Mini Chicken Waffle Sliders

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever racked your brain for birthday party snacks for kids ? Honestly, these Mini Chicken & Waffle Sliders are a game changer. They're sweet, savory, and ridiculously fun.

Brief Overview

This playful twist on Southern comfort food is an American classic gone mini. It's easy to make, taking around 35 minutes. The recipe yields about 12-15 sliders perfect for sharing!

Main Benefits

This dish provides a good balance of protein and carbs. These fun party snacks are guaranteed to be a hit with even the pickiest eaters.

What makes them special is the perfect mix of sweet and savory in every bite.

Ingredients That Makes Everything Happen

Chicken Section

• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch (2.5cm) pieces
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick - use sparingly or omit for younger palates)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1 cup (80g) panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Waffle Station

• 1 box (approximately 10-12 waffles) frozen mini waffles (Eggo style)
• Alternatively, use your favorite homemade waffle recipe and cut into mini squares.

Let's Finish this!

• Maple syrup, for drizzling
• Optional toppings: Toothpicks for holding the sliders together, colourful sprinkles.

Let's Get Cooking With These Easy Birthday Snacks!

These mini chicken and waffles are so good, even adults will be sneaking them. They are great children's party appetizers .

When I first made these, my little cousin Billy, who only eats beige food, devoured three of them!

The slightly spicy chicken combined with the sweet maple syrup is simply irresistible.

I always serve these with fruit skewers . The homemade party snacks are a balance of healthy and delicious, all in one tiny bite.

For the pickiest of eaters, these sweet and savory kids snacks are always a win, offering the best party food for picky eaters .

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make these amazing Mini Chicken & Waffle Sliders , perfect for a birthday party snacks for kids ! Honestly, getting the right ingredients and gear makes all the difference.

Think of it as prepping your art supplies before creating a masterpiece.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

These easy birthday snacks are all about the sweet and savory combo. The key is getting the chicken and waffles just right .

• Chicken: You'll need 1 pound (450g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Fresh is best. Look for chicken that's pink and firm. Avoid anything slimy or off-colored. Cut it into 1 inch (2.5cm) pieces. This helps with even cooking.
• Flour: 1 cup (120g) of all-purpose flour for the breading. Plain old flour works like a charm.
• Spices: A blend of 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika , 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) garlic powder , 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) onion powder , and a pinch of 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) cayenne pepper (optional!). I once added too much cayenne and my niece nearly breathed fire, so go easy if you are feeding little ones.
• Egg & Milk: 1 large egg , beaten, and 1/2 cup (120ml) of milk. These help the breading stick.
• Panko: 1 cup (80g) of panko breadcrumbs. These give the chicken a lovely crispy texture. They make everything super crunchy.
• Waffles: 1 box (approx. 10-12 waffles) of frozen mini waffles (like Eggo's). Or, you can use your favorite homemade waffle recipe and cut them into mini squares. If you are making them from scratch, make sure you let them cool completely, for ease of handling.
• Maple Syrup: For drizzling. Don't skimp on the good stuff!

Seasoning Notes

Let's talk flavor! kid friendly party food needs to be tasty.

• Essential Spice Combo: Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder are your base. I love adding a touch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
• Flavor Enhancers: A little salt and pepper go a long way. Don't be afraid to season generously.
• Quick Substitution: No paprika? Use a pinch of chili powder. Garlic powder MIA? Use a clove of minced garlic.

Equipment Needed

For this finger food for kids party , you don't need fancy gadgets. Just the basics.

• Shallow Dishes: For breading the chicken. I use pie plates.
• Large Skillet: Or deep fryer. A skillet is easier for most people.
• Wire Rack: This is essential for crispy chicken.
• Tongs: For flipping the chicken.
• Waffle Iron: If you're making homemade waffles.

Now you are all set to make some really fun party snacks . You’ve got your gear, and you know your spices.

Let's get cooking! Your children's party appetizers are about to be the talk of the playground.

Alright, let's whip up some mini chicken and waffle sliders ! They're the ultimate sweet and savory kids snacks for your next bash.

Trust me, these easy birthday snacks are a guaranteed hit! Perfect birthday party food ideas . Honestly, who can resist tiny fried chicken nestled in fluffy waffles?

Mini Chicken & Waffle Sliders: Cluckin' Good Party Bites!

