Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mini Chicken Waffles combine two comfort food classics into one delicious bite. They’re easy to assemble, fun to serve, and sure to please both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re serving them as part of a brunch spread or passing them around at a party, their sweet-savory combo and adorable size make them an instant favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Mini waffles (store-bought or homemade)
- Chicken breast or tenders (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Buttermilk (for marinating)
- All-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Oil (for frying or baking)
- Maple syrup or honey (for serving)
- Hot sauce (optional for serving)
- Toothpicks (for serving, optional)
Directions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and marinate in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for more flavor).
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Dredge marinated chicken in the seasoned flour, coating well.
- Heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer and fry chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked (about 3–4 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
- Toast mini waffles according to package instructions or cook homemade batter in a mini waffle maker.
- Assemble by placing one piece of fried chicken on each mini waffle.
- Secure with a toothpick if desired. Drizzle with maple syrup or hot sauce just before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 20 mini chicken waffles.
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (excluding marination)
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne to the flour mix or drizzle with spicy honey.
- Baked Option: Bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Mini Sandwiches: Use two waffles per serving to create a mini chicken waffle sandwich.
- Sweet Glaze: Add a honey butter drizzle or cinnamon syrup instead of plain maple syrup.
- Air Fryer Friendly: Air fry chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes until crispy.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the chicken in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until crisp. Toast the waffles separately.
Avoid microwaving, as it may make the chicken soggy.
Assembled mini chicken waffles are best enjoyed fresh and not recommended for freezing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen waffles?
Yes, store-bought frozen mini waffles are a great time-saver and work perfectly.
What kind of chicken is best?
Boneless chicken breast or tenders work best for bite-sized frying and quick cooking.
Can I bake instead of fry the chicken?
Yes, baking at 400°F for 20–25 minutes is a healthier alternative to frying.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead, but assemble just before serving to maintain texture.
Are these good served cold?
They’re best served warm, as the waffles can become chewy and the chicken less crispy when cold.
What sauces go well with chicken waffles?
Maple syrup, honey butter, hot sauce, or spicy mayo all complement the flavor.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free waffles and flour to adapt the recipe for gluten sensitivity.
Do I need a mini waffle maker?
No, you can make large waffles and cut them into small squares if needed.
Can I use chicken nuggets instead?
Yes, store-bought or homemade chicken nuggets make a convenient shortcut.
How do I keep them warm for a party?
Keep them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven until ready to serve.
Conclusion
Mini Chicken Waffles are a playful, mouthwatering treat that brings together the best of both sweet and savory worlds. Whether you’re planning a brunch buffet, game-day snack spread, or a whimsical appetizer for your next get-together, these golden bites deliver big flavor in a tiny, crave-worthy package.
PrintMini Chicken Waffles
Mini Chicken Waffles are sweet and savory bite-sized treats made by pairing crispy fried chicken with fluffy mini waffles, finished with a drizzle of maple syrup or hot sauce. Perfect for brunches, parties, or fun appetizers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 mini chicken waffles
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 20 mini waffles (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lb chicken breast or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Maple syrup or honey, for serving
- Hot sauce (optional, for serving)
- Toothpicks (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for more flavor).
- In a bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Dredge marinated chicken in the seasoned flour until fully coated.
- Heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer over medium heat. Fry chicken pieces in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Toast mini waffles according to package instructions or prepare homemade waffles in a mini waffle maker.
- Place one chicken piece on each mini waffle. Secure with a toothpick if desired.
- Drizzle with maple syrup or hot sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use store-bought mini waffles or make your own and cut large waffles into small squares.
- For a healthier option, bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep-frying.
- Spice it up by adding cayenne to the flour mix or using spicy honey.
- Prepare chicken and waffles ahead and assemble just before serving to maintain crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini chicken waffle
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
