Mini Chicken & Waffle Bites with Hot Honey are the ultimate bite-sized comfort food. I stack crispy chicken nuggets on warm, fluffy mini waffles and finish them with a drizzle of sweet and spicy hot honey. Whether I'm hosting a game day gathering, a weekend brunch, or looking for a fun finger food, these little bites always disappear fast.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
20 mini frozen waffles
20 small cooked chicken nuggets (homemade or store-bought)
¼ cup honey
1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Toothpicks or small skewers, for serving
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, I bake the mini waffles and chicken nuggets according to their package instructions until they're golden and crispy.
While those are heating, I prepare the hot honey by combining the honey, hot sauce, and optional chili flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. I stir gently until everything is warmed through and well blended, then take it off the heat.
Once the waffles and nuggets are ready, I top each mini waffle with a chicken nugget.
I insert a toothpick or small skewer through each stack to hold everything together.
Finally, I drizzle the warm hot honey over the assembled bites and serve them right away while they’re hot and crisp.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 20 mini bites and takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. Each serving is approximately 110 kcal, making them a satisfying yet light treat.
Variations
Chicken options: I sometimes use spicy chicken nuggets or popcorn chicken for a different flavor profile.
Waffles: If I want to go homemade, I whip up a batch of mini waffles using my waffle iron and a simple batter.
Sauce swap: Instead of hot honey, I’ve tried maple syrup with cayenne for a milder, sweeter finish.
Toppings: I’ve added pickles or a tiny dollop of whipped cream cheese between the nugget and waffle for extra flair.
Vegetarian: I swap the chicken for crispy cauliflower bites or plant-based nuggets.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers (which rarely happens), I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to keep them crisp. I avoid microwaving as it makes the waffles soggy.
FAQs
What kind of chicken nuggets work best?
I usually use store-bought frozen nuggets for convenience, but any small, crispy variety works. Homemade nuggets are great too if I have the time.
Can I make these ahead of time?
I can prepare the hot honey in advance and keep it in the fridge. I also bake the nuggets and waffles ahead, then assemble and reheat right before serving for best texture.
How spicy is the hot honey?
The heat level depends on the hot sauce and whether I include chili flakes. I adjust it based on my crowd — milder for kids, spicier for adults.
Can I serve this without toothpicks?
Yes, I’ve served them on a platter with mini forks or let guests use their hands — they’re still easy to pick up and enjoy.
Can I freeze the assembled bites?
I don’t recommend freezing them fully assembled, as the waffles can become soggy. It’s better to freeze the individual components and assemble fresh when needed.
Conclusion
Mini Chicken & Waffle Bites with Hot Honey are one of my favorite quick appetizers — fun to make, fast to serve, and full of bold flavor. Whether I’m entertaining guests or just want a comforting snack, these little bites always satisfy.
📖 Recipe:
Mini Chicken & Waffle Bites with Hot Honey
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 mini bites
- Diet: Halal
Description
Mini Chicken & Waffle Bites with Hot Honey are a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer made with crispy chicken nuggets stacked on mini waffles and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. Perfect for parties, brunch, or game day snacks.
Ingredients
20 mini frozen waffles
20 small cooked chicken nuggets (homemade or store-bought)
¼ cup honey
1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Toothpicks or small skewers, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the mini waffles and chicken nuggets according to their package instructions until golden and crispy.
- While they bake, prepare the hot honey by combining honey, hot sauce, and optional chili flakes in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until warmed through and well blended.
- Top each mini waffle with a chicken nugget.
- Insert a toothpick or small skewer through each stack to hold them together.
- Drizzle the warm hot honey over the assembled bites.
- Serve immediately while hot and crisp.
Notes
Use spicy or popcorn chicken for variation.
Homemade mini waffles add a personal touch.
Try maple syrup with cayenne as an alternative to hot honey.
Add pickles or cream cheese for extra flavor layers.
For a vegetarian version, use plant-based nuggets or crispy cauliflower.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
