Description
Enjoy a delicious Southern-inspired meal with these Mini Fried Chicken and Waffles. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in buttermilk, then coated in a flavorful seasoned batter and fried to golden perfection. Paired with warm, toasted mini waffles and topped with a sweet maple honey butter, honey drizzle, and fresh chives, this dish is perfect for brunch, lunch, or a fun dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2 inch (4 centimeter) pieces
- 2 cups (470 milliliters) buttermilk
- 1/4 cup (60 grams) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 1/2 tablespoons (22 milliliters) honey
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) maple syrup
- Pinch salt
- 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (70 grams) cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups (470 milliliters) vegetable oil
- 30 mini waffles (frozen or homemade)
- Honey, for drizzling
- Fresh chives, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cover the chicken pieces with buttermilk, stirring to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened butter, honey, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use, bringing it to room temperature before serving.
- In a wide bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to integrate all the spices evenly into the flour mixture.
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches the right temperature for frying, around 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture. Carefully add a few pieces to the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for about 3-5 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove and place on a towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
- While frying the chicken, preheat your oven to 375˚F (190˚C). Arrange the mini waffles on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until heated through and toasted.
- Spread a small amount of the prepared maple honey butter on each warm waffle. Top with a piece of the fried chicken, drizzle with additional honey, and garnish with fresh chives. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste preference.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 6 hours
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg