If you’ve been searching for a chicken and waffles recipe that’s crispy, comforting, and beautifully balanced, this is the one to save. Combining golden, oven-baked chicken strips with fluffy almond-flour waffles, this dish delivers the perfect harmony of savory and sweet. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and special enough for a Sunday brunch with friends or family.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Waffles Recipe
This Quick and Lovely Crispy Chicken Waffles Delight is everything you want in comfort food — crispy, cheesy, fluffy, and filling. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Balanced Flavor: Savory baked chicken pairs perfectly with lightly cheesy waffles.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Uses almond flour instead of wheat flour, making it great for gluten-sensitive eaters.
- Simple Process: Minimal prep and common pantry ingredients.
- Family Favorite: Both kids and adults love it!
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with dairy-free or vegetarian swaps.
Every bite brings crunch, fluff, and joy — the trifecta of true comfort food.
Ingredients for Chicken and Waffles Recipe
For the Crispy Chicken
- Cooking spray
- 4 oz pork rinds (substitute with crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornflakes)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp water
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
For the Savory Waffles
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella for a milder flavor)
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped chives (for garnish)
- Butter for drizzling (optional)
Ingredient Notes & Healthy Swaps
- Pork Rinds Alternative: For a pork-free version, use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute cheddar and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with crispy baked cauliflower or tofu strips.
- Lower Sodium: Reduce added salt and use unsalted butter.
These adjustments keep the texture and flavor while making the dish inclusive for everyone.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2 – Create the Coating Mixture
Crush pork rinds into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin inside a zip-top bag. Combine them with freshly grated Parmesan in a shallow dish.
Step 3 – Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 egg, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, and 2 tbsp water. Season with salt and black pepper. This will serve as the binder for your chicken coating.
Step 4 – Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, let excess drip off, then roll it in the crumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick.
Step 5 – Bake the Chicken
Arrange coated chicken strips on the baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6 – Make the Waffle Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup cheddar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp baking powder
Season with salt and pepper, then whisk until smooth and slightly thick.
Step 7 – Cook the Waffles
Preheat your waffle iron and grease with cooking spray. Pour about ½ cup of batter into the machine and cook for 4–5 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
Step 8 – Assemble and Serve
Stack warm waffles on a plate, top with crispy chicken strips, and garnish with chopped chives. Drizzle with melted butter, honey, or maple syrup for a final touch.
Pro Tips for Success
- Let Chicken Rest Before Baking: Helps coating stick better.
- Preheat Waffle Iron Thoroughly: Ensures even crispness.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Adds a richer, nutty flavor.
- Check Chicken Temperature: Always reach 165°F for safety.
- Serve Immediately: Waffles taste best fresh from the iron.
- Freeze Extras Separately: Keeps texture crisp during reheating.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture.
- Herb-Infused Waffles: Mix rosemary or thyme into the batter.
- Sweet & Savory: Add 1 tbsp maple syrup to the batter for contrast.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut milk and vegan cheese.
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with seasoned tofu or crispy mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm maple syrup, honey butter, or lemon aioli.
- Add a side of fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
- Pair with iced tea or a refreshing lemon spritzer for balance.
- For brunch, serve family-style on a large board for a rustic look.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze chicken and waffles separately for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Warm in an oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes for best texture. Avoid microwaving to preserve crispiness.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 |
| Protein | 45g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fat | 36g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Cholesterol | 220mg |
FAQ About Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the chicken strips in advance and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, reheat in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes until crispy again.
Can I substitute almond flour?
Definitely. Use coconut flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just adjust the milk slightly since different flours absorb liquid differently.
How do I prevent soggy waffles?
Ensure your waffle iron is fully preheated, and avoid stacking hot waffles immediately — place them on a cooling rack instead.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Replace milk and sour cream with coconut milk and dairy-free yogurt or cheese.
Is this recipe healthy?
It’s naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and baked (not fried). Using almond flour and baked chicken keeps it lighter without losing flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Lovely Crispy Chicken Waffles Delight brings restaurant-quality comfort food right to your kitchen. The golden crisp chicken, fluffy almond flour waffles, and cheesy aroma create a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Whether it’s brunch, dinner, or a cozy weekend treat, this chicken and waffles recipe is one your family will crave again and again.
Print
Quick and Lovely Crispy Chicken Waffles Delight
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy chicken and fluffy almond flour waffles come together for a quick and lovely comfort meal perfect for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Cooking spray
4 oz pork rinds (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp water
Salt & pepper
1 lb boneless chicken breasts
4 eggs
2 cups almond flour
1 cup shredded cheddar
1 cup milk
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp baking powder
Chopped chives
Butter (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet.
2. Crush pork rinds and mix with Parmesan.
3. Whisk egg, mayo, and water with salt and pepper.
4. Dip chicken strips in egg mix, then coat with crumbs.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked.
6. Mix waffle batter with almond flour, cheddar, milk, sour cream, eggs, and baking powder.
7. Cook waffles 4–5 minutes until golden.
8. Stack waffles, top with chicken, garnish with chives, and drizzle butter or syrup.
Notes
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a pork-free version.
Make dairy-free by using coconut milk and vegan cheese.
Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
Store waffles and chicken separately for best reheating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking and Waffle-making
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
