Easy Mini Chicken Waffles Bites are the ultimate solution for a fun, flavorful, and incredibly versatile snack or appetizer. These delightful bites combine crispy chicken and fluffy waffles into one perfect package, making them ideal for parties, brunches, or a quick, satisfying treat that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Key Ingredients for Easy Mini Chicken Waffles Bites
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging chicken)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch (for dredging chicken)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Maple syrup, for serving
- Optional toppings: hot sauce, chives, powdered sugar
How to Make Easy Mini Chicken Waffles Bites
These Easy Mini Chicken Waffles Bites are a revelation in simplicity and taste, offering a delicious and satisfying experience without any fuss. The combination of savory, perfectly seasoned crispy chicken nestled in tender mini waffles creates a delightful textural and flavor contrast that’s truly unmatched. This recipe’s standout feature is its quick preparation and cooking time, promising a gourmet-level snack or appetizer in just about 45 minutes of total effort.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Bites: Begin by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders into uniform bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly 1 inch in size for even cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the dredging mixture adhere better.
- Season the Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to ensure all spices are evenly distributed. Dredge each piece of chicken thoroughly in this mixture, shaking off any excess. Set aside the coated chicken.
- Prepare the Waffle Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the large egg, 1 cup buttermilk, and 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter until well combined.
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until moistened. A few lumps are okay; overmixing can lead to tough waffles. Do not overmix.
- Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your mini waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the waffle iron plates with a little extra melted butter or cooking spray.
- Cook Mini Waffles: Pour about 1-2 tablespoons of waffle batter onto the center of each waffle iron compartment (adjusting for your specific waffle maker size). Close the lid and cook for 2-4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Carefully remove the cooked waffles and set them aside on a wire rack to prevent them from getting soggy. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
- Drain Chicken: Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Assemble and Serve: To assemble, place a piece of crispy fried chicken on top of each mini waffle. Serve immediately with a drizzle of warm maple syrup and any desired optional toppings like hot sauce, fresh chives, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Mini Chicken Waffles Bites
You’re going to absolutely adore these Easy Mini Chicken Waffles Bites because they offer a delightful explosion of flavors and textures in every single bite. The crispy, perfectly seasoned chicken paired with the soft, fluffy mini waffles creates a craveable combination that’s truly addictive. Beyond their incredible taste, making these at home is a fantastic way to save money compared to ordering a similar dish at a restaurant, without compromising on quality or flavor. It’s a gourmet experience made accessible right in your own kitchen!
What truly makes these bites special are the endless possibilities for customization. Whether you prefer a drizzle of spicy hot honey, a sprinkle of fresh chives, or a dusting of powdered sugar, each topping elevates the experience. Much like a classic chicken and waffle dish, these mini versions offer the same soul-satisfying comfort but in a more playful, bite-sized format perfect for any occasion. Don’t just take our word for it – whip up a batch today and discover your new favorite snack!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store leftover Easy Mini Chicken Waffles Bites, allow both the chicken and waffles to cool completely to room temperature before storing them separately. Place the fried chicken in an airtight container or zip-top bag and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Store the mini waffles in a separate airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, both components can be frozen. Once cooled, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Do the same for the mini waffles, separating layers with parchment paper if stacking. To reheat, the chicken is best reheated in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until crispy. Waffles can be reheated in a toaster, toaster oven, or air fryer for a few minutes until warm and slightly crisp.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Mini Chicken Waffles Bites are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, offering a fun and delicious dish that’s incredibly satisfying for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a delightful and crowd-pleasing treat right in your own kitchen!
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Easy Mini Chicken Waffles Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Chicken Bites: Begin by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders into uniform bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly 1 inch in size for even cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the dredging mixture adhere better.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
- Season the Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to ensure all spices are evenly distributed. Dredge each piece of chicken thoroughly in this mixture, shaking off any excess. Set aside the coated chicken.1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Prepare the Waffle Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the large egg, 1 cup buttermilk, and 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter until well combined.1 large egg, 1 cup buttermilk, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until moistened. A few lumps are okay; overmixing can lead to tough waffles. Do not overmix.
- Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your mini waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the waffle iron plates with a little extra melted butter or cooking spray.2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Cook Mini Waffles: Pour about 1-2 tablespoons of waffle batter onto the center of each waffle iron compartment (adjusting for your specific waffle maker size). Close the lid and cook for 2-4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Carefully remove the cooked waffles and set them aside on a wire rack to prevent them from getting soggy. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).Vegetable oil
- Drain Chicken: Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Assemble and Serve: To assemble, place a piece of crispy fried chicken on top of each mini waffle. Serve immediately with a drizzle of warm maple syrup and any desired optional toppings like hot sauce, fresh chives, or a dusting of powdered sugar.Maple syrup, hot sauce, chives, powdered sugar