Mini Chicken & Waffle Bites

Cooking the perfect waffle is an art that balances time and temperature. For mini chicken and waffle bites, it’s essential to ensure your waffles are cooked to a golden brown without being too dry or undercooked.

Mini Chicken & Waffle Bites

Discover the joy of Mini Chicken & Waffle Bites, a delicious twist on a Southern classic. These bite-sized treats combine fluffy waffles and crispy fried chicken, making them perfect for brunch, parties, or family dinners. Easy to prepare, the recipe includes homemade waffles, succulent chicken tenders, and a sweet maple glaze that ties it all together. Impress your guests and enjoy a delightful balance of flavors with this innovative dish that promises to be a hit on any occasion.

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Ingredients

For the Waffles:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

1 large egg

2 tablespoons melted butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 cup seasoned flour (combine all-purpose flour with your choice of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper)

Oil for frying (vegetable or canola work well)

For the Maple Glaze:

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Optional Garnish:

Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Waffle Batter:

- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.

- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, gently stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay to have a few small lumps.

Cook the Waffles:

- Preheat your mini waffle maker according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

- Lightly coat the waffle maker with cooking spray or brush it with a thin layer of oil.

- Pour approximately 2-3 tablespoons of batter into the preheated waffle maker and close the lid. Cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Remove the waffles and set them aside on a cooling rack, repeating the process until all batter is used.

Prepare the Chicken:

- Place the chicken tenders in a shallow bowl and soak them in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes; this helps tenderize and flavor the chicken.

- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). You can test if it's hot enough by dropping in a small piece of bread; it should sizzle.

- Dredge each buttermilk-soaked chicken tender in the seasoned flour, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Shake off any excess flour.

- Fry the coated chicken tenders in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through, roughly 4-5 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.

Make the Maple Glaze:

- In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until thoroughly blended for a sweet and tangy glaze.

Assemble the Mini Chicken & Waffle Bites:

- Take one mini waffle and place a piece of crispy fried chicken on top. Generously drizzle the maple glaze over the chicken.

- Add a second mini waffle on top, layering it like a sandwich.

- If desired, garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve:

- Arrange your Mini Chicken & Waffle Bites on a serving platter. Serve warm, accompanied by extra maple glaze on the side for dipping.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 bites