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Crispy Mini Chicken and Waffle Bites

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A playful twist on classic chicken and waffles, these crispy mini bites combine juicy fried chicken with sweet, fluffy mini waffles for a perfect snack or party treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
  • Vegetable oil for frying (peanut or canola oil recommended)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (for waffles)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • ¾ cup buttermilk (room temperature)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Maple syrup (for serving)
  • Hot sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  2. Prepare the flour coating: In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Coat the chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly. For extra crunch, double dredge by dipping coated chicken back into buttermilk briefly, then flour again.
  4. Heat the oil: Pour 2–3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pan. Heat over medium-high until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry the chicken: Fry chicken pieces in batches for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a paper towel-lined cooling rack.
  6. Make the waffle batter: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently until just mixed.
  7. Cook mini waffles: Preheat mini waffle maker and grease lightly. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of batter per mini waffle and cook 3-4 minutes until golden and crisp. Keep warm on a wire rack.
  8. Assemble bites: Place one crispy chicken piece on a mini waffle. Secure with a toothpick if needed. Serve immediately with maple syrup and hot sauce on the side.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for tenderness. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best crispiness. Double-coating chicken enhances crunch. Cool waffles on a wire rack to prevent sogginess. Reheat chicken in oven and toast waffles before serving leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken and waffles, mini chicken bites, crispy chicken, finger food, snack recipe, party food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/crispy-mini-chicken-and-waffle-bites-recipe-easy-homemade-snack-idea/