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Mini Chicken & Waffle Bites are an exciting culinary twist on a classic dish that has captured the hearts (and appetites) of many. This delightful recipe combines the sweet, fluffy goodness of waffles with the savory crunch of fried chicken, creating a perfect bite-sized treat that works wonderfully for breakfast, brunch, or as a fun appetizer for gatherings. The appeal of these mini bites lies not only in their flavor profile but also in their visual presentation. Imagine a crispy piece of fried chicken perched on a soft, warm waffle, all drizzled with rich maple syrup—it's a dish that invites you to indulge.

Mini Chicken & Waffle Bites

Discover the joy of Mini Chicken & Waffle Bites, a fun and delicious twist on the classic dish! These bite-sized treats combine crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles, all topped with a drizzle of sweet maple syrup. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as appetizers for gatherings, this recipe highlights the savory and sweet flavors we love. Learn how to marinate chicken thighs, whip up the ideal waffle batter, and assemble these delightful bites for your next meal or celebration. Your guests will be impressed!
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)

Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Waffles:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 large egg

1 cup milk

3 tablespoons melted butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving:

Maple syrup

Optional: fresh fruit (like strawberries or blueberries)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken:

    - In a medium bowl, mix together the buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the chicken thighs to the mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate.

      Prepare the Waffle Batter:

        - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until evenly combined. In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

          Fry the Chicken:

            - In a deep pan or skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Set up a dredging station with one bowl of all-purpose flour and another with breadcrumbs. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and allow excess buttermilk to drip off. First, coat each piece in the flour, then dip into the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil and fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels.

              Cook the Waffles:

                - Preheat your mini waffle maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. Lightly spray the cooking surface with non-stick spray. Pour a small amount of waffle batter into the heated waffle maker, close the lid, and cook until the waffle is golden and crispy (usually about 3-5 minutes). Continue this process until all the batter is used up.

                  Assemble the Bites:

                    - Once the chicken has cooled slightly, cut the fried pieces into smaller, bite-sized chunks. Take one mini waffle and place a piece of chicken on top. Optionally, drizzle the assembled bites with warm maple syrup and add fresh fruit, either on the side or on top, for a refreshing touch.

                      Serve:

                        - Arrange the mini chicken and waffle bites on a serving platter. Serve warm, accompanied by a small dish of extra maple syrup for dipping, allowing everyone to customize their delicious bites.

                          Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 4-6 servings