Ingredients
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups flour, cake or pastry flour recommended
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Cooking oil or oil spray, for greasing waffle iron
For the Chicken:
- 2 quarts cooking oil, for frying
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups panko
For the Garnish:
- 4–ounce solid piece of Parmesan cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended
- 1/3 cup hot honey, or 1/3 cup honey + red pepper flakes, to taste
Steps to Make It
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Gather the ingredients.
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Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions and preheat the oven to 200 F.
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In a large bowl mix together the dry ingredients for the waffles.
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In a small bowl, beat the eggs and stir in the melted butter, the buttermilk, and the vanilla extract.
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Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Do not use a mechanical mixer or over mix.
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Grease the waffle iron with your cooking spray or oil and, using a measuring cup, add the recommended amount of waffle mix to each slot (again, per the manufacturer’s instructions, as each waffle maker may be able to handle a different amount of waffle batter). Cook until the waffles turn golden on both sides, then remove and cut them into small bite-sized pieces. Place them in the oven to keep warm until ready to serve. Repeat with the remaining batter.
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In a deep heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat bring the cooking oil to 375 F. Prepare a paper towel-lined baking sheet for the fried chicken.
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While the oil is heating, slice the chicken breast into bite-size pieces to roughly match the size of the mini waffles.
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Prepare three bowls – one with flour, one with buttermilk, and one with Panko bread crumbs.
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Coat each piece of chicken in flour (shake of excess), then buttermilk, and finally in Panko.
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Fry in small batches for 6 to 8 minutes. Place on the paper towel-lined baking sheet.
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Assemble the mini chicken and waffles onto a serving platter by securing the chicken pieces onto the waffles with toothpicks.
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Using a potato peeler, shave off Parmesan bits and garnish. Drizzle with hot honey and serve.