Easiest Chicken and Waffles Appetizer Recipe

Chicken and Waffles are great for brunch, dinner, or an appetizer. They are the easiest chicken and waffles appetizer to make- EVER! Only 3 ingredients and 15 minutes from start to finish. Make these for your next meal, holiday gathering, game day, or snack. 

Mini chicken and waffles make the perfect party appetizer and are fast and easy to throw together. Waffles are paired with syrup and topped with chicken nuggets. These are sure to be a hit at your next party.

Ingredients Needed

This recipe only requires 3 ingredients.

Waffles– Frozen waffles make this appetizer super easy.

Chicken Nuggets– Grab your favorite and bake.

Syrup– So many options for syrup. Choose your favorite.

Regular Waffles vs. Mini Waffles

I’ve made this recipe with both regular and mini waffles. They both work nicely. The only difference- you will need to cut the regular-sized waffles into 4 pieces. Most local grocery stores sell mini and regular waffles in the frozen section. Choose the kind you so desire. 

Can I Make Homemade Waffles?

Yes! I used frozen waffles from the grocery store to keep this appetizer simple. However, you can make homemade waffles if so desired. Waffle makers, regular and mini, are easy to find online. 

Why Chicken and Waffles is a Fantastic Combination

Lightly breaded chicken and crispy waffles are smothered in sweet, sticky pancake syrup. So mouth-watering and delicious. A fun twist on a classic dish. Chicken and waffles on a stick are fantastic ways to celebrate any occasion. 

Chicken Tenders, Chicken Fingers, or Chicken Nuggets

This easy appetizer will work nicely with chicken tenders, or chicken fingers cut into bite-sized pieces. Grilled chicken would also be very tasty on top of a crispy waffle. Mostly, I use breaded chicken nuggets for this recipe, but any chicken chunks will work for the top of the waffles.

How Long to Cook the Waffles and the Chicken

Follow the package directions on the waffles and the chicken for the best outcome. The heating time will depend on the brand you choose. However, it only takes minutes to prepare. I placed the waffles on one baking sheet, the nuggets on another, and both in the oven simultaneously. Cook the waffles until they are golden brown and crispy. I like to cook them for 2-3 minutes on one side and then flip them to heat the other. 

More Ways to Cook Waffles

There are several ways listed on the package for cooking waffles. A few ways to prepare them:

• Air fryers

• Mini Waffle Iron (homemade recipe)

• Toaster oven

• Regular Oven

Can I Make Chicken and Waffles a Meal?

Sure! Chicken and Waffles would make a filling and satisfying dinner. Keep the size of the regular waffles and add chicken tenders- grilled or fried to the top. Add your favorite syrup, and your dinner is complete. Again, this is a fast and easy dinner idea for any night of the week. 

How to Make Waffle Bites with Chicken

1. Heat the waffles.
2. Cook the Chicken.
3. Assemble.
4. Add sweet syrup.

Yes, it’s that easy! 

How to Assemble Chicken Waffles

1. Cut the regular-sized waffles into 4 equal pieces or use mini waffles.
2. Cut the chicken into chunks or use nuggets.
3. Place the waffles in a single layer on a serving platter.
4. Add a piece of chicken to the top of the waffle.
5. Secure with a toothpick.
6. Add a drizzle of maple syrup.
7. Serve.

Variations and Substitutions

Instead of syrup, you might try:

• hot sauce

• hot honey

• spicy mustard

• warm honey butter

• jalapeno pepper jelly

Substitutions:

• Waffle fries instead of waffles

• Homemade waffles

• Home cooked chicken

In a Hurry and Need a Faster Appetizer

If you want to change it up a bit and make this super simple, try the following. No judging here!

Stop by Chick-fil-A and order waffle fries, grilled nuggets, chicken nuggets, or chicken strips. Go home and assemble on a platter. Drizzle with syrup. No one will EVER know– unless you tell them!

FAQs

This recipe is perfect for a holiday appetizer, game day snack, party food, or after-school treat for the kids. It’s sure to be a hit whenever you decide to serve it. This is a super easy appetizer recipe to keep in your kitchen file.

For More Chicken Recipes:

BBQ Chicken Legs— Juicy Grilled BBQ Chicken Legs are delicious, tender, and flavorful. Perfect for summer barbecues and backyard cookouts. So easy you’ll be making these all year long.

Oven Baked Chicken Tenders— Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Perfect for dinner or appetizers. These are kid-approved and family-tested.

Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine–Chicken Broccoli Fettuccine Alfredo is an easy, creamy, delicious, and simple dish to whip up in 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. 

Marry Me Chicken— Marry Me Chicken is a family favorite two-thumbs-up dinner. The chicken is juicy, the sauce is creamy, and the tomatoes give it a kick of spice. You need a few ingredients, one pan, and less than an hour to have dinner on the table from start to finish.

What to Serve with Chicken and Waffles

There are so many delicious recipe to serve for appetizers, game day, parties, or entertaining. A few of my favorites are ham and cheese sliders, cheesy pepperoni dip, Rotel Dip, Chicken wings, Bacon Wrapped Smokies.