Get ready for a fun twist on a classic dish that’s sure to wow your family! These Spicy Chicken Waffle Cones combinecrispy chicken, a sweet and crunchy waffle cone, and a zesty chilli mayo for a savory waffle cone that’s bursting with flavor. My whole family loves these handheld treats, especially with a drizzle of that spicy mayo magic, so I know your crew will be begging for more as well!
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This unique take on fried chicken is perfect for game nights, kid-friendly lunches, or even a New York City-inspired birthday party. The juicy chicken and crisp waffle cones make it a crowd pleaser, whether you’re serving it at a gathering or as a quick weeknight dinner.
If you’re a fan of easy recipes that are a hit for any occasion, you’ll love my Easy Corn Black Bean and Feta Dip and Mango Pineapple Habanero Salsa. Let’s dive into this easy chicken recipe and make your next meal a hit!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chicken Waffle Cones Recipe
- Ingredients and Substitutions For Chicken Waffle cones
- How to Make Spicy Chicken Waffle Cones with Creamy Sriracha Sauce
- Variations
- Serving Suggestions & Food Pairings for Spicy Chicken Waffle Cones
- Storage and Reheating Tips
- Top Tips for Spicy Chicken Waffle Cones
- FAQs
- Related
- Pairing
- Rate This Spicy Chicken Waffle Cones
- Spicy Chicken Waffle Cones with Creamy Sriracha Sauce
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chicken Waffle Cones Recipe
Craving a quick, playful dish to impress everyone at your next gathering? These golden chicken waffle cones are a perfect combo of crispy, creamy, and spicy that everyone will adore!
Fast and fun: Ready in 20 minutes, perfect for busy days or spontaneous gatherings.
Kid-approved: Waffle cones and chicken nuggets are always a hit, even with the pickiest eaters.
Bold flavors: Every bite is packed with smoky, garlicky, tangy, creamy, sweet, and spicy goodness.
Finger food: Handheld cones are great for parties or on-the-go snacking.
Ingredients and Substitutions For Chicken Waffle cones
Gather these simple ingredients for a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Each ingredient adds a special touch to this savory chicken waffle cone. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe card.
- Waffle cones: They provide a sweet, crunchy texture to hold the filling. Make sure they're plain.
- Frozen chicken nuggets: Substitute with chicken tenders, popcorn chicken, or boneless chicken wings.
- Lettuce: Adds a fresh, crisp base to balance the richness. I prefer iceberg lettuce for extra crunch, but Romaine and even a salad mix work great.
- Fresh cilantro: It brings a bright, herbaceous pop to every bite. Swap it with parsley or skip it.
- Mayonnaise: It makes the chilli mayo rich and creamy. Use vegan mayo or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier option.
- Sriracha: It adds a spicy, tangy kick. If you don't have it, you can use your favorite hot sauce, like Tabasco or Frank's RedHot Sauce.
- Maple syrup: Contributes a subtle sweetness to balance the heat. Substitute with honey or agave nectar for a similar depth.
- Garlic powder: Use onion powder for a slightly sweeter touch.
- Lime or lemon juice: Provides a zesty, fresh lift. White vinegar and apple cider vinegar are good swaps.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Spicy Chicken Waffle Cones with Creamy Sriracha Sauce
This easy chicken recipe is all about quick prep and bold flavors! You’ll whip up a silky maple-sriracha sauce, cook frozen chicken nuggets, and assemble these fun cones in minutes. Here’s the full recipe:
- Step 1: Bake the chicken nuggets according to the package instructions.
Once done, chop them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, sriracha, lime juice, and seasonings. Stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Place a waffle cone upright in a glass or holder. Fill with shredded lettuce, top with chopped chicken, drizzle generously with the creamy sriracha sauce, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Variations
Want to put your own spin on these chicken waffle cones? Try these fun twists to suit any craving!
Maple-bacon crunch: Cook 2-3 pieces of maple bacon until crispy and crumble them. Sprinkle them on top of the chicken for some smoky, sweet crunch.
Different homemade sauces: Drizzle the cones with my Homemade Chipotle Sauce or Spicy Garlic Aioli for a different flavor profile.
Make your own cones: Prepare your favorite waffle batter and pour it into a waffle cone maker. Cook according to the manufacturer's instructions for a homemade cone.
Keep it mild: Use half the amount of sriracha to reduce the heat. Add more as needed, or swap it for sweet chili sauce for a milder, sweeter flavor.
More toppings: Crumbled cotija cheese, black sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or chives can add more flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions & Food Pairings for Spicy Chicken Waffle Cones
These street food-inspired chicken waffle cones are a fun, handheld treat that pairs perfectly with other dishes! Try these ideas to complete your meal:
- Serve with my Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges and Homemade Chipotle Sauce for a spicy dipping duo.
