Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Waffles Recipe
You’ll absolutely love this Chicken and Waffles recipe because it combines crispy, golden chicken schnitzel with fluffy, homemade waffles for a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent.
The contrast of textures and flavors is simply irresistible! Imagine biting into that crunchy chicken, then savoring the light, airy waffle—it’s a match made in heaven.
Plus, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. I appreciate how this dish brings a fun twist to traditional comfort food.
It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that warms your heart and fills your belly. You’ll keep coming back for more!
Ingredients of Chicken and Waffles
When it comes to making Chicken and Waffles, the ingredient list is where the magic begins. You want to gather everything you need before diving in—trust me, it makes the process so much smoother. Imagine trying to fry that crispy chicken while realizing you’re out of flour. Not fun.
So, let’s get all the essentials lined up, and then we can chat about what makes each ingredient special.
Ingredients for Chicken and Waffles
- 1 chicken breast (skinless, boneless, pounded to 1/4 inch thickness)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup flour (for dredging the chicken)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup flour (for the waffles)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs (for the waffles)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons butter (melted for the waffles)
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans (roughly chopped)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 Granny Smith apple (julienned)
- 1 carrot (shredded)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for the slaw)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (to brush on the waffles)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (for drizzling)
Now that we’ve got our lineup, let’s take a moment to appreciate these ingredients. The chicken breast is the star of the dish, and when pounded thin, it cooks quickly and gets that beautiful golden crunch.
The combination of panko and flour gives it the perfect texture—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Don’t skimp on the spices; they elevate the flavor immensely.
And let’s not forget about the waffles. Using buttermilk makes them fluffy and delicious, while the melted butter adds richness that you just can’t resist.
Finally, the sweet cranberry apple slaw is a fantastic touch—it brings a fresh burst of flavor that balances out the dish beautifully. It’s like a party on your plate, and who wouldn’t want to join in on that?
How to Make Chicken and Waffles
Alright, let’s plunge into the delicious process of making Chicken and Waffles. First up, we need to start with our chicken breast, that glorious 1 skinless, boneless piece of meat that we’ll pound to about 1/4 inch thick. This is a vital step because a thinner chicken breast cooks faster and gets that wonderful crispy exterior we all crave.
Once it’s flattened, season it with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Just a little reminder: seasoning is key, so don’t hold back.
Now, for the dredging station. Grab a large, shallow dish and mix together 1 cup of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. This spice mix is going to give your chicken a little extra oomph.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 egg and 1/4 cup of milk. This eggy mixture is the glue that helps our crispy panko breadcrumbs stick. Speaking of panko, you’ll need 1 cup of it in a third dish. This stuff is the secret weapon for crunchiness.
Now, dip your seasoned chicken into the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally coat it with the panko.
Once your chicken is ready, heat up 3 cups of vegetable oil in a deep saucepan until it reaches about 350 degrees. Carefully place your chicken schnitzel into the hot oil and fry it for about 4 to 6 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown.
Don’t forget to drain the excess oil on paper towels; nobody wants greasy chicken. While that’s frying, it’s time to whip up the waffles.
In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. In a smaller bowl, combine 2 eggs and 1 cup of buttermilk before adding them to the dry ingredients, along with 4 tablespoons of melted butter.
Stir it all up until it’s combined, and then follow your waffle iron’s instructions to make those fluffy delights.
Now, let’s not forget about the sweet cranberry apple slaw. In a medium bowl, toss together 1/4 cup of toasted pecans, 1/4 cup of dried cranberries, 1/2 of a julienned Granny Smith apple, and 1 shredded carrot.
Add a tablespoon of brown sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon, and mix it all up. This slaw adds a fantastic crunch and a burst of freshness that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and rich waffles.
When everything is ready, let’s assemble our masterpiece. Brush the waffles with a little melted butter, cut your crispy chicken schnitzel into three pieces, and place one on each waffle.
Top it with that colorful sweet slaw and drizzle with 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup. And there you have it, a delightful Chicken and Waffles dish that’s sure to impress.
Just remember, the next time someone asks you to make this, you can confidently say, “I’ve got this.” Because you really do.
Chicken and Waffles Substitutions & Variations
While the classic chicken and waffles combination is undeniably delicious, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that can elevate this dish to new heights.
For a twist, try using spicy fried chicken or even grilled chicken for a lighter option. Swap traditional waffles for sweet potato or cornbread waffles to add unique flavors.
You can also experiment with toppings; consider adding a drizzle of hot honey or a dollop of whipped cream.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, crispy tofu can replace the chicken, and you can use gluten-free flour for the waffles to accommodate dietary needs.
Enjoy the creativity!
Additional Tips & Notes
Creating the perfect chicken and waffles dish requires a few key tips to guarantee everything turns out just right.
First, make sure your oil is at the right temperature; it should sizzle when you add the chicken.
For the waffles, don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay.
If you want extra crispy chicken, let it rest for a few minutes after frying.
I love adding a pinch of cayenne to the chicken for a kick.
Finally, drizzle warm maple syrup generously over everything—it’s the finishing touch that brings the dish together.
Enjoy your cooking adventure!