Chicken and Waffle Bites Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the pairing of crispy fried chicken and fluffy golden waffles. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings people together, whether at a cozy weekend brunch, a game day party, or a family gathering. These Chicken and Waffle Bites take that beloved Southern classic and turn it into an irresistible, bite-sized appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion.

This recipe was inspired by the heart of Southern hospitality—where food isn’t just nourishment, but an expression of warmth and togetherness. The idea of combining crispy chicken nuggets with mini waffles was born out of a love for brunch traditions, where sweet meets savory in the most satisfying way. With their delightful crunch and drizzle of honey or maple syrup, these bites promise to be the showstopper at your next get-together.

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Ingredients

For the Fried Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for flavor—not heat)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Mini Waffles

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup milk

• 2 large eggs

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Serving

• Warm honey or maple syrup, for drizzling

• Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)

• Toothpicks or skewers

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Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, making sure each is coated well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum tenderness. The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, ensuring every bite stays juicy even after frying.

2. Prepare the Waffle Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the secret to light and airy waffles lies in a slightly lumpy batter.

3. Cook the Mini Waffles

Preheat your waffle maker and lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray. Pour about 1 tablespoon of batter into each waffle section to create mini waffles. Cook until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes per batch. Transfer the waffles to a wire rack to keep them crisp while you prepare the chicken.

4. Coat the Chicken

In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Remove the marinated chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated. For extra crunch, double dip by returning the chicken to the buttermilk and coating again with flour.

5. Fry the Chicken

Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the chicken pieces into the oil, a few at a time, to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Place the fried chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and stay crispy.

6. Assemble the Bites

Arrange your mini waffles on a large platter. Place one piece of fried chicken on top of each waffle and secure it with a toothpick or skewer. For a finishing touch, drizzle warm honey or maple syrup over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.

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Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

• Yield: About 20–25 bites

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Why You’ll Love These Chicken and Waffle Bites

1. The Perfect Party Food

These bite-sized beauties are made for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, baby shower, or football watch party, they’re easy to grab and guaranteed to disappear quickly.

2. A Balance of Flavors

Sweet and savory collide in the best way possible. The crispy, juicy chicken paired with the light, buttery waffles creates a contrast that’s both comforting and exciting.

3. Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing

Adults love them, and so do kids. You can even make the waffles a little smaller for bite-sized fun that little hands can manage easily.

4. Make-Ahead Friendly

Both the chicken and waffles can be made ahead of time and reheated just before serving. Simply warm the waffles in a toaster or oven and crisp the chicken in an air fryer for that just-fried texture.

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Tips for the Best Chicken and Waffle Bites

1. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection, check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. Keep Everything Warm: If making in batches, keep the cooked waffles and chicken in a 200°F oven until ready to assemble.

3. Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: It’s the key to tender, flavorful fried chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 10 minutes, and you’re good to go.

4. Waffle Maker Alternatives: If you don’t have a waffle maker, use frozen mini waffles as a shortcut. Just toast them before serving.

5. Drizzle Smartly: Don’t soak the waffles in syrup too early; drizzle just before serving to keep them crisp.

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Serving Suggestions

1. Brunch Board Delight

Arrange your chicken and waffle bites on a wooden board alongside small bowls of honey, maple syrup, and spicy dipping sauces. Add some fruit on the side—like strawberries, grapes, or blueberries—for color and freshness.

2. Game Day Platter

Serve them with dipping options like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a creamy garlic sauce. They’ll quickly become everyone’s favorite finger food.

3. Elegant Appetizer Display

For a more polished presentation, stack the bites neatly on a tiered tray. Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers to make them feel restaurant-worthy.

4. Family Breakfast Twist

Turn your weekend breakfast into something special. Let everyone assemble their own bites and drizzle as much syrup as they like—it’s interactive and fun for all ages.

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Nutritional Benefits (Approximate per serving)

While these are meant as a treat, they do offer some nutritional balance. The chicken provides lean protein, while the waffles give a satisfying source of carbohydrates. One serving (2 bites) contains approximately:

• Calories: 240

• Protein: 13g

• Carbohydrates: 22g

• Fat: 10g

You can make them lighter by air-frying the chicken and using whole-grain flour for the waffles.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

• To Store: Place leftover chicken and waffles in separate airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

• To Reheat Chicken: Reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes or in an oven until hot and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.

• To Reheat Waffles: Toast in a toaster or warm in the oven at 350°F for 5–6 minutes.

• Freezing Option: You can freeze the fried chicken bites and waffles separately for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Creative Variations

1. Spicy Southern Style: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture and drizzle with spicy honey.

2. Garlic Herb Waffle Bites: Add fresh herbs and garlic powder to your waffle batter for a savory twist.

3. Sweet Cinnamon Touch: Mix a little cinnamon and sugar into the waffle batter for a breakfast-style bite.

4. Cheesy Waffles: Add shredded cheddar cheese into your waffle batter for a rich, savory flavor.

5. Buttermilk Ranch Dipper: Serve alongside a ranch dipping sauce for a creamy finish.

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How to Make Them Look Beautiful for Serving

Presentation matters, especially if you’re serving these bites at a gathering or showcasing them on social media. Here’s how to elevate your platter:

• Use a wooden serving board for a rustic, Southern-inspired look.

• Stack the bites neatly with uniform waffle and chicken sizes.

• Drizzle syrup lightly in a zigzag pattern for a glossy finish.

• Sprinkle with fresh herbs or microgreens to add a pop of color.

• For photos, use natural light and shoot from a 45-degree angle to highlight the crisp textures.

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Notes

• The size of your waffle maker will determine how many bites you can make. If using a full-sized waffle maker, you can cut each waffle into quarters.

• Adjust seasoning based on preference—more paprika for color, more garlic for flavor.

• These bites are best enjoyed warm, but they’re still delicious at room temperature for gatherings.

• If you prefer a lighter coating, skip the double-dip method for the chicken.

• For a fun twist, add a small pickle slice or piece of lettuce between the waffle and chicken for extra texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake or air-fry the chicken instead of deep frying?

Yes! To bake, coat the chicken pieces lightly with oil and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For air-frying, cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket once.

2. Can I use frozen waffles?

Absolutely. Store-bought mini waffles are a quick and convenient alternative. Just toast them until crispy before topping with the chicken.

3. What’s the best syrup to use?

Pure maple syrup is classic, but honey or a homemade butter-honey drizzle also pairs beautifully. For a touch of spice, mix honey with a little hot sauce for a sweet-heat finish.

4. Can I make these ahead for a party?

Yes, you can prepare everything the day before. Keep the chicken and waffles stored separately, then assemble and drizzle just before serving.

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