Easy Mini Chicken & Waffles Bites with Hot Honey
Table of Contents
- Introduction: The Perfect Sweet and Savory Bite-Sized Treat
- Why This Chicken & Waffles Bites Recipe with Hot Honey is a Must-Try
- Gather Your Ingredients for Delicious Chicken Waffles Bites
- For the Chicken Bites
- For the Waffle Bites
- For the Easy Hot Honey Glaze
- Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Chicken & Waffles Bites
- Prepare the Chicken
- Cook the Waffle Bites
- Whip Up the Hot Honey Glaze
- Assemble and Serve
- Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken & Waffles Bites Every Time
- Serving Suggestions & Variations
- Frequently Asked Question
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these incredible Easy Mini Chicken & Waffles Bites with Hot Honey! This recipe combines crispy chicken, fluffy mini waffles, and a kick of spicy-sweet hot honey for an unforgettable appetizer or brunch item. Perfect for parties, game days, or a fun family meal, these bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Introduction: The Perfect Sweet and Savory Bite-Sized Treat
There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and savory, and these mini chicken and waffles bites truly hit the spot. They offer the comforting flavors of a classic dish in a convenient, poppable format.
Whether you’re looking for an impressive party appetizer or a unique brunch idea, this recipe delivers. You’ll love how easy they are to prepare and how quickly they disappear!
Why This Chicken & Waffles Bites Recipe with Hot Honey is a Must-Try
This recipe transforms a favorite comfort food into a finger-friendly delight. The hot honey glaze adds a sophisticated and zesty twist, elevating the entire experience.
It’s quick, relatively simple, and uses readily available ingredients. Plus, who can resist a miniature version of anything so delicious? Read our in-depth guide here.
Gather Your Ingredients for Delicious Chicken Waffles Bites
Preparation begins with assembling everything you’ll need. These ingredients are typically easy to find at any grocery store.
Make sure to have all your components ready before you start cooking for a smooth process.
For the Chicken Bites
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¼ cup milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Waffle Bites
- 1 box (7 oz) mini frozen waffles (or homemade, cut into quarters)
- Optional: Waffle iron if making homemade mini waffles
For the Easy Hot Honey Glaze
- ½ cup honey
- 1-2 tbsp hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot or your favorite)
- ½ tbsp butter (optional, for glossiness)
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Chicken & Waffles Bites
Follow these simple steps to create your delightful Easy Mini Chicken & Waffles Bites with Hot Honey. Precision in each step ensures the best results.
You’ll be enjoying these sweet and savory treats in no time!
Prepare the Chicken
- In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow dish, whisk the egg and milk until combined.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Set aside.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully fry chicken pieces in batches for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
- Remove cooked chicken with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.
Cook the Waffle Bites
- Preheat your oven or toaster oven according to the mini frozen waffle package instructions.
- Cook the mini waffles until golden and slightly crispy. If using larger waffles, cut them into quarters after cooking.
Whip Up the Hot Honey Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and optional butter.
- Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and well combined. Do not boil.
- Taste and adjust hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
Assemble and Serve
- Thread one cooked chicken bite and one waffle bite onto a small skewer or toothpick.
- Arrange the assembled bites on a serving platter.
- Drizzle generously with the warm Easy Mini Chicken & Waffles Bites with Hot Honey glaze just before serving.
- Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken & Waffles Bites Every Time
For extra crispy chicken, consider a double dredge: egg, flour, egg, then flour again. This creates a thicker crust.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying chicken; this lowers the oil temperature and can lead to soggy chicken. Fry in batches!
Pro Tip: For a deeper flavor, let your chicken marinate in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) before breading.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
These chicken appetizers are fantastic on their own, but you can also serve them with extra hot honey for dipping. A side of maple syrup can also be offered for those who prefer less spice.
Consider varying the chicken. You could use popcorn chicken, or even a plant-based chicken substitute for a vegetarian option. Discover more culinary tips at Food Network.
frequently asked question
Can I make the hot honey ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the hot honey glaze a few days in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Gently warm it before drizzling over the bites.
What if I don’t have mini waffles?
No problem! You can use regular-sized frozen waffles or homemade waffles and simply cut them into quarters or smaller bite-sized pieces after cooking.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake the breaded chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and golden brown.