Save Crispy fried chicken and warm fluffy mini waffles come together for Chicken and Waffle Bites that never last long at any gathering. These fun skewers are perfect for brunch parties holidays or whenever you want a savory and sweet treat that feels a little extra special.
When I first made these for a neighborhood brunch buffet they disappeared so fast I barely grabbed one for myself. Now everyone requests them for game days and holiday breakfasts.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast cubed into bite-size pieces: ensures juicy meat and easy eating
- Buttermilk: tenderizes the chicken and adds tang
- Hot sauce: infuses gentle heat into every bite
- All-purpose flour: creates a crisp golden crust
- Paprika and garlic powder: give warmth and extra seasoning
- Vegetable oil: with a neutral flavor is best for frying and results in a crunchy texture
- Mini waffles from homemade batter: bring satisfying fluffiness
- Egg: binds the batter so waffles puff up and hold their shape
- Baking powder and baking soda: make waffles rise for a light result
- Buttermilk in waffle batter: adds richness and tang to complement the chicken
- Fresh parsley for garnish: adds color and a little freshness
- Maple syrup for drizzling: unites all the flavors with a sweet finish
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken:
- Nestle chicken cubes in buttermilk and hot sauce in a large bowl. Cover and let sit in the refrigerator for at least twenty minutes so the meat soaks in flavor and tenderizes.
- Mix Seasoned Flour:
- Combine flour paprika garlic powder salt and pepper in a separate bowl. Whisk until evenly incorporated to create a well-seasoned coating.
- Heat Oil for Frying:
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan until about two inches deep. Slowly heat to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit using a thermometer for accuracy. Hot oil is key for crispy results.
- Dredge Chicken:
- Remove chicken from buttermilk mixture and let any extra drip away. Toss each piece in the seasoned flour so every side is completely covered.
- Fry Chicken Pieces:
- Add chicken to hot oil in batches so the pan is not overcrowded. Fry for four to five minutes per batch until golden brown and the centers are cooked through. Move to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Make Mini Waffle Batter:
- In one bowl whisk together flour sugar baking powder baking soda and salt. In another whisk the egg with buttermilk and melted butter. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and gently stir until just blended so waffles remain light.
- Cook Mini Waffles:
- Preheat mini waffle maker and coat with a little nonstick spray if needed. Drop in about one tablespoon of batter per cavity and cook until golden and crisp. Finish all batter this way.
- Assemble Skewers:
- On each skewer or toothpick stack one mini waffle with one fried chicken piece. Press gently so they stay together but not too tight to crush the waffle.
- Finish and Serve:
- Arrange all skewers on a pretty platter. Drizzle generously with maple syrup and sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for color and extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy every sweet and savory bite.
Save Frying my own chicken gives these bites homemade flavor that store-bought versions just cannot match. My cousin and I once battled over the last few skewers at a family reunion (it turned into a running family joke).
Storage Tips
Leftover chicken and mini waffles keep best when stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Both will stay fresh for up to two days. Waffles can be crisped up in a toaster and the chicken reheated on a baking sheet in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees for best texture. Wait to assemble until just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Ingredient Substitutions
Chicken thighs work just as well for those who like richer flavor and extra juiciness. If you do not have buttermilk you can make your own by mixing one cup of milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice and letting it sit for ten minutes. Try hot honey in place of maple syrup if you want some heat. Gluten-free flour blends perform beautifully here if you are serving gluten-free guests.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with fresh fruit for a balanced brunch plate or alongside spicy pickles for a tangy bite. I like to put out both maple syrup and hot honey for dipping. A side of creamy slaw works really well with the slight crunch and richness of the dish.
Cultural Context
Chicken and waffles is a classic American combination that dates back to the soul food traditions of the Southern United States. This bite-sized take is inspired by my travels through Nashville where nearly every menu features some spin on the dish. Mini skewers turn a big breakfast into a fun party snack.
Save Make these Chicken and Waffle Bites ahead for stress-free entertaining. All that is left is to drizzle with syrup and watch them vanish fast!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I make the chicken extra juicy?
Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts and marinate longer for tenderness.
- → Can I prepare the mini waffles ahead of time?
Yes, make waffles in advance and reheat in a toaster until crisp before assembling.
- → What dipping sauces go well with these bites?
Maple syrup, hot honey, or spicy aioli all complement the flavors nicely.
- → Is there a gluten-free option?
Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the chicken coating and waffles if needed.
- → How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Drain fried chicken on paper towels and serve immediately or keep warm in an oven until ready.
- → Can these be made for a big crowd?
Easily double or triple the ingredients and fry chicken in batches for catering larger events.