Popcorn Chicken in Cheesy Waffle Cups

Not going to lie that this recipe does take a bit of effort but so very worth it. Bite sized little bits of chicken of all piled high in a cheesy waffle cup. Paired with a little bit of honey and you have yourself a bite sized chicken and waffle situation. Our cheesy waffle cups make a really cute display for your bite sized chicken which makes this recipe really perfect for a little appetizer with friends. This is definitely a crowd pleasing and impressive recipe to bookmark! Enjoy and happy weekend!
♥ Teri

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Popcorn Chicken in Cheesy Waffle Cups

RECIPE BY Teri & Jenny

PRINT RECIPE

5 from 1 vote

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Servings: 4

  INGREDIENTS  

popcorn chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces each), cut into ½ inch pieces
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Oil for frying

Cheesy waffle cups

• ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 egg plus 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon superfine sugar
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon thinly sliced chives, plus more for garnish (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• honey for drizzling

  INSTRUCTIONS  

• Popcorn Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
• Place flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow baking dish and whisk together. Pour buttermilk into another shallow baking dish.
• Dredge chicken pieces in flour, followed by buttermilk and then back into the flour (shaking chicken off after each addition) until all chicken has been coated.
• Fill a tall sided pot with 2 inches oil and place over medium heat. Once oil has reached 350˚F, fry chicken a few pieces at a time, until golden brown and cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer onto a baking sheet lined with a cooling rack and lightly season with salt and pepper. Repeat until all chicken has been fried. Set aside.
• Waffle Cups: Pour all ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk together until no flour lumps remain. Allow mixture to sit for 5 minutes. Heat waffle cone maker to desired settings. Pour 3 to 3 ½ tablespoons batter into the center of the waffle cone maker and gently press lid closed, completely. Cook waffle cones for 4 to 4 minutes or until golden brown.
• Quickly and carefully transfer cooked waffle disc to a muffin tin and gently press center of disc into one of the muffin wells, to form a cup. Allow cup to sit until fully cooled and hardened. Repeat until all cups have been made.
• Assemble: Fill each cup up with a big scoop of popcorn chicken. Drizzle each cup with honey and a sprinkle of chives, if using. Serve immediately.

Calories: 654kcal Carbohydrates: 69g Protein: 40g Fat: 23g Saturated Fat: 13g Cholesterol: 166mg Sodium: 1279mg Potassium: 681mg Fiber: 3g Sugar: 7g Vitamin A: 1583IU Vitamin C: 2mg Calcium: 208mg Iron: 5mg