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Easy Mini Chicken and Waffles Bites with Hot Honey bring together crispy chicken, fluffy waffles, and a spicy sweet honey drizzle for a truly irresistible appetizer. These bite-sized treats are perfect for game days, parties, or casual snacking, offering a delightful combination of flavors that everyone will love.
I first made these for a casual weekend get-together and was amazed at how quickly they disappeared. Now they are a go-to recipe whenever friends come over.
Ingredients
- Liquid honey: the base for the hot honey drizzle, choose pure honey for best flavor
- Hot sauce: adds a spicy kick, select your favorite brand for preferred heat level
- Chili flakes: deepen the heat and add texture, fresh flakes work best
- Frozen crispy chicken pieces or nuggets: convenient and crispy, look for all-white meat for quality
- Frozen waffles or mini waffles: the perfect fluffy base, pick waffles without added preservatives
- Butter: butter adds richness and helps toast waffles evenly
- Small chopped chives: for a fresh garnish and lovely color contrast
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven according to the package instructions for the crispy chicken. Bake the chicken pieces until they reach a golden crispy finish. Set aside and keep warm.
- Make the Hot Honey:
- In a small bowl, combine liquid honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes. Stir well so the flavors meld together. Set the mixture aside for later use.
- Toast the Waffles:
- Toast the frozen waffles until golden brown and crispy on the edges. While still warm, spread butter generously on each waffle piece to add flavor and softness.
- Cut the Waffles:
- Cut each waffle into four pieces about two inches wide. This ensures your bites are perfectly sized to handle comfortably.
- Assemble the Bites:
- Arrange the waffle pieces on a serving platter. Place one piece of crispy chicken on top of each waffle and secure with a toothpick to keep everything together.
- Drizzle and Garnish:
- Drizzle the prepared hot honey generously over the assembled bites. Sprinkle small chopped chives over the top for a fresh burst of color and mild onion flavor. Serve immediately for the best texture.
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My favorite part is the spicy sweet hot honey drizzle because it brings everything to life. One memorable time, I served these at a family gathering, and a child who usually avoids spicy foods loved them so much he asked for seconds and thirds.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the waffles crisp, reheat in a toaster oven or conventional oven rather than a microwave. Avoid stacking the bites to preserve their shape and texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap the hot honey for spicy maple syrup to give these bites a different sweetness profile. Use gluten-free chicken nuggets and waffles if gluten is a concern. For a fresh twist, add a dill pickle slice under the chicken to create a Nashville hot chicken inspired version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these mini bites with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Pair with a light crisp salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. These bites also make an excellent finger food for parties and work well alongside cold beverages like beer or iced tea.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the hot honey drizzle?
Mix liquid honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes until well combined. This creates a spicy-sweet drizzle that complements the bites perfectly.
- → Can I use frozen chicken nuggets for this dish?
Yes, frozen crispy chicken pieces or nuggets work well. Just bake according to package instructions before assembling.
- → What's the best way to toast the waffles?
Use a toaster or oven to heat waffles until warm and slightly crispy, then butter generously for a rich flavor.
- → Are there gluten-free options available?
Yes, substituting gluten-free waffles and crispy chicken ensures the dish suits gluten-free diets without sacrificing taste.
- → How can I add a Nashville hot chicken twist?
Place a slice of dill pickle under each chicken piece to incorporate the classic Nashville hot chicken character.
- → Can the hot honey drizzle be replaced with something else?
Absolutely, swapping hot honey with spicy maple syrup offers a flavorful alternative while maintaining a sweet and spicy balance.