Mini Chicken & Waffle Bites

Discover the deliciousness of Mini Chicken & Waffle Bites, the perfect comfort food mashup for any occasion! These bite-sized snacks combine crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles, all drizzled with a sweet maple glaze. Easy to make and sure to impress, they're ideal for parties, game days, or family gatherings. Learn how to create this harmonious blend of flavors and textures that kids and adults alike will love. Try making these delightful bites today!

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Ingredients

For the Waffles:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup whole milk

1 large egg

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 cup seasoned flour (flour mixed with paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional spices)

Oil for frying

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, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.

- In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, large egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until fully blended.

- Carefully pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; it's okay if there are a few lumps, as overmixing can lead to tough waffles.

Cook the Waffles:

- Preheat your mini waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the cooking surfaces with cooking spray or a brush of oil to prevent sticking.

- Pour approximately 2-3 tablespoons of batter into the center of the waffle maker and close the lid. Cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy (usually a few minutes).

- Continue this process until all the batter is used, then set the cooked waffles aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Chicken:

- To tenderize the chicken, soak the tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.

- In a deep skillet or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) over medium-high heat.

- Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, ensuring to shake off any excess flour before frying.

- In small batches, fry the chicken tenders until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove the tenders and drain them on paper towels.

Make the Maple Glaze:

- In a small bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Set aside.

Assemble the Mini Chicken & Waffle Bites:

- Take one mini waffle and place a piece of crispy fried chicken on top. Drizzle generously with the maple glaze.

- Top with a second mini waffle to create a delightful sandwich effect.

- If using, sprinkle with finely chopped fresh chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve:

- Arrange your Mini Chicken & Waffle Bites on a large 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