Save Savory, spicy buffalo chicken and smoky bacon atop crispy mini waffles—perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day snack.
This is a go-to recipe when hosting game day parties. Everyone loves the tasty bite-sized waffles topped with buffalo chicken and bacon, perfect for mingling and snacking.
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:
- While bacon cooks, 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:
- In a small bowl, 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 Our family gathers around these crispy bites every weekend. They're always a hit and bring everyone together for good conversation and fun.
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
Calories: 160, Total Fat: 9 g, Carbohydrates: 12 g, Protein: 9 g per bite
Save These crispy buffalo chicken and bacon waffle bites are sure to impress at your next gathering and satisfy every craving.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get the chicken extra crispy?
Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs, then fry them in hot oil until golden brown. Make sure the oil temperature is steady for even crispiness.
- → Can I make the sauce less spicy?
Yes, reduce the amount of hot sauce or substitute it with a milder variety. Adding a bit more honey can also balance heat with sweetness.
- → What alternatives work for blue cheese crumbles?
Feta cheese is a good substitute for a tangy, creamy touch, or omit cheese completely for a milder flavor profile.
- → Are frozen mini waffles suitable for this dish?
Frozen mini waffles work well when toasted until crisp. For best freshness, homemade waffles can be prepared ahead of time.
- → How do I keep bacon crispy after baking?
Place cooked bacon on paper towels to drain excess grease and retain crispness. Cut into smaller pieces once cooled before assembly.
- → Can this be prepared in advance?
Chicken and bacon can be cooked earlier, but for best texture, assemble mini waffles and toppings just before serving to maintain crispiness.