Ingredients
- 4 frozen chicken fingers (or homemade if preferred)
- 32 frozen mini waffles
- 1 cup coleslaw (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Toothpicks (for securing the sliders)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken and Waffles
- Preheat your oven or air fryer according to the package instructions for the frozen chicken fingers. Cook them until they are crispy and golden brown. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes in the oven or 10-12 minutes in an air fryer.
- At the same time, toast your mini waffles in a toaster or oven until they are golden and slightly crispy. If using an oven, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Once the chicken fingers are fully cooked, let them cool for a minute before cutting each one into 3-4 bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Assemble the Sliders
- Take one mini waffle and place a small spoonful of coleslaw on top.
- Add a piece of chicken on top of the coleslaw.
- Place another mini waffle on top to create a slider.
- Secure the slider with a toothpick to hold everything in place.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
- Lightly drizzle maple syrup over the sliders for a sweet and savory contrast.
- Serve immediately while the waffles are warm and the chicken is crispy.
Notes
How to Tell If Your Chicken is Cooked Properly
If you are using frozen chicken fingers, following the package instructions should be enough. However, if using homemade chicken, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is the best tool for this, but if you don’t have one, slice the thickest part of the chicken to check if it is white all the way through, with no pink inside.
How to Prevent Soggy Waffles
One common mistake is assembling the sliders too early, causing the waffles to become soggy from the coleslaw. To prevent this:
- Serve the coleslaw on the side for guests to add as they eat.
- Assemble the sliders right before serving instead of letting them sit for too long.
- Toast the waffles a little longer to give them a firmer texture.
What to Do if the Chicken Browns Too Quickly
If using an air fryer or oven, sometimes the breading on frozen chicken can brown too quickly while the inside is still cooking. To fix this:
- Lower the temperature and cook for a longer time.
- Cover the chicken with aluminum foil halfway through cooking to prevent excessive browning.
Efficient Prep Tips
- If making homemade coleslaw, prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This will allow the flavors to develop while saving you time.
- Cook a large batch of chicken fingers and store extras in the fridge for easy reheating later.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes