Sunday mornings have become legendary in our house thanks to this chicken and waffles recipe. It all started when Catrine, our breakfast specialist, shared her Belgian waffle secrets with me. Combined with my crispy chicken technique, itβs become the meal my kids Jack and Aliana literally jump out of bed for!
Why This Recipe Works
In reality, creating the perfect chicken and waffles is all about timing and technique. Around here, weβve learned that the key is making sure every component shines on its own. The waffles need to be crispy on the outside but fluffy inside, while the chicken should have that perfect crunch without being dry. Of course, the best chicken and waffle nights are when John takes care of the dishes while the kids and I cook together!
Key Components Breakdown
Essential Ingredients
For the Waffles:
- Buttermilk β Creates tender, flavorful waffles
- Cake flour β The secret to light, crispy edges
- Pure vanilla extract β Just a touch for warmth
- Melted butter β For richness and golden color
- Fresh eggs β Always at room temperature
For the Chicken:
- Chicken tenders β More consistent cooking than whole breasts
- Buttermilk β For overnight marinating
- Seasonings blend β Our special mix of herbs and spices
- High-quality oil β For the perfect golden crust
I couldnβt resist mentioning that while premium ingredients cost more, they make all the difference. My local farmerβs market eggs give the waffles that beautiful golden color.
Equipment Needed
Must-haves:
- Belgian waffle maker (Catrineβs top recommendation!)
- Deep cast iron skillet
- Instant-read thermometer
- Mixing bowls
- Wire rack for cooling
Nice-to-haves:
- Stand mixer with whisk attachment
- Kitchen tongs
- Oil thermometer
- Warming drawer or low-temp oven
Budget tip: A regular waffle maker works fine, just adjust cooking time slightly.
The Technique Section
Critical Steps
- Marinate chicken overnight in buttermilk mixture β this is non-negotiable for tender results.
- Waffle batter needs to rest for 30 minutes β Georgia, our healthy eating expert, taught me this makes them extra fluffy.
- Double-dredge the chicken for extra crispiness. The best nights are when Jack and Aliana take turns counting our βone-twoβ dredging process!
- Never overcrowd your frying pan β patience leads to perfection.
Common mistake: Opening the waffle maker too early can lead to torn waffles β wait for the steam to slow down.
Temperature and Timing
- Waffle iron: Heat until maximum temperature
- Oil temperature: 350°F for frying
- Chicken internal temperature: 165°F
- Keep finished chicken warm at 200°F in oven
- Waffle cooking time: 4-5 minutes until golden
Troubleshooting Guide
Common Issues
Problem: Soggy waffles Solution: Make sure iron is hot enough before starting Prevention: Let iron heat fully, donβt lift lid too early
Problem: Chicken coating falls off Solution: Pat chicken dry before dredging Prevention: Rest coated chicken 10 minutes before frying
Variations and Adaptations
Seasonal Options
Summer version: Add fresh herbs to the waffle batter Fall special: Pumpkin spice waffle variation Holiday twist: Add warming spices to the chicken coating
Dietary Modifications
Gluten-free: Use cup-for-cup flour blend Dairy-free: Substitute coconut milk for buttermilk Lower-fat: Bake chicken at 425°F for 22-25 minutes
Storage and Make-Ahead
- Waffle batter: Overnight in refrigerator
- Marinated chicken: Up to 24 hours
- Cooked chicken: 3 days refrigerated
- Frozen waffles: Up to 3 months
- Reheating: 350°F oven for best results
FAQ
Q: Can I make the components ahead? A: Yes! Waffles can be frozen and toasted, chicken best made fresh.
Q: How do I keep everything warm? A: Use oven at 200°F with wire rack setup.
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead? A: Yes, but slice them horizontally for even cooking.
Closing Thoughts
This recipe has truly become a cornerstone of our family traditions. Emily often joins us for these weekend brunches, adding her baking expertise to perfect our waffle technique. Seeing everyone gathered around the table, sharing stories while enjoying their perfectly crispy chicken and fluffy waffles β itβs these moments that make all the effort worthwhile.
Donβt forget to follow me on Pinterest @mealmia (https://pinterest.com/mealmia) for more family-friendly recipes and cooking adventures. Iβd love to see your chicken and waffles creations β tag me in your photos!
PrintThe Best Chicken and Waffles
Description
The ultimate comfort food combination that brings families together
Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating) | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken tenders
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Marinate chicken overnight in buttermilk mixture
- Prepare waffle batter, let rest 30 minutes
- Heat oil to 350°F
- Mix flour and seasonings for chicken coating
- Double-dredge chicken pieces
- Fry until golden brown and 165°F internal
- Make waffles according to iron instructions
- Serve immediately with maple syrup
Notes:
- Temperature control is crucial for both components
- Donβt skip the resting times
- Keep finished items warm in 200°F oven
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 680
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Healthy Fats: 32g