Oh, chicken and waffles—what a glorious combination! This dish is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles in a way that just makes my heart sing. I remember the first time I tried it at a little diner during a weekend brunch with friends. I was blown away by how perfectly the sweet syrup paired with the savory chicken! It’s become a staple in my kitchen since then. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just craving something delicious for dinner, chicken and waffles are always a hit. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked too!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
How to Prepare Chicken and Waffles
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making chicken and waffles is a delightful process, and I promise it’s easier than it sounds. First, you’ll want to start with the chicken. While that’s marinating, you can whip up the waffle batter. So, let’s dive in!
Preparing the Waffle Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly mixed. In another bowl, crack those eggs and whisk them together. Then, add the milk and melted butter, stirring until it’s nice and smooth. Now, here’s the key: combine the wet and dry ingredients gently. You want the batter just combined—don’t overmix it! A few lumps are perfectly fine. This will keep your waffles light and fluffy!
Marinating the Chicken
Now, let’s marinate the chicken. In a bowl, pour the buttermilk and add the paprika and garlic powder. Mix it well, then add your chicken breasts, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it makes the chicken tender and flavorful. If you have time, letting it sit longer is even better!
Frying the Chicken
Alright, time to fry! Heat your vegetable oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C). To check if it’s hot enough, drop a small piece of bread in—the oil should bubble around it. Carefully place your marinated chicken in the hot oil, frying for about 7-10 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if you need to. Once done, let your chicken rest on a paper towel for a few minutes to absorb any excess oil. Trust me, this makes all the difference!
Making the Waffles
While the chicken is frying, it’s the perfect time to make your waffles! Preheat your waffle maker according to its instructions. Pour in the batter—don’t be shy! Close it and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 5 minutes, but check your maker’s guidelines. Once done, serve the waffles warm, topped with the crispy chicken. If you like, drizzle some syrup on top for that sweet and savory combo that’s just heavenly!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of this delicious chicken and waffles recipe is estimated to have around 800 calories, with 40g of fat and 35g of protein. You’ll also find about 80g of carbohydrates and 10g of sugar in there. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying. All that goodness packed into one plate—yum!
Tips for Success
- Check the Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. A good test is to drop in a small piece of bread; it should sizzle and brown quickly!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients for the waffles, remember that a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough waffles, and we want them fluffy and light!
- Let the Chicken Rest: After frying, allow your chicken to rest for a few minutes on paper towels. This helps it stay crispy and allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve your chicken and waffles right after cooking. They taste amazing fresh and hot, and the textures are just perfect!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy brunches or weeknight dinners.
- A delightful combination of crispy chicken and fluffy waffles that’s sure to please everyone.
- Versatile – you can customize with your favorite spices or toppings!
- Great for sharing; it’s a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
- Comfort food at its finest, satisfying both sweet and savory cravings in one dish.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your chicken and waffles experience, consider serving some fresh fruit on the side, like sliced strawberries or juicy watermelon. A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully, adding a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on the waffles can take them over the top. Enjoy your meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), store your chicken and waffles in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore that crispy texture. For the waffles, a quick pop in the toaster will do the trick, making them warm and fluffy once more. Trust me, they’ll taste almost as good as when they were freshly made!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken? Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily substitute it with turkey or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option. Both work great with waffles!
What if I don’t have buttermilk? No worries! You can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and voilà—homemade buttermilk!
Can I make the waffles ahead of time? Yes, you can! Just prepare them as usual, let them cool, then store in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, pop them in the toaster to reheat and crisp them up!
What toppings do you recommend? I love drizzling maple syrup over the top, but you can also try fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even hot sauce for a spicy kick. The possibilities are endless!
How can I make the waffles extra fluffy? The key is to not overmix the batter. A few lumps are perfectly fine! Also, make sure your waffle maker is preheated to ensure a good rise and texture.
Quick chicken dinner ideas can help you explore more delicious options for your meals.
Chicken and Waffles: 7 Easy Steps to Comfort Food Joy
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious combination of crispy chicken and fluffy waffles, perfect for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and then add milk and melted butter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk, paprika, and garlic powder for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken for about 7-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- While chicken cooks, make waffles according to your waffle maker’s instructions.
- Serve chicken on top of waffles, drizzling with syrup if desired.
Notes
- Make sure oil is hot enough before frying.
- Do not overmix the waffle batter.
- Let chicken rest for a few minutes after frying.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Frying and Waffle Making
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 800
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: chicken and waffles, brunch recipe, easy chicken recipe