These are the perfect finger food for kids party and they are super fun. Think of me as your snack fairy godmother! They're like a tiny, tasty high five for your taste buds.

Prep Steps: Operation Mise en Place!

First things first, let's get organised. This is an easy recipe. Cut 1 pound (450g) chicken breasts into bite sized bits.

Get your breading station ready. Mix 1 cup (120g) flour with 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika, ½ teaspoon (2.5g) garlic powder, ½ teaspoon (2.

5g) onion powder. A pinch of cayenne pepper is optional, but honestly, skip it for the kids. Beat 1 large egg with ½ cup (120ml) milk.

Pour 1 cup (80g) panko breadcrumbs into another dish.

Time saving tip? Prep the chicken and dry ingredients ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. Remember to wash hands after handling raw chicken! Safety first, kids!

step-by-step: Slider Assembly Line

1. Breading Bonanza: Dredge chicken in seasoned flour, then egg, then panko.
2. Fry Time: Heat oil in a skillet. Fry chicken until golden, about 3- 4 minutes per side. Chicken must be 165° F ( 74° C) inside.
3. Waffle Warm-Up: Toast or heat your favorite mini waffles. A box of Eggo style are perfect!
4. Slider Stack: Place a chicken piece between two waffles.
5. Maple Magic: Drizzle with maple syrup. Secure with toothpicks if you like.

Doneness visual cue? The chicken should be golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying or they steam instead of fry.

Pro Tips for Party Perfection

Use store-bought chicken nuggets for an even quicker kid friendly party food version. I did this once when I was short on time.

Everyone loved it! Don’t forget the fun party snacks like colourful sprinkles on top. This gives an extra kick.

Common mistake? Soggy chicken. Be sure to drain fried chicken on a wire rack. make-ahead? Bread the chicken earlier in the day and keep it in the fridge.

And make sure you don't forget to check the temperature!

These children's party appetizers will be the talk of the town. Let me tell you a secret; they are great for party food for picky eaters .

These homemade party snacks are always a crowd pleaser.

Recipe Notes for the Best Birthday Party Snacks for Kids

Alright, so you're ready to whip up these Mini Chicken & Waffle Sliders? Awesome! Before you dive in, let’s chat about a few things that'll make your life easier and your kid friendly party food even more epic.

I've made these easy birthday snacks a zillion times, and I've learned a few tricks along the way. These are more than just mini chicken and waffles , they're a statement!

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Presentation

Presentation is key, especially when it comes to birthday party food ideas . Think about it: kids eat with their eyes first!

• Plating and Presentation Ideas : Arrange the sliders on a cute platter. You can even use cupcake liners to separate them! Get some toothpicks and stick a colourful sprinkle on top for extra flair.
• Complementary Sides or Beverages : Serve these fun party snacks with some fresh fruit skewers. Strawberries, grapes, you know the drill. A big pitcher of homemade lemonade is always a hit too.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh

Nobody wants soggy chicken and waffles.

• Refrigeration Guidelines : If you have leftovers (doubtful!), store the chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They'll be good for about 2-3 days.
• Freezing Options (if applicable) : Honestly, I wouldn't recommend freezing the assembled sliders. The waffles might get a bit weird. You could freeze the cooked chicken tenders separately, though.
• Reheating Instructions : Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to keep it crispy. Toast the waffles separately. Then assemble and drizzle!

Variations: Make it Your Own

Got picky eaters? Allergies? No worries!

• Dietary Adaptations : For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs. Easy peasy!
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps : Instead of maple syrup, try a drizzle of honey in the summer. You can even add a little bit of orange zest to the batter for some seasonal sweet and savory kids snacks .

Nutrition Basics: Good Food, Good Mood

Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the gist:

• Simplified Nutrition Information : Each slider is roughly 150-200 calories. They've got protein from the chicken, carbs from the waffle, and a little bit of sugar from the syrup.
• Key Health Benefits : It's not a salad, but the chicken provides protein. Everything in moderation, right? These sliders are a fun way to get some protein into your kid's diet, and way better than heavily processed children's party appetizers .

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know to make these Mini Chicken & Waffle Sliders a smash hit at your next finger food for kids party .

Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. After all, cooking should be enjoyable, especially when you’re making homemade party snacks for a special occasion.

Now go get your bake on! You've got this!