Spicy Chicken Waffle Cones

These spicy chicken waffle cones with creamy sriracha sauce offer a playful and flavorful twist on classic fried chicken. Perfect for game nights, quick lunches, or casual parties, they combine crispy chicken nuggets, sweet and crunchy waffle cones, and a bold, zesty sauce into a handheld treat everyone will enjoy. The vibrant mix of textures and tastes makes this dish a fun crowd-pleaser that comes together easily at home.

I remember the first time I made these during a casual family get together everyone immediately asked for seconds. They are so easy to assemble yet feel special enough to impress guests without too much effort

Ingredients

• Waffle cones: Plain varieties give a sweet, crunchy base that holds the filling well. Choose sturdy cones to avoid sogginess
• Frozen chicken nuggets: Convenient and quick you can also swap with chicken tenders, popcorn chicken, or boneless wings for different textures
• Lettuce: Iceberg works best for extra crunch and freshness but Romaine or salad mixes also work well
• Fresh cilantro: Adds a bright, herbaceous contrast; parsley is a good substitute if preferred or omit altogether
• Mayonnaise: Provides rich creaminess to the sauce vegan mayo or Greek yogurt lighten it up and add tang
• Sriracha: Brings the spicy kick and tangy depth, other hot sauces like Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot can be used
• Maple syrup: Balances heat with a subtle sweetness honey or agave nectar are fine alternatives
• Garlic powder: Enhances savory notes onion powder can replace it for a slightly sweeter flavor
• Lime or lemon juice: Adds zesty brightness and fresh lift white or apple cider vinegar works if citrus is unavailable

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Bake the chicken nuggets according to package instructions until golden and crispy. Once cooled slightly, chop them into bite sized pieces for easy filling

Mix the Creamy Sriracha Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, sriracha, lime juice, garlic powder, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Set aside to let flavors meld

Assemble the Waffle Cones:

Stand a waffle cone upright in a glass or holder to make filling easier. Layer the bottom with shredded lettuce to build a fresh, crisp base. Spoon in chopped chicken pieces generously, then drizzle the creamy sriracha sauce on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of herbal brightness

One of my favorite moments with this dish was watching my niece and nephew’s faces light up as they took their first bite, clearly surprised by how much they loved the mix of sweet, spicy, and savory

Storage Tips

Store leftover cooked chicken, lettuce, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days. Assembled cones should not be refrigerated because the waffle cones will lose their crunch. When reheating chicken nuggets, use an air fryer or conventional oven to preserve crispiness. Microwaving can make them soggy. If freezing cooked chicken pieces, do so in a freezer safe bag and thaw overnight before reheating for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute frozen chicken nuggets with homemade breaded chicken tenders or popcorn chicken for a fresher option. If mayonnaise is not on hand, plain Greek yogurt or vegan mayo works well to keep the sauce creamy. Sriracha can be swapped with any preferred hot sauce or even sweet chili sauce for a milder heat level. For extra garnish options, try crumbled cotija cheese, sliced green onions, or toasted black sesame seeds to add additional layers of flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

These waffle cones are fantastic on their own but pair beautifully with a side of air fryer sweet potato wedges or a zesty cucumber and pepper salad. Another favorite is serving them alongside Mexican street corn salad or even frozen dumplings for a fun fusion twist. Prepare a sauce bar with different spicy dipping sauces like chipotle mayo or garlic aioli to add variety for your guests.

These spicy chicken waffle cones are a playful, crowd pleasing option that come together quickly and offer loads of flavor. Serve them fresh for the best texture.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make my own waffle cones?

Yes, you can prepare waffle batter and cook it in a waffle cone maker for homemade cones, allowing a fresher and customized base.

→ What if I don’t have sriracha?

Substitute with other hot sauces like Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot to maintain a spicy, tangy flavor.

→ Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?

Fresh chicken tenders or wings can be breaded and cooked as desired before assembling in the cones for optimal flavor.

→ How do I keep the cones from getting soggy?

Assemble cones just before serving and pat lettuce dry to ensure a crispy texture throughout.

→ Can this be made vegetarian?

Try substituting crispy chicken with plant-based nuggets or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.