- Pair with my Cucumber Pepper Salad or Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad for refreshing side dish options.
- I love these with frozen dumplings when I'm craving some Asian flair.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Got leftover components for these savory chicken waffle cones? Here’s how to keep them fresh and crispy!
Refrigeration
Refrigerate leftover chicken, lettuce, and sauce separately in airtight containers for 3-4 days. Don't refrigerate assembled cones because they'll soften.
Reheating
Reheat chicken nuggets in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
Freeze cooked chicken tenders or popcorn chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before reheating. Do not freeze assembled cones.
Top Tips for Spicy Chicken Waffle Cones
Want to make these chicken waffle cones a standout treat? These simple tricks ensure the perfect crunch and flavor!
Keep cones crisp: Use a paper towel to pat lettuce dry and assemble the cones just before serving to avoid soggy waffle cones.
Set up a waffle bar: For large crowds, prepare batches of spicy mayo and cook the chicken in advance. Set them out in bowls, along with chopped lettuce. Let everyone assemble their cones!
Use homemade: I love the convenience of frozen chicken nuggets on a weeknight, but if you prefer to use homemade breaded chicken or panko chicken...Go for it!
Toss it: Toss chicken nuggets in the sauce for even coating, then fill cones for consistent flavor in every bite.
FAQs
Got questions about this easy chicken recipe? Here are answers to make these chicken waffle cones a breeze!
Yes! Use a waffle cone maker and your favorite waffle batter recipe.
Swap sriracha for sweet chili sauce or a small amount of hot sauce for another version of my spicy mayo.
Absolutely! Bread fresh chicken tenders with panko breadcrumbs and air-fry or bake for a juicy chicken alternative.
Pat the lettuce dry with a paper towel and assemble just before serving to maintain the waffle cone texture.
Swap fried chicken for crispy tofu or roasted veggies and use vegan mayo in the sauce for a plant-based version.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chicken Waffle Cones:
Rate This Spicy Chicken Waffle Cones
The best part? These savory chicken waffle cones are a quick, fun way to enjoy juicy chicken with a unique takethat’s perfect for the whole family! Share your creations with me on Hungry Whisk, and don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes and printable recipe cards!
Spicy Chicken Waffle Cones with Creamy Sriracha Sauce
Ingredients
- 5 waffle cones
- 2 cups frozen chicken nuggets Tyson brand or similar one
- 1 ¼ cups shredded lettuce
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Ingredients for creamy sriracha sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon lime or lemon juice
Instructions
- Bake or air-fry frozen chicken nuggets according to package directions until hot and crispy, about 10–12 minutes. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, maple syrup, garlic powder, and lime juice until smooth. Set aside.
- Place a waffle cone upright in a glass or holder. Add ¼ cup shredded lettuce into each waffle cone as a base. Add warm chicken pieces evenly on top.
- Spoon the spicy sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Stephanie says
Once a month, we have a family fun dinner featuring something a little different from the usual. When I saw this recipe, I knew the kids would love having an ice cream cone dinner! It was a big hit, the flavors blended perfectly. I was a little worried it might be too sweet, but it actually worked well with the flavors of the chicken.
Madhu (Author) says
Thank you so much! I am so glad it was such a hit with your family. I love that you made it part of your fun dinner night and that the kids enjoyed the ice cream cone twist. Happy to hear the flavors balanced out so well with the chicken too!
Risa says
I love that this recipe looks easy to make and so delicious! I love how everything is tucked into a cone, what kid wouldn't love this? Looking forward to making this for my family, thanks for the great recipe!
Madhu (Author) says
I am so happy you love it. Tucking everything into a cone makes it so fun and perfect for the whole family!
Therese says
This is such a great idea, my kids loved it.
Madhu (Author) says
So happy to hear that. Glad the kids enjoyed it too!
Courtney says
Such a fun idea! Going to try these with some vegan nuggets 🙂
Madhu (Author) says
That sounds amazing! Vegan nuggets will be a perfect twist on this fun idea!
Eva says
WOW! These look incredible. And what a fun way to mix up dinner and make it feel like dessert. MUST try.
Madhu (Author) says
Thank you! So glad you love the idea. Turning dinner into a dessert-like treat is always fun!
Abi says
OMG I need this Chicken Waffle Cones now!! Love how wasy and delcious it is!
Madhu (Author) says
Yay so glad you love it! Chicken Waffle Cones are such a fun and delicious treat!
Madhu (Author) says
Made these in under 20 minutes and they disappeared even faster 😂 Crunchy, spicy, creamy, and totally addictive. Who knew waffle cones weren’t just for ice cream?!