Sticky Sesame Chicken and Waffle Bites

• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 pound chicken tenders, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 8 small waffles, cut into quarters
• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Steps

1. 1 In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and garlic powder. Add chicken, ensuring it's well-coated, and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. 2 Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. 3 In a separate bowl, mix flour and sesame seeds. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. 4 Arrange chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. 5 While chicken bakes, warm waffles in the oven for the last 5 minutes of baking.
6. 6 In a saucepan, combine hoisin sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar. Simmer over low heat until slightly thickened.
7. 7 Toss baked chicken in the sauce until well-coated.
8. 8 Serve chicken atop waffle quarters, drizzle with extra sauce, and garnish with green onions.

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan

Variations

• Swap chicken for tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.

Substitutions

• If buttermilk is unavailable, use 1 1/2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes.
• Substitute hoisin sauce with a mix of kecap manis and soy sauce for a similar flavor.

Pairings

• A crisp Asian pear salad.
• A chilled glass of sake or a light lager.

Nutrition

Tips

• For a crispier texture, consider air frying the chicken at 375°F for 10 minutes after baking.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of sriracha to your liking.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven to maintain crispiness.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a preheated 350°F oven.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side of coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with a tangy ranch or blue cheese dip for dipping.

FAQ