Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I really enjoy how this recipe pairs crispy chicken with fluffy waffles, all drizzled with buttery maple syrup. Skewering them makes serving simple and mess-free, and the combination of salty, crispy chicken with sweet syrupy waffles is always a hit. It’s familiar, comforting, and playful all at once.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
1 16-ounce bag breaded chicken breast chunks
4 frozen homestyle waffles
2 tablespoons salted butter
2 tablespoons maple syrup
additional maple syrup for serving if desired
Directions
I begin by cooking the breaded chicken chunks according to the package instructions, usually baking them until golden and crispy. While the chicken cooks, I toast the waffles until warm and lightly crisp.
I cut each waffle into bite-sized squares, making sure they’re close in size to the chicken pieces for easy skewering.
In a small saucepan, I melt the salted butter and stir in the maple syrup to create a warm glaze.
To assemble, I alternate chicken and waffle pieces on skewers, then brush them with the buttery syrup glaze. I serve immediately with extra maple syrup for dipping.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 8 skewers, serving 4 people. Prep and cooking take around 20 minutes total.
Variations
Sometimes I use spicy breaded chicken for a kick, or I sprinkle the skewers with a pinch of cayenne for heat. I also enjoy using Belgian-style waffles for extra fluffiness. For a twist, I’ve drizzled the skewers with hot honey instead of maple syrup it adds a sweet and spicy balance that works beautifully.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place the skewers on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and crispy again. I avoid microwaving since it makes the chicken soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade waffles?
Yes I often make fresh waffles instead of frozen ones for a softer texture and richer flavor.
Can I make this with fried chicken instead of breaded chicken chunks?
Absolutely fried chicken bites work just as well and give a more traditional flavor.
Do I have to use skewers?
No I sometimes just stack the chicken and waffles on a platter and drizzle them with syrup for easy serving.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
I prefer assembling them fresh, but I sometimes cook the chicken and waffles ahead, then warm and skewer just before serving.
What dipping sauces work well besides maple syrup?
I like serving with honey mustard, spicy aioli, or hot honey for variety.
Can I use mini waffles?
Yes mini waffles make assembly even easier and keep everything bite-sized.
What kind of chicken is best?
I usually go with breaded breast chunks, but popcorn chicken or nuggets work perfectly too.
Can I air fry the chicken instead of baking?
Definitely air frying gives it extra crispiness in less time.
How do I keep the skewers warm for serving?
I keep them on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes kids love the sweet and savory combo, especially when served with extra syrup for dipping.
Conclusion
These chicken and waffle skewers are one of my favorite ways to serve up a classic comfort food pairing in a fun, party-ready format. With crispy chicken, fluffy waffles, and a drizzle of buttery maple syrup, they always disappear fast whenever I make them.
PrintChicken and Waffle Skewers
Chicken and Waffle Skewers are a fun twist on a comfort food classic, combining crispy chicken chunks and fluffy waffle bites drizzled with buttery maple syrup. Perfect as an appetizer, brunch dish, or game-day snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 skewers (serves 4)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
1 (16-ounce) bag breaded chicken breast chunks
4 frozen homestyle waffles
2 TBS salted butter
2 TBS maple syrup
Additional maple syrup for serving, if desired
Instructions
- Cook the breaded chicken chunks according to package instructions until golden and crispy.
- Toast the waffles until warm and lightly crisp.
- Cut each waffle into bite-sized squares similar in size to chicken pieces.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan and stir in maple syrup to create a glaze.
- Thread chicken and waffle pieces alternately onto skewers.
- Brush assembled skewers with the buttery syrup glaze.
- Serve immediately with extra maple syrup for dipping.
Notes
Use spicy breaded chicken or add cayenne for extra heat.
Belgian waffles add extra fluffiness.
Drizzle with hot honey instead of maple syrup for a sweet-spicy twist.
Keep skewers warm in a 200°F oven until serving.
Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg