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Crispy Mini Chicken and Waffle Skewers Easy Recipe with Maple Sriracha Sauce

crispy mini chicken and waffle skewers - featured image

These crispy mini chicken and waffle skewers with maple sriracha sauce are a fun, finger-friendly snack combining sweet, spicy, and crunchy flavors. Perfect for late-night cravings or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound chicken tenders, trimmed of excess fat
  • 12 mini frozen waffles (e.g., Eggo mini waffles)
  • Vegetable oil (for frying, such as canola or avocado oil)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 68 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for dredging)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for dredging)
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional, for dredging)
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt (for sauce)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken tenders dry and cut into 1.5-inch bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. If using, mix flour, paprika, and onion powder in a shallow dish. Lightly dredge chicken pieces in the mixture, shaking off excess.
  3. Thread one piece of chicken followed by one mini waffle onto each soaked wooden skewer, alternating until the skewer is full but leaving space at the ends for handling. Repeat for all skewers.
  4. Pour vegetable oil into a frying pan to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat over medium-high until oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or a piece of bread sizzles immediately.
  5. Fry 2-3 skewers at a time for 3-4 minutes per side until chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C) and waffles are crisp. Drain on paper towels.
  6. While frying, whisk together maple syrup, sriracha, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning as desired.
  7. Serve hot skewers with maple sriracha sauce for dipping. If needed, keep warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven on a wire rack.

Notes

Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before frying to prevent burning. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and waffles. Vegan version can use tofu or cauliflower bites and vegan waffles. Skewers can be baked at 400°F for 15-20 minutes as an alternative to frying. Reheat leftovers in oven on wire rack to maintain crispness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken skewers, mini waffles, maple sriracha sauce, crispy chicken, appetizer, snack, party food, easy recipe, finger food