Name: Mini Chicken and Waffles
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup cornstarch; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 tablespoon dried Italian herb seasoning; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; Canola or peanut oil (for frying); Pre-made or homemade waffles, cut into bite-sized squares

There’s something magical about the combination of crispy fried chicken and soft, slightly sweet waffles. It’s that irresistible blend of savory and sweet that turns a simple snack into an unforgettable treat. Mini chicken and waffles take this classic pairing and make it party-ready—perfect for everything from brunches to backyard barbecues to game-day get-togethers.

These bite-sized beauties are not just delicious but also incredibly fun to eat. Serve them as appetizers, snacks, or even a playful main course, and watch them disappear in no time. Plus, they’re easy to assemble and surprisingly simple to make, even if you’re not a seasoned cook.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a go-to for family gatherings. Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a casual Sunday afternoon, mini chicken and waffles always bring people together around the table. Once you try this recipe, I guarantee it’ll become one of your favorites too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to adore mini chicken and waffles. Here’s why they’re worth making:

Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or just need a snack for movie night, these little bites fit the bill.
Crowd-pleasing: Who doesn’t love fried chicken? Add waffles, and you’ve got a combination that’s hard to resist.
Bite-sized convenience: They’re easy to eat and require no forks or knives, making them ideal for gatherings.
Customizable: You can play with flavors and toppings to suit your preferences, whether you want a spicy kick or a drizzle of honey.
Easy to prepare: With some simple steps, you can create a dish that looks impressive but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Imagine the crunch of the crispy chicken paired with the soft, slightly sweet waffle. Now add a touch of hot sauce or a drizzle of maple syrup, and you’ve got a bite of pure bliss.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8 (makes approximately 24 mini chicken and waffles)

Ingredients

The Fried Chicken:

1 ½ pounds chicken tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon dried Italian herb seasoning
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk (for breading)
Canola or peanut oil (for frying)

The Waffles:

Pre-made or homemade waffles, cut into bite-sized squares (about 1-inch pieces)

Serving:

Toothpicks (to assemble)
Maple syrup or hot sauce (for dipping or drizzling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Frying Oil

Pour about 3 inches of oil into a medium-sized pot or deep skillet. Heat it to 350°F (175°C). It’s a good idea to use a thermometer to keep the temperature consistent while frying. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will brown too quickly; too cool, and the chicken will absorb excess oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Waffles

If you’re using pre-made waffles, simply cut them into bite-sized squares and keep them warm in a 250°F oven. For homemade waffles, make a batch using your favorite recipe. Once they’re cooked, cut them into small squares and place them in the oven to stay warm.

Step 3: Make the Dry Mix

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, Italian herb seasoning, black pepper, and salt. This flavorful coating is what makes the chicken so crispy and delicious.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Toss the chicken pieces in the dry mix, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
Dip the coated chicken into the buttermilk. The buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps the coating stick.
Return the chicken to the dry mix and coat again, pressing gently to ensure a thick, crispy layer.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and floats to the surface.

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Keep the chicken warm in the oven while you fry the remaining batches.

Step 6: Assemble the Mini Chicken and Waffles

To assemble, place one piece of fried chicken on top of a waffle square. Secure with a toothpick to hold everything in place. Arrange them on a platter, drizzle with maple syrup or serve hot sauce on the side, and get ready to impress your guests.

How to Serve

There are so many fun ways to serve mini chicken and waffles. Here are a few ideas:

Classic style: Drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet and savory bite.
Spicy kick: Serve with hot sauce or honey mixed with chili flakes for a touch of heat.
Gourmet touch: Add a dollop of whipped cream cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Casual option: Pair with ketchup or BBQ sauce for dipping, especially if kids are involved.

Additional Tips for Success

Keep the oil at the right temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure your oil stays around 350°F. This will give you perfectly crispy chicken every time.
Don’t overcrowd the pot: Fry the chicken in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent and prevent soggy chicken.
Use a wire rack for cooling: Place the fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep it extra crispy.
Warm waffles are key: Keeping the waffles warm in the oven ensures they’re soft and ready to pair with the crispy chicken.
Play with flavors: Experiment with different seasonings in the dry mix or try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the waffle batter for a cozy twist.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to get creative!

Spicy Chicken and Waffles: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken for a fiery version.
Sweet and Savory Twist: Use a honey butter glaze on the chicken before assembling.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and waffles to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Herbaceous Flavor: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant, earthy taste.

Storing and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Chicken: To maintain the crispy texture, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the chicken soggy.
Reheating Waffles: Warm the waffles in a toaster or oven for a few minutes before serving.

If you want to freeze leftovers, freeze the chicken on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When reheating frozen chicken, bake at 375°F until heated through and crispy.

Special Equipment

While this recipe doesn’t require any fancy tools, a few items can make the process smoother:

Deep-fry thermometer: For maintaining the perfect oil temperature.
Wire rack: To keep the chicken crispy after frying.
Waffle maker: If you’re making homemade waffles.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought waffles?
Absolutely! Pre-made waffles save time and work just as well for this recipe.

2. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, spray the chicken with cooking oil before baking.

3. What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can make your own buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can fry the chicken a few hours in advance and reheat it in the oven before serving. Assemble the mini chicken and waffles just before serving for the best texture.

5. Can I make the chicken gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for the coating, and pair with gluten-free waffles.

Conclusion

Mini chicken and waffles are the kind of dish that turns heads and earns rave reviews at any gathering. They’re the perfect mix of crispy, tender, sweet, and savory, all wrapped up in one adorable bite-sized package.

I hope this recipe inspires you to try something fun and delicious. If you make these, I’d love to hear how they turned out—drop a comment below or tag me on social media with your creations. Happy cooking!