Golden fried chicken nuggets served on fluffy mini waffles, then drizzled with spicy maple syrup—this bite-sized Southern favorite blends sweet, savory, and spicy in one irresistible mouthful.
[cooked-sharing]
Yields24 ServingsPrep Time25 minsCook Time25 minsTotal Time50 mins
~24 bites (serves 8–10 as appetizers)
For the Chicken
1lbboneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1cupbuttermilk
1tsphot sauce (optional)
1cupall-purpose flour
½cupcornstarch
1tspgarlic powder
1tsppaprika
1tspsalt
½tspblack pepper
½tspcayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Waffles
24mini frozen waffles (or homemade, cut into bite-sized squares)
2tbspbutter, melted (for brushing)
For the Spicy Maple Drizzle
½cuppure maple syrup
2tsphot sauce (adjust to taste)
1tbspunsalted butter
Marinate the Chicken
1
In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce.
Add chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for more tenderness).
Prepare the Coating
2
In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).
Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
Dredge chicken in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
Fry the Chicken
3
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Fry chicken pieces in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
Prepare the Waffles
4
Toast mini waffles according to package instructions or until golden.
Brush lightly with melted butter for flavor.
Make the Spicy Maple Drizzle
5
In a small saucepan, heat maple syrup, hot sauce, and butter over low heat until butter melts.
Stir and keep warm until serving.
Assemble the Bites
6
Place one piece of chicken on top of each mini waffle.
Secure with a toothpick or mini skewer.
Drizzle with warm spicy maple sauce just before serving.
Tips & Variations
7
Make ahead: Fry chicken up to 2 hours ahead and keep warm in the oven at 200°F (93°C).
Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free flour and waffles.
Extra crunch: Double-dip chicken by repeating dredging in buttermilk and flour before frying.
Kid-friendly: Skip the hot sauce and serve with plain maple syrup.
Suggested Pairings
8
Drink: Sweet iced tea, mimosa, or bourbon-based cocktails
Other bites: Deviled eggs, pimento cheese dip, or fried green tomatoes
Ingredients
~24 bites (serves 8–10 as appetizers)
For the Chicken
1lbboneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
1cupbuttermilk
1tsphot sauce (optional)
1cupall-purpose flour
½cupcornstarch
1tspgarlic powder
1tsppaprika
1tspsalt
½tspblack pepper
½tspcayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Waffles
24mini frozen waffles (or homemade, cut into bite-sized squares)
2tbspbutter, melted (for brushing)
For the Spicy Maple Drizzle
½cuppure maple syrup
2tsphot sauce (adjust to taste)
1tbspunsalted butter
Directions
Marinate the Chicken
1
In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce.
Add chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for more tenderness).
Prepare the Coating
2
In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using).
Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
Dredge chicken in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
Fry the Chicken
3
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Fry chicken pieces in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
Prepare the Waffles
4
Toast mini waffles according to package instructions or until golden.
Brush lightly with melted butter for flavor.
Make the Spicy Maple Drizzle
5
In a small saucepan, heat maple syrup, hot sauce, and butter over low heat until butter melts.
Stir and keep warm until serving.
Assemble the Bites
6
Place one piece of chicken on top of each mini waffle.
Secure with a toothpick or mini skewer.
Drizzle with warm spicy maple sauce just before serving.
Tips & Variations
7
Make ahead: Fry chicken up to 2 hours ahead and keep warm in the oven at 200°F (93°C).
Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free flour and waffles.
Extra crunch: Double-dip chicken by repeating dredging in buttermilk and flour before frying.
Kid-friendly: Skip the hot sauce and serve with plain maple syrup.
Suggested Pairings
8
Drink: Sweet iced tea, mimosa, or bourbon-based cocktails
Other bites: Deviled eggs, pimento cheese dip, or fried green tomatoes
Notes
Mini Chicken & Waffle Bites with Spicy Maple Drizzle
