Description

These crispy, golden Chicken and Waffle Bites bring together the best of Southern comfort food in one irresistible bite. Perfect for brunches, parties, or family gatherings, each mini waffle holds a juicy piece of fried chicken topped with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. They’re easy to make, fun to serve, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fried Chicken

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
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 vanilla extract

For Serving

Warm honey or maple syrup, for drizzling
Fresh herbs, optional for garnish
Toothpicks or skewers

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Instructions

In a bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, coat well, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the waffles. In another bowl, mix the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
Heat your waffle maker and lightly grease it. Pour about 1 tablespoon of batter per section to make mini waffles. Cook until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes each. Transfer to a rack to stay crisp.
In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Remove chicken from the buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, and coat completely. For extra crunch, dip back into buttermilk and dredge once more.
Heat oil in a skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in small batches for 4–5 minutes each, until golden and cooked through. Place on a wire rack to drain.
Arrange mini waffles on a platter. Top each with a fried chicken piece and secure with a toothpick. Drizzle with warm honey or maple syrup and garnish with herbs if desired.

Notes

Keep cooked waffles and chicken warm in a 200°F oven while finishing the rest.
To ensure juicy chicken, check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 10 minutes.
You can make both components ahead of time and reheat before serving.
For a shortcut, use store-bought mini waffles and toast them before assembling.
Air fry leftover chicken at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.
These bites are perfect for brunch boards, game day platters, or appetizers at any celebration.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes