Mini Fried Chicken and Waffles are a delightful fusion of crispy, savory chicken paired with the soft, slightly sweet charm of golden waffles.
What makes this recipe stand out is its perfect balance of textures and flavors—each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a tender, juicy center, elevated by the subtle sweetness of maple honey butter.
Sweet and Savory Mini Fried Chicken Waffles
Equipment
- Deep Skillet or Frying Pan – 1
- Mixing Bowls – 2–3 medium
- Baking Sheet with Rack – 1
- Tongs – 1 pair
- Whisk (1)
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 large boneless chicken breasts cut into 1 ½-inch (4 cm) pieces
- 2 cups 470 ml buttermilk
Maple Honey Butter:
- ¼ cup 60 g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ tablespoons 22 ml honey
- 1 tablespoon 15 ml maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
Fried Chicken Coating:
- 1 cup 125 g all-purpose flour
- ½ cup 70 g cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups 470 ml vegetable oil
Assembly:
- 30 mini waffles frozen or homemade
- Honey for drizzling
- Fresh chives for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken for Juiciness: Place the cut chicken pieces into a large mixing bowl. Pour in the buttermilk, ensuring every piece is fully submerged. Gently stir to coat all sides evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight if possible. This step tenderizes the chicken, infusing it with moisture and flavor, ensuring it stays juicy after frying.
- Prepare Maple Honey Butter: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with honey, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk or hand mixer to blend until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fully incorporated. Set aside at room temperature until ready to use, or refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving. This butter adds a rich, sweet layer of flavor to each waffle.
- Mix the Crispy Coating: In a wide, shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed. This coating will give the chicken a light, crispy exterior while locking in moisture during frying.
- Heat the Oil Safely: Pour the vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan, filling it about 1–2 inches high. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a steady temperature for frying (around 350°F or 175°C). Use caution while heating, as the oil can splatter.
- Coat the Chicken Pieces: Remove a piece of chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it is fully coated on all sides. Shake off any excess flour. Repeat with a few more pieces, making sure not to overcrowd the pan in the next step.
- Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for 3–5 minutes per side, or until the exterior is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use tongs to turn the chicken gently and avoid tearing the coating. Transfer cooked pieces to a towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
- Toast the Mini Waffles: While the chicken fries, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the mini waffles on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the waffles are warmed through and lightly crisped. This step ensures they retain structure and absorb the flavors of the maple honey butter without becoming soggy.
- Assemble the Mini Fried Chicken Waffles: Spread a small amount of maple honey butter on each waffle. Place a fried chicken piece on top, and drizzle with additional honey if desired. Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh chives for a pop of color and a subtle oniony note.Serve immediately for the best combination of warm, crisp, and sweet flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the mini chicken and waffles on a serving platter. These bite-sized treats are perfect for brunch, appetizers, or a fun party dish. Encourage guests to enjoy them while warm to appreciate the crispy texture and harmonious blend of savory and sweet.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 6 hours; overnight marination produces the most tender and flavorful pieces.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for perfectly crispy chicken.
- Cornstarch in the coating ensures an extra-crispy texture and prevents the chicken from becoming greasy.
- Mini waffles can be homemade or store-bought; slightly thicker waffles hold the chicken better.
- Fresh chives add a pop of color and subtle onion flavor; optional but highly recommended.
- Maple honey butter can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying; fry in batches for even browning.
- Serve immediately after assembly for the best texture and flavor combination.
Beyond its indulgent appeal, this dish provides a solid protein boost from chicken, making it a filling option for any meal or snack.
The recipe also incorporates wholesome fats from butter in moderation, and when paired with fiber-rich homemade or frozen mini waffles, it becomes a more balanced treat.
Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for everyday cooking: quick enough for brunch, fun for entertaining, and satisfying for family meals.
Meal prepping the fried chicken in advance allows for rapid assembly, making it both practical and irresistibly delicious.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Deep Skillet or Frying Pan
Ideal for shallow frying the chicken pieces evenly. Its high sides prevent oil splatters, making cleanup easier while delivering perfectly golden, crispy results.
Beyond this recipe, it’s a versatile tool for sautéing, searing, and pan-frying a variety of dishes.
Mixing Bowls Set
Essential for marinating the chicken in buttermilk and whisking together the maple honey butter. Durable bowls simplify preparation and can also serve as prep stations for salads, batters, and sauces.
Baking Sheet with Rack: Allows mini waffles to heat evenly without becoming soggy. The rack ensures air circulation for crispiness. Great for roasting vegetables, baking cookies, or cooling baked goods.
Tongs
Perfect for safely handling hot chicken in the skillet, allowing for gentle flipping without damaging the coating. Tongs are indispensable for grilling, tossing salads, or serving hot dishes.
Whisk
Needed to combine the butter, honey, and maple syrup into a smooth, spreadable consistency.
A whisk is versatile for emulsifying sauces, whipping cream, and mixing batters effortlessly.
Chef’s Secrets for Crispy Success
The secret to these mini fried chicken and waffles lies in the marinade and coating.
Soaking the chicken in buttermilk not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with subtle tanginess that balances the sweet maple butter.
Combining flour with cornstarch for the coating creates a light, crackly exterior that stays crispy even after drizzling honey.
When frying, maintain a steady medium-high heat to prevent the coating from burning while ensuring the inside cooks fully.
Preheating the oven for the waffles and finishing them in the oven guarantees they remain fluffy and slightly crisp, ready to support the chicken without getting soggy.
Serving Suggestions for Flavor Pairing
Serve these mini chicken and waffles as a fun brunch centerpiece, appetizer platter, or snack for gatherings.
Pair with a light side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the fried chicken and butter.
For added indulgence, drizzle a touch of maple syrup or honey just before serving. Consider pairing with sparkling beverages, iced tea, or a mimosa to create a festive brunch experience.
These bite-sized portions make them perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying individually for a quick, satisfying treat.
Storage Tips to Keep Fresh
Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can make the coating soggy.
Maple honey butter can be refrigerated for up to a week and brought to room temperature before use.
Mini waffles can also be frozen and toasted directly from frozen for convenience.
For longer storage, separate components in airtight containers, and assemble just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe ahead?
Yes! Marinate the chicken overnight, prepare the maple honey butter in advance, and store separately. Fry the chicken and toast the waffles just before serving for the freshest result.
2. Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?
Fresh chicken is preferred for even cooking, but if using frozen, ensure it is completely thawed and patted dry before marinating and coating.
3. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Baking is possible at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. The coating may be slightly less crispy but still delicious.
4. Are there healthier alternatives for the butter?
You can use light butter or a plant-based margarine alternative. Reducing the amount slightly or substituting with a light drizzle of honey or maple syrup can lower saturated fat while keeping flavor.
5. How can I keep the waffles from becoming soggy?
Bake or toast the waffles just before assembly. Using a rack allows air to circulate and prevents moisture buildup. Serve immediately after placing the fried chicken on top.
