Looking for a cozy meal that hits the spot? This Easy Chicken and Waffles recipe combines crispy fried chicken with warm, fluffy waffles for a tasty twist on comfort food. With simple steps and a few key ingredients, I’ll guide you through making this beloved dish right at home. Trust me; it’s perfect for any meal of the day. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
Chicken Ingredients
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup buttermilk
Breading Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Waffle and Serving Ingredients
– 4 ready-made waffles (or homemade)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– Maple syrup, for drizzling
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
In this easy chicken and waffles recipe, you start with two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Soak them in one cup of buttermilk. This step makes the chicken juicy and tender. Next, prepare the breading mix. You need one cup of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking powder, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, half a teaspoon of garlic powder, and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste.
For the waffles, you can use four ready-made waffles or make your own. To finish, you will need two tablespoons of honey and maple syrup for drizzling. Chop some fresh parsley for garnish. This dish combines sweet and savory flavors, making it a favorite for many.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
– Immerse chicken in buttermilk.
– Cover and refrigerate.
Start by taking two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place them in a bowl and pour in one cup of buttermilk. Make sure the chicken is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least one hour, or overnight for the best flavor. The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds a nice tang.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
– Combine flour and spices.
– Mix to create a uniform dry mixture.
Next, grab a shallow dish. In it, combine one cup of all-purpose flour with one teaspoon of baking powder, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, half a teaspoon of garlic powder, and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is even. This blend will give your chicken a delicious crust.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
– Dredge marinated chicken in flour mixture.
– Shake off excess flour.
After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge. Let the extra buttermilk drip off. Now, dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Make sure to coat both sides well. Once coated, shake off any excess flour. This step is key for achieving a crispy texture.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
– Heat oil in a skillet.
– Fry chicken until golden-brown.
In a large skillet, heat about half an inch of oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering. Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the skillet. Fry each piece for about 5-7 minutes on each side. They should turn a beautiful golden-brown color. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil.
Step 5: Warm the Waffles
– Toast waffles according to instructions.
While the chicken fries, it’s time to warm the waffles. You can use ready-made waffles or make your own if you prefer. Just toast them according to the package instructions until they are crispy and heated through. This will balance the hot chicken nicely.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
– Layer waffle and chicken.
– Drizzle with honey and maple syrup.
To assemble, take a warm waffle and place it on a serving plate. Top it with a piece of the golden fried chicken. Now, for the fun part! Drizzle honey generously over the chicken. Then, add a touch of maple syrup according to your taste. This sweet and savory combo makes every bite a delight.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
– Ensure oil is hot before frying. Hot oil makes the chicken crispy.
– Don’t overcrowd the skillet. This helps keep the oil hot and even.
Presentation Tips
– Stack chicken slightly off-center. This adds height and looks appealing.
– Garnish with parsley and drizzle syrup. It gives color and extra flavor.
Flavor Enhancement Tips
– Consider brining chicken overnight. This makes it juicier and more flavorful.
– Experiment with different spices. Try herbs or blends for new tastes.
Variations
Alternative Chicken Preparation
You can switch things up with grilled chicken instead of fried. Grilled chicken has a nice smoky flavor. Plus, it’s a lighter option. I love using chicken thighs for this dish. They are more juicy and tender than breasts. Thighs also add great flavor to the meal.
Waffle Variations
For the waffles, try adding flavors like cinnamon or vanilla. These will give your dish a fun twist. You can also make mini waffles. They are perfect for a bite-sized treat. Kids love them, and they are easy to share.
Drizzle Options
If you want to change the sweet element, try agave syrup instead of honey. It’s a nice alternative for a sweeter touch. You can also use a fruit compote. Fresh berries or peaches work great and add a fruity burst. These options make your chicken and waffles even more special.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
After you savor your chicken and waffles, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the food fresh and safe. The dish is best consumed within 2 days. If you wait too long, the taste and texture will suffer.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and waffles for later. Be sure to store them separately. This way, the waffles do not get soggy. When you are ready to eat, reheat the chicken and waffles in the oven for best results. This helps keep everything crispy and tasty.
Reheating Suggestions
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, use an oven or air fryer to reheat the chicken. This method preserves the crispy coating. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the chicken chewy and wet. Keeping the texture nice is key to enjoying your meal again.
FAQs
How do I make homemade waffles for this recipe?
To make homemade waffles, start with a simple batter. Mix together:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
Combine all the dry ingredients in one bowl. In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients. Mix them together until just combined. Cook in a preheated waffle maker for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can explore using turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Turkey breast works well as a leaner choice. For tofu, press it to remove excess moisture, then marinate like the chicken. This adds great flavor and keeps it moist.
What’s the best way to ensure crispy chicken?
To get crispy chicken, keep the oil hot. Heat it to about 350°F before frying. This helps form a crust. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches if needed. Cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes, meal prepping is easy! You can marinate the chicken in advance. Also, cook and freeze the chicken separately from the waffles. Store in airtight containers. This meal stays tasty for up to two days in the fridge.
How do I spice up the dish?
You can spice up your chicken with different seasonings. Try adding more cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for heat. Top your waffles with fresh fruit or whipped cream. Maple syrup adds sweetness, but feel free to experiment!
What sides pair well with chicken and waffles?
For sides, think about fresh fruit or a light salad. Sliced strawberries or mixed berries add a nice touch. A simple green salad can balance the dish’s richness. You can also serve it with sweet potato fries for a fun twist.
You learned how to make a tasty chicken and waffles dish. We covered marinating chicken, preparing breading, and frying until golden-brown. You also saw tips for storage and variations. Don’t be afraid to try different spices or use grilled chicken. This dish is fun and delicious. Enjoy making it and sharing with friends!
