Crispy Chicken Waffles Plate

This crispy chicken and waffles recipe brings together two irresistible elements savory oven-baked chicken with a crunchy coating and tender cheesy waffles for a comforting dish that always gets applause at brunch. Every bite gives you that classic sweet and savory richness but with a fun twist on the traditional style. It is a crowd-pleaser whether you want to impress guests or just treat your family to something special.

Every time I have served this for friends they immediately ask for the recipe and leftovers never seem to last more than a few hours at my house

Ingredients

• Pork rinds finely crushed: provide crunch and help create that extra crispy chicken coating look for fresh bags for best texture
• Freshly grated Parmesan: brings a nutty salty depth to the breading buy a whole chunk
• Egg: binds breading and adds rich moisture choose pasture raised if possible
• Mayonnaise: keeps the chicken juicy during baking full fat works best
• Water: helps loosen the dredge for even coverage filtered water is always good
• Kosher salt and black pepper: season the chicken and the waffles use fresh cracked pepper for best flavor
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: are easy to slice and bake look for plump firm fillets
• Almond flour: replaces traditional flour in the waffles and keeps them tender fine almond meal is best
• Shredded cheddar: melts into the batter for rich flavor buy a fresh block and shred yourself
• Milk: adds lightness to the batter whole milk preferred for creamy result
• Sour cream: makes the waffles especially moist and tender use full fat for best taste
• Baking powder: provides lift so the waffles rise check the date for freshness
• Chives: add a fresh herbal finish snip right before serving
• Butter (optional): for serving a pat of real butter on warm waffles takes things over the top
• Cooking spray: helps prevent sticking use a neutral flavored spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare and Preheat:

Preheat oven to four hundred twenty five degrees Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray generously with cooking spray This ensures the chicken will not stick as it bakes and gives a crisp base

Grind the Pork Rinds:

Place pork rinds in a food processor and pulse until they are fine crumbs Transfer these to a shallow dish and stir in the grated Parmesan breaking up any clumps This will be your breading station

Mix the Egg Coating:

In a medium bowl whisk together the egg mayonnaise and water until smooth Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper This is the wet part that clings to each chicken strip

Coat the Chicken:

Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture allowing any extra to drip off Then dredge it in the pork rind and Parmesan mixture pressing so the coating sticks completely Line them up on your baking sheet

Bake the Chicken:

Place the chicken strips in the oven and bake until the coating is deep golden and the inside reaches one hundred sixty five degrees This usually takes around twenty five to thirty minutes Let them rest briefly so the juices settle

Make the Waffle Batter:

While the chicken cooks preheat your waffle iron In a large bowl whisk the eggs by themselves first to get them fluffy Add almond flour shredded cheddar milk sour cream baking powder kosher salt and black pepper Whisk just until smooth so you do not overmix

Cook the Waffles:

Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray Add about half a cup of batter to the iron and close according to manufacturer instructions Cook until the waffle is golden with crisp edges usually four to five minutes Keep finished waffles warm on a rack

Serve and Garnish:

When everything is ready set out the hot waffles and top with crispy chicken Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over everything and add a pat of butter if desired Serve right away for the absolute best texture

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The pork rind coating gives an incredible crunch and the waffles always remind me of my grandmother who loved making breakfast feasts when we visited I love how the cheese melts into the waffles and pulls everything together

Storage Tips

Chicken strips can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days For best results reheat them in the oven or a toaster oven to bring back the crispness Waffles can be refrigerated for three days or frozen for a month Pop them back into the waffle iron or toaster to refresh

Ingredient Substitutions

No pork rinds Try gluten free breadcrumbs or finely crushed cornflakes Dairy free Swap cheddar for a vegan cheese and use unsweetened almond milk Mayonnaise can be replaced by Greek yogurt in a pinch and the chicken can easily be swapped for turkey cutlets if needed

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish hot with a drizzle of maple syrup or hot honey for a sweet heat kick A fresh fruit salad or sautéed greens makes a colorful side For brunch set up a toppings bar with sliced chives whipped honey and different butters

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Cultural and Historical Context

Chicken and waffles is a celebrated soul food classic blending Southern fried chicken with the sweet and fluffy breakfast staple The tradition dates back to the late nineteenth century in the United States where these comforting contrasts became popular in Harlem jazz clubs and beyond This low carb version pays tribute to the classic while suiting modern tastes

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I get the chicken extra crispy?

Pulsing pork rinds into fine crumbs and pressing the coating onto the chicken helps create a crisp, golden crust when baked.

→ Can I make the waffles ahead of time?

Yes, waffles can be made ahead and reheated in a toaster or oven for best texture and warmth.

→ What kind of cheese works best in the waffles?

Shredded cheddar provides a sharp, melty flavor, but other cheeses like Monterey Jack can be substituted for variety.

→ Is there a substitute for almond flour?

For a different texture, try coconut flour or standard all-purpose flour, adjusting liquid amounts as needed.

→ How do I serve this dish?

Serve chicken atop warm waffles with a drizzle of butter or a sprinkle of chives for a flavorful finish.