Pin Crispy fried chicken paired with mini waffles on a skewer is my favorite way to bring smiles at brunch or parties These Chicken and Waffle Bites pack every bit of comfort food fun into a two-bite treat
My family requests these for birthdays now and honestly these always disappear within minutes no matter how many I make The handheld size and fun combo keep everyone coming back for more
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: delivers tender bites go for fresh never frozen and cut into even cubes for uniform cooking
- Buttermilk: tenderizes the chicken with a hint of tang choose fresh cultured buttermilk for the best results
- Hot sauce: infuses just the right amount of spice use your favorite for personalized heat
- All-purpose flour: your key for crunchy coating sift before using for light texture
- Paprika: adds color and gentle warmth smoked paprika will deepen the flavor
- Garlic powder: imparts savory depth pick a fine powder for better even coating
- Salt and black pepper: balance the flavors use flaky sea salt for punch and freshly cracked pepper for aroma
- Vegetable oil: best for frying choose an oil with a high smoke point such as peanut or canola
- All-purpose flour (for mini waffles): ensures fluffy waffles use unbleached for cleaner flavor
- Sugar (for mini waffles): gives a touch of sweetness opt for fine sugar to help it blend smoothly
- Baking powder and baking soda (for mini waffles): create lift and tender crumb double check freshness
- Salt (for mini waffles): balances the batter pick kosher for best results
- Egg (for mini waffles): adds structure and richness use large eggs at room temperature
- Buttermilk (for mini waffles): brings moisture and tang just as for chicken
- Melted butter (for mini waffles): essential for golden edges use real butter and let it cool before mixing in
- Maple syrup (for serving): ties it all together use 100 percent pure for the ultimate drizzle
- Fresh parsley (for serving): brightens each bite garnish just before serving for freshness
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine cube-cut chicken with buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl Stir to coat Cover and let sit in the fridge for at least twenty minutes This jumpstarts the flavor and keeps the chicken extra juicy
- Prepare the Dredge:
- Whisk together flour paprika garlic powder salt and pepper in a separate bowl Make sure the spices are evenly distributed for a uniform crust
- Heat the Oil:
- In a deep skillet or saucepan add about two inches of vegetable oil Heat over medium until a thermometer reads three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Use a thermometer for best results as too-low heat makes chicken greasy while too-high burns the crust
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove chicken from marinade letting extra buttermilk drip away Dredge each piece thoroughly through the seasoned flour Press lightly so the coating sticks on all sides
- Fry the Chicken:
- Work in batches adding coated chicken to hot oil Fry for about four to five minutes until each is a deep golden brown and crispy Lift out with a slotted spoon Drain on paper towels so the crust stays crisp
- Make Mini Waffles:
- Preheat your mini waffle maker While it heats in a bowl whisk flour sugar baking powder baking soda and salt together In a separate bowl whisk egg buttermilk and melted butter Pour wet into dry ingredients and stir gently just until moistened Small lumps are ok
- Cook the Waffles:
- Spoon a generous tablespoon of batter into each slot of the waffle maker Close and cook per appliance instructions usually two to three minutes Remove when golden and crisp Repeat until all batter is used
- Assemble the Skewers:
- Thread one waffle and one fried chicken cube onto each mini skewer or toothpick Alternate so both show for the best presentation
- Serve:
- Arrange all skewers on a platter Drizzle generously with maple syrup and sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired Serve immediately while hot and crunchy
Pin Watching my kids build their own skewers at family brunch and sneaking extra syrup always brings me joy Waffle batter is now a staple in our kitchen and experimenting with different syrup toppings has become a fun weekend tradition
Storage Tips
Store leftover bites in an airtight container in the fridge up to two days To keep both chicken and waffles crisp reheat in the oven or air fryer at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for five to eight minutes Chicken and waffle bites freeze surprisingly well Place assembled skewers on a baking sheet freeze until solid then transfer to zip-top bags Reheat from frozen in a hot oven or toaster oven without thawing
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in boneless skinless chicken thighs for even juicier bites You can use pancake batter in a pinch if you are out of buttermilk or want to make these dairy free Almond milk with a splash of vinegar mimics the tang of dairy buttermilk well
Serving Suggestions
Pair these bites with a side of creamy slaw or fresh fruit for a balanced brunch I also serve with a trio of sauces like hot honey honey mustard and classic maple syrup for variety
Cultural Context
Chicken and waffles have deep roots in American Southern and soul food traditions pairing sweet and savory for comfort food magic Many modern brunch menus now offer their spin on this classic combination and these mini bites bring that legacy home in a party-friendly way
Pin Finish these bites with a generous maple syrup drizzle and a sprinkle of parsley for a picture-perfect platter Worth making for every brunch!
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I ensure chicken stays juicy?
Marinating chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and locks in moisture, keeping pieces juicy after frying.
- → Can I use a standard waffle maker?
Yes, just cut waffles into small pieces to fit skewers if you don't have a mini waffle maker.
- → How can I make the bites spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce to your flour mixture when coating the chicken for more heat.
- → What oil is best for frying the chicken?
Vegetable oil with a high smoke point works best, ensuring chicken becomes crisp and golden.
- → Can I make waffles in advance?
Yes, prepare waffles ahead and reheat in a toaster so they're warm and crisp when serving.
- → What garnishes pair well?
Drizzle maple syrup and scatter chopped fresh parsley for a balanced and appetizing finish.