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If you’re on the lookout for a dish that combines sweet and savory flavors with a touch of heat, look no further than Hatch Chili Chicken & Waffle Sliders. This delightful recipe takes the classic comfort food staple of chicken and waffles and elevates it into a tantalizing slider experience. With spicy Hatch chiles, crispy fried chicken, and fluffy waffles, these sliders strike the perfect balance between flavor and texture, making them an ideal choice for brunch, lunch, or a fun dinner.

Hatch Chili Chicken & Waffle Sliders

Discover a culinary adventure with Hatch Chili Chicken & Waffle Sliders, where sweet and savory meet a delightful kick of heat. This fun twist on the classic chicken and waffles features crispy fried chicken tenders marinated in buttermilk, paired with fluffy waffles infused with spicy Hatch chiles. Drizzled with maple syrup and garnished with fresh jalapeños and cilantro, these sliders are perfect for brunch or a casual dinner. Dive into this flavorful recipe that’s sure to impress your guests!
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup cornmeal

Oil for frying

For the Waffles:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 cup milk

3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter

1 cup diced Hatch chiles (fresh or roasted)

For Assembly:

Maple syrup (for drizzling)

Sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)

Fresh cilantro leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken:

    In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.

      Prepare the Waffles:

        In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk and melted butter, whisking until blended. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined; do not overmix. Carefully fold in the diced Hatch chiles. Let the waffle batter sit for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.

          Cook the Chicken:

            Heat a generous amount of oil (enough to submerge the chicken halfway) in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour and cornmeal. Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour-cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating adhere. Cook the chicken tenders in batches for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

              Cook the Waffles:

                Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions and lightly grease it with cooking spray or melted butter. Pour the appropriate amount of waffle batter into the preheated waffle iron and close the lid. Cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked waffles to a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F) to keep warm while you make the remaining waffles.

                  Assemble the Sliders:

                    If your waffles are large, cut each waffle in half to create a top and bottom bun. Place a crispy fried chicken tender on the bottom half of a waffle, drizzle with maple syrup, and then place the other half of the waffle on top. For an extra flavor punch, top with sliced jalapeños and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.

                      Serve:

                        Arrange the sliders on a serving platter, enjoying warm. Serve with additional maple syrup on the side for dipping.

                          Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                            20 minutes | 1 hour 30 minutes (including marination time) | 4 servings

                              Enjoy these uniquely flavorful sliders that bring together the crunchy texture of fried chicken and the comforting sweetness of waffles, elevated with the spicy kick of Hatch chiles!