Save Savory, spicy buffalo chicken and smoky bacon atop crispy mini waffles—perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day snack.
This recipe has become my go-to for game day gatherings because everyone loves the crispy chicken paired with smoky bacon and fluffy waffles.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g) cut into 2 cm cubes 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 2 large eggs 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs Vegetable oil for frying
- Buffalo Sauce: 1/3 cup (80 ml) hot sauce (e.g. Franks RedHot) 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter melted 1 teaspoon honey
- Bacon: 8 slices bacon
- Waffles: 16 frozen mini waffles (or homemade if preferred)
- Toppings: 1/4 cup (30 g) blue cheese crumbles 2 tablespoons (8 g) chopped fresh chives Ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- Arrange bacon slices on the prepared sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes until crisp. Transfer to paper towels once cool cut each strip in half.
- Step 3:
- Set up a breading station place flour salt pepper and garlic powder in one bowl beat eggs in a second bowl place panko in a third bowl.
- Step 4:
- Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture dip in egg then coat with panko.
- Step 5:
- Heat 1.5 cm vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium high heat Fry chicken pieces in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through Drain on paper towels.
- Step 6:
- Whisk together hot sauce melted butter and honey Toss fried chicken pieces in the buffalo sauce to coat.
- Step 7:
- Toast mini waffles according to package instructions.
- Step 8:
- To assemble top each waffle with a piece of bacon a buffalo chicken bite blue cheese crumbles and a sprinkle of chives Drizzle with dressing if desired.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Save This dish always brings smiles at family gatherings especially when served fresh with celery sticks on the side.
Required Tools
Baking sheet parchment paper mixing bowls tongs deep skillet paper towels waffle toaster or oven
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten) Egg Milk (butter blue cheese ranch blue cheese dressing) Bacon may contain preservatives check labels if sensitive
Nutritional Information
Per bite Calories 160 Total Fat 9 g Carbohydrates 12 g Protein 9 g
Save Enjoy these delicious bites immediately for the best crispy texture and flavor.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve crispy chicken bites?
Coat chicken cubes with seasoned flour, dip in beaten eggs, then panko breadcrumbs before frying in hot oil. This double-dredging yields a golden, crunchy exterior.
- → Can I make the mini waffles from scratch?
Yes, homemade mini waffles add freshness and allow customization. Use your favorite waffle batter and cook until golden and crisp before assembling.
- → Is it possible to substitute bacon for a lighter option?
Turkey bacon can be used for a leaner alternative. Bake until crisp to maintain the smoky texture essential to the dish.
- → What can be used instead of blue cheese topping?
Feta cheese is a great substitute for blue cheese to soften the flavor profile, or you can omit cheese toppings entirely for a milder taste.
- → How should the buffalo sauce be prepared?
Whisk together hot sauce, melted unsalted butter, and honey until smooth. Toss cut, fried chicken in this sauce to evenly coat before assembling bites.
- → What are good accompaniments for serving?
Celery sticks pair traditionally with buffalo flavors and add a fresh, crisp contrast to the spicy, smoky bites served warm.