You know, there’s just something magical about chicken and waffles. I mean, who wouldn’t love the crispy, golden fried chicken perched on top of fluffy, warm waffles? It’s like a hug on a plate! This dish has a special place in my heart, and it always brings back memories of cozy Sunday mornings with family, where the sweet aroma of syrup fills the air. Not only is it a beloved breakfast staple, but it’s also the ultimate comfort food that can turn any day around. Trust me, once you take that first bite of savory chicken and sweet waffle drizzled with syrup, you’ll understand why this combo is a stand-out favorite in my kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ¾ cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup melted butter
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Oil for frying
- Syrup for serving
How to Prepare Chicken and Waffles
Okay, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making chicken and waffles! It might sound like a lot at first, but I promise you it’s worth every step. Let’s break it down so it’s super easy to follow and you can impress everyone at the breakfast table.
Making the Waffles
First things first, grab a big mixing bowl! In it, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until it’s all combined. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Once that’s well blended, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones. You want the batter to be smooth but don’t overmix it! Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and when it’s hot, pour in the batter (about ¾ cup) and cook until golden brown. This usually takes about 5 minutes, but just keep an eye on it. The smell will be divine!
Preparing the Fried Chicken
Now, onto the chicken! Start by marinating the chicken breasts in buttermilk mixed with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let it sit for at least an hour—this is key for juicy, flavorful chicken! If you can, let it marinate overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor. When you’re ready to cook, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the marinated chicken in the hot oil and fry until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes on each side. To make sure it’s done, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should hit 165°F (75°C). Trust me, this step is crucial for perfectly crispy, tender chicken!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a delightful combination of crispy chicken and fluffy waffles!
- Quick to prepare, making it a perfect breakfast treat.
- Comfort food at its finest—perfect for any time of the day.
- Deliciously versatile; you can customize with your favorite toppings!
- Guaranteed to impress family and friends with its amazing flavors.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your chicken and waffles turn out absolutely perfect! First off, don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken. The buttermilk marinade is fantastic, but a little extra salt and pepper can go a long way in bringing out the flavor. Also, for an extra crunchy coating, double-dip the chicken in the flour after marinating; it adds that satisfying crunch we all crave.
When frying, keep the oil at a steady temperature—too hot and the chicken will burn, too cool and it’ll get greasy. A good trick is to test the oil by dropping in a small piece of batter; if it sizzles and bubbles, you’re ready to go! And remember, patience is key—don’t rush the cooking time. Let those waffles get perfectly golden and the chicken crispy! Trust me, you’ll be rewarded with a plate that’s not just good but absolutely irresistible!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of this scrumptious chicken and waffles comes in at about 650 calories. You’ll get around 30g of protein to keep you fueled, along with 30g of fat for that delicious richness. It also packs 70g of carbs—perfect for a hearty breakfast! Just keep in mind these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect when you dig into this comfort food classic!
FAQ Section
Let’s tackle some common questions about chicken and waffles that I often hear. First off, Can I make the waffles ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the waffles in advance and freeze them. Just pop them in the toaster when you’re ready to serve—easy peasy!
What’s the best way to serve chicken and waffles? I love serving them drizzled with warm syrup, but you can also add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or fresh fruit on top for an extra touch of sweetness. Yum!
Can I use other meats instead of chicken? Sure thing! While chicken is the classic choice, you can definitely experiment with other meats like fried turkey or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian twist. It’ll still be delicious!
How do I store leftovers? If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store the waffles and chicken separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free? You can make chicken and waffles gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure all your other ingredients are certified gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, if you happen to have any leftovers (which is a feat in itself!), here’s how to keep that deliciousness fresh. First, let the chicken and waffles cool down to room temperature before storing them. Place the chicken in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the waffles, I recommend stacking them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking, then putting them in a separate airtight container.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm it for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. For the waffles, pop them in the toaster or a toaster oven for a few minutes to get them crispy again. Trust me, this method keeps everything tasting just as good as when it was fresh!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your chicken and waffles experience, consider serving it with a side of fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas for a pop of color and sweetness. A light fruit salad can also complement the dish beautifully. For an extra indulgent touch, why not whip up some creamy butter or flavored syrups, like maple or bourbon syrup? A side of crispy bacon or sausage can add that savory element, making your breakfast spread truly unforgettable!
For more information on the nutritional benefits of chicken, you can check out this Healthline article.
If you’re interested in exploring more delicious recipes, visit our blog for a variety of options!
And if you’re looking for a delightful drink to pair with your meal, try this spiced apple cider recipe.
Print
Chicken and Waffles: 7 Tempting Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious combination of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles, served with syrup.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ¾ cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup melted butter
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Oil for frying
- Syrup for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, and melted butter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients to form batter.
- Heat a waffle maker and pour in batter, cooking until golden brown.
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk and spices for at least 1 hour.
- Heat oil in a pan, then fry chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Serve chicken on top of waffles and drizzle with syrup.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- For extra crunch, double-dip chicken in flour before frying.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked properly.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying and Waffle Making
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken and waffles, breakfast, comfort food
