Description
Discover the perfect chicken and waffles brunch bites—crispy, sweet, and easy to make for a memorable weekend treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all‑purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken breast (about 2 small breasts)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying (or use a baking sheet with spray for oven‑bake)
- Maple syrup – 1/4 cup
- Hot sauce – 1 tablespoon
- Fresh chives, finely chopped – 1 tablespoon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the waffle batter. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl combine buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; a few lumps are fine. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
- Season the chicken. Toss shredded chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. If the chicken is a bit dry, drizzle a teaspoon of melted butter and mix.
- Heat the oil. In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). If you prefer a lighter version, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Assemble the bites. Spoon a tablespoon of waffle batter onto a greased mini muffin tin or silicone mold, spreading it to the edges. Place a small mound (about 1 tablespoon) of seasoned chicken in the center, then cover with another tablespoon of batter, smoothing the top.
- Cook. For frying: carefully slide each bite into the hot oil. Fry for 3–4 minutes, turning once, until the exterior is golden brown and the batter is set. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. For baking: bake the assembled bites for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and firm to the touch.
- Make the maple‑hot sauce drizzle. In a small saucepan warm the maple syrup over low heat, then whisk in the hot sauce until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Finish and serve. Arrange the bites on a platter, drizzle generously with the maple‑hot sauce, and sprinkle chopped chives if using. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use cold buttermilk; it helps the batter stay light and airy.
- Don’t over‑mix the batter – too much gluten development makes the waffles tough.
- If frying, keep the oil temperature steady; dropping it too low will make the bites greasy.
- For extra crunch, add a tablespoon of finely crushed cornflakes to the batter.
- When baking, spray the tops lightly with oil before baking to encourage browning.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken and waffles brunch bites