Mini Waffle Chicken Ranch Sliders

Creating the perfect ranch sauce is all about personal preference and flavor balance. You can elevate your ranch experience by customizing it with various ingredients. Here are some options for homemade seasoning blends to consider:

Mini Waffle Chicken Ranch Sliders

Discover the ultimate flavor fusion with Mini Waffle Chicken Ranch Sliders! These bite-sized delights combine crispy, golden waffles with juicy chicken and a creamy ranch sauce for a perfect blend of sweet and savory. Ideal for any gathering, they make a fun family meal or a standout appetizer. With quality ingredients and easy preparation, you can create a dish that's both comforting and exciting. Elevate your next meal with these irresistible sliders that are sure to impress!

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

Oil for frying (use canola or vegetable oil)

For the Waffles:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

2 large eggs

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Ranch Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup sour cream

2 tablespoons ranch seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)

Additional:

Lettuce leaves (for garnish)

Pickles (optional, for extra crunch)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended. Submerge the chicken thighs in this mixture, ensuring they are completely coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for enhanced flavor).

Bread the Chicken:

- Set up a breading station with two bowls: one with the all-purpose flour and the other with the panko breadcrumbs. Remove each chicken thigh from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken first in the flour, then back into the buttermilk, and finally coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs. Place the breaded chicken on a plate and set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

- In a large skillet, heat approximately ½ inch of oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (test by dropping in a breadcrumb; it should sizzle), add the chicken in batches. Fry each piece for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

Make the Waffles:

- While the chicken is frying, prepare the waffle batter. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (be careful not to overmix). Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

- Cook the waffle batter in the waffle maker until golden and crispy. Keep the cooked waffles warm in a low oven while you finish the remaining batter.

Prepare the Ranch Sauce:

- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Mix until smooth and creamy. Fold in the chopped chives if desired.

Assemble the Sliders:

- Take each waffle and cut it in half to form a top and bottom. On one half, place a piece of fried chicken, add a generous dollop of ranch sauce, and top with a few pieces of fresh lettuce. Cap it with the other half of the waffle.

- For added crunch and flavor, include pickles as a topping if desired. Repeat the process until all sliders are assembled.

Serve and Enjoy:

- Serve the Mini Waffle Chicken Ranch Sliders immediately, with extra ranch sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy the delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors!

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 8 sliders