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I love cooking Chicken and Waffles. This dish blends savory and sweet. It's perfect for dinner or brunch. Plus, it’s easy to make and fun to eat. Here’s what you need for this delicious meal: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice) - 2 large eggs - 1 cup cornmeal - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1¼ cups milk - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted - Maple syrup, for serving - Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries), for garnish You can change things up to fit your taste. Here are some fun add-ins: - Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for flavor. - Use whole wheat flour for a healthier waffle. - Try different spices like cumin or chili powder for a kick. - Swap maple syrup for honey or fruit compote. Feel free to mix and match! Start by marinating the chicken. In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk, ½ teaspoon paprika, and a pinch of salt. This mix helps the chicken stay juicy and adds flavor. Add the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully soaked. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is key for tender chicken. Next, prepare the coating. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, remaining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if you want heat. In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. This egg wash helps the flour stick to the chicken. Now, it's time to fry the chicken. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot but not smoking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Dip each piece into the egg wash, then coat it with the flour mix. Fry the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. Make sure the inside reaches 165°F for safety. Place the fried chicken on paper towels to catch extra oil. While the chicken fries, make the waffles. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, mix milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently. Do not overmix; this keeps the waffles light and fluffy. Preheat your waffle iron according to the instructions. Lightly spray it with cooking spray. Pour the batter into the waffle iron and close it. Cook until the waffles are golden and crisp, usually 3-5 minutes. Repeat until you finish all the batter. To assemble, place a waffle on a plate. Top it with a piece of crispy fried chicken. Drizzle warm maple syrup over the top. Garnish with fresh berries for color and flavor. This adds a beautiful touch and makes it even more tempting. Enjoy your delicious Chicken and Waffles! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. - Use fresh chicken for the best flavor. - Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This makes it juicy. - Make sure your oil is hot enough. Test it with a drop of batter. - Fry in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the heat steady. - Let the chicken rest on paper towels. This helps it stay crispy. - Use a preheated waffle iron for even cooking. - Don’t overmix your batter. This keeps the waffles light and fluffy. - Use a cooking spray to prevent sticking. - Adjust cooking time based on your waffle iron. Each one is different. - Keep cooked waffles warm in the oven at low heat while frying chicken. - Stack the chicken on top of the waffle for height. - Drizzle warm maple syrup over the stack for a shiny finish. - Scatter fresh berries around the plate for a pop of color. - Add a sprig of mint on top for a fresh touch. - Serve on a colorful plate to make the dish stand out. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to make this classic dish! {{image_4}} To spice things up, add cayenne pepper to the chicken. This gives the dish a kick. You can also mix hot sauce into the buttermilk for a fiery flavor. For the waffles, try adding a pinch of chili powder to the batter. This will enhance the spice level. Serve with a drizzle of spicy maple syrup for a zesty twist. For a sweeter version, use honey or maple syrup in the waffle batter. You can also add cinnamon or vanilla to the mix. This makes the waffles taste like dessert. Top the fried chicken with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You can even add fresh fruit like bananas or peaches for extra sweetness. If you prefer savory waffles, swap out some flour for cornmeal. You can also add shredded cheese or herbs like chives to the batter. These additions give the waffles a rich, savory flavor. Serve with a side of gravy instead of syrup for a hearty meal. This makes the dish filling and satisfying. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for Chicken and Waffles! After enjoying your chicken and waffles, you may have some left. To keep your meal fresh, store leftovers in airtight containers. Place the chicken and waffles in separate containers to maintain texture. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cool them completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup. When it's time to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is key. For chicken, use an oven to keep it crispy. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. For waffles, a toaster works well. Toast them for a few minutes until they are warm and crisp again. You can also use a microwave, but be aware that it may make them softer. Want to save chicken and waffles for later? Freezing is a great option. Wrap each chicken piece in plastic wrap and then in foil. Store waffles in a single layer in a freezer bag. This helps prevent sticking. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat frozen items, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then use the reheating tips mentioned above for the best results. The history of Chicken and Waffles blends culture and cuisine. This dish likely began in the 1600s in Europe. It gained popularity in the United States in the 1930s. Many believe it started in Harlem, New York, at a restaurant called Wells Supper Club. The mix of sweet and savory flavors made it a hit. Today, it remains a beloved comfort food across the country. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thawing allows the chicken to marinate well in the buttermilk. This step helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight for best results. Avoid using hot water, as this can change the texture. Many sauces can enhance your Chicken and Waffles. Here are some great options: - Maple syrup: Classic choice for sweetness. - Honey: Adds a rich, floral taste. - Hot sauce: For a spicy kick. - BBQ sauce: Gives a smoky flavor. - Sriracha: Adds heat with a hint of garlic. Choose your favorite, or mix and match for fun! To make gluten-free Chicken and Waffles, swap out regular flour for gluten-free flour. Use a blend designed for baking. For the waffles, check the cornmeal; most brands are gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the chicken coating. This way, you can enjoy this dish without gluten. This blog covered the key elements of making chicken and waffles. We explored essential ingredients, detailed cooking steps, and tips for great results. I shared ideas for variations to suit your taste and how to store leftovers for later. In the end, chicken and waffles is a fun dish to make. Customize it, enjoy your creation, and share it with friends. Happy cooking!

66. Chicken and Waffles

Savor the deliciousness of heavenly chicken and waffles with this easy recipe! Juicy fried chicken sits atop fluffy waffles, drizzled with warm maple syrup and adorned with fresh berries. Perfect for brunch or a special treat, this dish brings the ultimate comfort to your table. Ready to impress family and friends? Click through to explore the full recipe and make this mouthwatering meal today!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

2 large eggs

1 cup cornmeal

1 teaspoon baking powder

1¼ cups milk

1 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Maple syrup, for serving

Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries), for garnish

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, ½ teaspoon paprika, and a pinch of salt until combined. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.

    Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, remaining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are smooth and well blended.

      Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. First, dip each piece into the egg mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated, then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating adheres.

        Fry the Chicken: In a deep frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the oil, frying for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and thoroughly cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Once done, transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

          Make the Waffles: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt until evenly mixed. In another bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.

            Cook the Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions and lightly coat it with cooking spray. Pour an appropriate amount of batter into the waffle iron, close it, and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp, typically around 3-5 minutes. Repeat until all the batter is used.

              Assemble the Dish: Place a freshly cooked waffle on a serving plate and top with a piece of the crispy fried chicken. Drizzle generously with warm maple syrup for an indulgent touch. Garnish with a handful of fresh berries around the plate for a vibrant and fresh contrast.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 1 hour | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Create a striking presentation by stacking the chicken atop the waffle for a tower effect. Lacquer the dish with warm syrup and scatter fresh berries artfully around the plate. For an extra dash of elegance, add a sprig of mint on top for a burst of freshness and color!