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If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to impress your guests this holiday season, look no further than this delightful Christmas Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe. These bite-sized sliders combine the crispy, savory goodness of chicken fingers with the sweet crunch of mini waffles, all layered with a fresh, tangy slaw and finished with a drizzle of maple syrup. Perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or just treating yourself, this recipe brings together flavors and textures that celebrate the joy of Christmas in every delicious bite.

Christmas Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to creating the perfect Christmas Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe. Each element plays a key role in balancing flavors and textures, from the crispy chicken to the sweet waffles and refreshing coleslaw.

Frozen chicken fingers: Provide the savory, crispy protein base that’s easy to prepare and always crowd-pleasing.
Frozen mini waffles: Bring a delightfully sweet and crunchy layer, perfectly sized for sliders.
Cole slaw: Adds a fresh, tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the chicken and waffles.
Toothpicks: Essential for holding each slider together, making serving and eating a breeze.
Maple syrup: The finishing touch that ties all the flavors together with a touch of holiday sweetness.

How to Make Christmas Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Chicken and Waffles

Begin by cooking the frozen chicken fingers and mini waffles according to their package instructions so they come out perfectly crispy. Once cooked, cut each chicken finger into 3 to 4 bite-sized pieces. Gently separate the toasted mini waffles so they’re ready to stack into sliders.

Step 2: Build the Base Layer with Coleslaw

Take one mini waffle and add a scant tablespoon of cole slaw on top. This fresh, crunchy layer adds a much-needed contrast to the crispy chicken and sweet waffle, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Add the Chicken Pieces

Place one piece of the cooked chicken finger directly on top of the cole slaw. This adds that irresistible savory crunch to the slider, making it feel indulgent but balanced.

Step 4: Top and Secure Your Sliders

Cap each slider with the second mini waffle and secure everything together with a toothpick. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients to make as many sliders as you like. Just before serving, drizzle generously with maple syrup to add a festive sweetness that sets this Christmas Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe apart.

How to Serve Christmas Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe

Garnishes

To really wow your guests, sprinkle a few chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and subtle freshness. A light dusting of smoked paprika on the coleslaw before assembly can also add a warm, smoky note that feels perfect for the holidays.

Side Dishes

Serve these festive sliders with simple sides like sweet potato fries, a crisp green salad, or even a warm cranberry sauce to enhance that Christmas vibe. These sides complement the rich and sweet flavors without stealing the spotlight from your star dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful presentation, arrange your sliders on a festive platter lined with parchment paper decorated with holiday motifs. You can also serve them on mini wooden boards with little ramekins of extra maple syrup on the side for dunking, making the experience interactive and fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover chicken and waffle sliders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the texture vibrant, store the coleslaw separately and assemble just before serving again.

Freezing

While not ideal for keeping the coleslaw fresh, you can freeze cooked chicken pieces and waffles separately for up to a month. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and toast waffles and reheat chicken before assembling your sliders.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken pieces in a skillet or oven to restore their crispiness. Toast the mini waffles briefly in a toaster or oven. Add fresh coleslaw and maple syrup once everything is warm to avoid sogginess and maintain the flavors of your Christmas Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe.

FAQs

Can I use homemade waffles instead of frozen ones?

Absolutely! Homemade mini waffles bring an extra special touch and allow you to customize flavors. Just be sure they are crispy enough to hold the slider together without getting soggy quickly.

What kind of coleslaw works best for this recipe?

A classic coleslaw with a light vinegar dressing works beautifully, as it adds fresh tanginess without overwhelming sweetness or creaminess, balancing the chicken and waffles perfectly.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for the chicken?

Yes! You can use crispy fried tofu strips or plant-based chicken fingers that provide a similar texture and flavor to keep these sliders just as delicious.

Can I make these sliders gluten-free?

Definitely. Use gluten-free chicken fingers and waffles, and ensure the coleslaw ingredients are gluten-free as well. This recipe is very adaptable for dietary needs!

How far in advance can I assemble the sliders?

It’s best to assemble the sliders shortly before serving to keep the waffles crisp and the coleslaw fresh. You can prep individual components a day ahead to save time.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Chicken and Waffle Sliders Recipe is a joyous celebration of flavors guaranteed to brighten up your holiday gatherings. The combination of crispy chicken, sweet waffles, and tangy coleslaw with maple syrup drizzle makes for an unforgettable snack or appetizer. I encourage you to try this recipe and watch it become an instant holiday favorite that friends and family will ask for year after year.