Mini Chicken & Waffle Bites with Spicy Maple Drizzle

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 24 mini frozen waffles (or homemade, cut into bite-sized squares)
• 2 tbsp butter, melted (for brushing)
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter