups whole milk
• 1/3 cup melted butter (unsalted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Maple syrup

For the Chicken and Waffles Slider, using boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs ensures tender and juicy meat after frying. The blend of spices, especially paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper, creates a balanced savory flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the maple syrup. The mini Belgian waffle buns require precise measurements of baking powder and baking soda to achieve their characteristic fluffiness and golden color. Using buttermilk in the chicken marinade helps tenderize the meat and enhances the overall coating's crispiness. Your take on the Chicken and Waffles Slider from White Castle can perfectly replicate the iconic savory-sweet fusion by following these ingredient tips.

Instructions

• Cut chicken into slider-sized pieces using a knife and cutting board.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
• In another mixing bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk.
• Dredge chicken pieces in seasoned flour, dip into egg mixture, then coat again in flour mixture.
• Heat oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry chicken pieces in batches using fry baskets until golden brown and cooked through; use tongs to remove.
• Drain fried chicken on a baking sheet.
• Preheat mini Belgian waffle maker.
• In a bowl, combine 2 cups flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and 1/2 tsp salt for waffles.
• In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
• Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients to form waffle batter.
• Grease waffle maker if needed.
• Use a ladle or scoop to drop batter onto waffle maker; cook until golden brown.
• Carefully cut cooked waffles into slider bun-sized portions if needed.
• Place one mini waffle on baking sheet or assembly tray.
• Layer with a piece of fried chicken.
• Drizzle with maple syrup using squeeze bottle or spoon.
• Top with another mini waffle to form a slider.
• Repeat assembly with remaining ingredients.
• Arrange sliders on serving platter or plate.

Substitution

The Chicken and Waffles Slider from White Castle combines crispy fried chicken with mini Belgian waffle buns and a drizzle of maple syrup for a perfect balance of flavors. You can substitute boneless chicken thighs with breast meat if you prefer leaner chicken, though thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. If a deep fryer is unavailable, pan-frying the chicken in a heavy skillet with enough oil to submerge halfway can yield a similar crispy texture. For the waffle batter, using a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk works well without compromising taste. Maple syrup can be replaced with honey or a fruit compote for a unique twist on the original sweet topping.

Tips

Make sure the oil temperature stays consistently at 350degF (175degC) to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and stays crispy without absorbing excess oil. Use separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients during breading to achieve a thick, well-adhered coating on the chicken pieces. When preparing the waffle batter, mix just until combined to avoid tough waffles caused by overmixing. You can control the sweetness by adjusting the amount of maple syrup, ensuring your sliders maintain a perfect balance between savory and sweet flavors.

Nutritions

The Chicken and Waffles Slider combines protein-rich fried chicken with carbohydrate-dense Belgian waffles, providing a balanced energy source. Each slider delivers a mix of essential amino acids from chicken and quick-release sugars from the maple syrup and waffle batter, contributing to both muscle repair and immediate energy. Your intake of sodium and fats is moderate due to seasoned flour and frying oil, so consider portion control if monitoring cholesterol or blood pressure. This dish offers a flavorful blend with key nutrients but should be enjoyed as part of a varied diet.

Storage

Store leftover Chicken and Waffles Sliders in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Reheat gently in an oven or toaster oven at 350degF (175degC) for 10-15 minutes to preserve the crispy texture of the fried chicken and waffles. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess; if necessary, use a microwave-safe cover and reheat in short intervals.

Variation or Alternatives

You can substitute chicken thighs with turkey breast for a leaner option, retaining a similar texture and flavor. Replace maple syrup with honey mustard or spicy aioli for a savory twist that complements the crispy chicken. Try mixing cinnamon or nutmeg into the waffle batter to enhance sweetness and aroma, creating a more aromatic slider. Experiment with oven-baking the chicken pieces instead of deep frying for a healthier, less oily variation.

Allergies

The Chicken and Waffles Slider contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy (buttermilk, whole milk, and melted butter), and wheat (all-purpose flour) which can trigger reactions in individuals with egg, milk, or gluten allergies. The fried chicken preparation uses vegetable or canola oil, which are generally safe but may be cross-contaminated in some kitchens. Your allergy concerns should include maple syrup for rare cases of sensitivity, although it is less common compared to the other ingredients.

Why this recipe?

White Castle's Chicken and Waffles Sliders combine crispy fried chicken with sweet, fluffy waffles, creating a unique blend of savory and sweet flavors that excite your taste buds. The sliders offer a convenient, bite-sized portion perfect for snacking or sharing, appealing to those looking for a quick yet satisfying meal. The contrast of textures and the nostalgic appeal of comfort food make this menu item particularly popular among customers. Trying to make a copycat version at home allows you to customize the flavors and enjoy this trendy dish fresh without the wait.