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In recent years, sliders have taken the culinary world by storm. These bite-sized sandwiches offer endless versatility, making them a popular choice for gatherings, game days, and casual meals. From classic cheeseburgers to innovative vegetarian options, sliders cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Among the myriad of slider recipes, the Mini Waffle Chicken Ranch Sliders stand out as a playful and delectable twist on the beloved chicken and waffles dish. This recipe combines the comforting flavors of crispy chicken tenders and fluffy mini waffles, all topped off with a drizzle of homemade ranch dressing, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds.

Mini Waffle Chicken Ranch Sliders

Discover a fun and tasty twist on comfort food with Mini Waffle Chicken Ranch Sliders! These bite-sized sandwiches combine crispy chicken tenders with fluffy mini waffles and creamy ranch dressing, making them perfect for gatherings or casual meals. With easy-to-follow steps and customizable ingredients, you'll create a delightful dish that balances savory and sweet flavors. Serve them at parties or family dinners for an unforgettable treat everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

For the Mini Waffles:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

1 large egg

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chicken:

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Oil for frying (canola or vegetable)

For the Ranch Dressing:

½ cup sour cream

½ cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon dried dill weed

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Assembling:

1 cup shredded lettuce

½ cup sliced tomatoes

Fresh chives or parsley, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Mini Waffles:

    - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.

      - In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until homogenous.

        - Carefully pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined, being cautious not to overmix the batter.

          - Preheat your waffle maker and lightly coat it with non-stick cooking spray. Pour a small amount of the batter into the center of the waffle maker, close the lid, and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions until the waffles are golden brown. Repeat the process until all the batter is used, yielding about 12 mini waffles.

            Cook the Chicken:

              - Place the chicken tenders into a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes; this step enhances flavor and tenderness.

                - In a shallow dish, mix together the seasoned breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

                  - Take the marinated chicken tenders out of the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.

                    - In a large frying pan, heat a generous layer of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken tenders and fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

                      Make the Ranch Dressing:

                        - In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

                          Assemble the Sliders:

                            - On each mini waffle, layer a piece of crispy fried chicken. Add a generous dollop of ranch dressing on top, followed by a sprinkle of shredded lettuce and a slice of tomato.

                              - Cap the slider with another mini waffle to create a complete sandwich. Optionally, garnish with fresh chives or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.

                                Serve:

                                  - Arrange the sliders neatly on a serving platter. Serve warm, offering extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping to enhance the flavor experience.

                                    Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6 sliders (yields about 12 mini waffles, perfect for sharing!)