Crispy Chicken and Waffles

There’s so much pride that comes with cooking culture centered dishes. Growing up, my mom and dad made sure my siblings and I were surrounded by soulful dishes that represented and mirrored their Alabama and Tennessee roots. Recipes like red velvet cake, collard greens, baked mac and cheese, sweet potato pie, homemade biscuits and more, all with that soul food taste. SO when it comes to Chicken and Waffles I feel that same pride. It’s a down south recipe made famous by the Rosco’s and the LoLo’s of the world.

There are big debates on who actually invented chicken and waffles but all I know for sure is that now, it’s iconic!

Without jumping into the debate, you and I can still appreciate making a recipe like this because there are so many different versions and today, I’m sharing my version. Crispy, crunchy and with cinnamony?? waffles, haha! It’s quick and easy and definitely approved for weeknight meals! Meaning you can get it done pretty fast.

What Do You Eat With Chicken and Waffles?

The great thing about chicken and waffles is that is perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Here are some sides that goes great and you can serve alongside chicken and waffles!

• Grits or Cheese Grits
• Collard Greens
• Baked Mac and Cheese
• Oven Bacon
• Scrambled Eggs
• Potato Salad
• Cucumber Salad
• Rice and Beans

How to Make Crispy Chicken and Waffles

Making the Chicken

This chicken is CRISPY! Panko crumbs are the star of the show for this and give the entire dish texture and depth. Normally panko crumbs are used for fish recipes but I love to use them on chicken for the same reason. Plus it keeps the chicken nice and juicy.

Ingredients

• 18-20 boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, seasoned to taste
• 2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs
• 3-4 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup olive oil, and as needed
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) salted butter, and as needed

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°F
2. I like to cut out any tough white tendon of the chicken before I begin. It can be left in but I like to remove mine for a better bite.
3. If desired, you can make the chicken tenderloins flatter! Simply lay a piece of chicken in a sturdy zip-top plastic bag on a good work surface. Gently pound the chicken until it’s about 1/4 thick. Repeat. Lightly season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper either way.
4. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, season with salt and pepper. In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs and season with salt and pepper. In a third shallow dish, mix together panko and season with salt and pepper.
5. Working with one piece at a time, dip the chicken in the flour, then coat the chicken on both sides with the egg. Let the excess run off. Next cover both sides in the panko crumbs. Place the chicken on a large baking sheet or platter and repeat.
6. Line a large baking sheets parchment paper and a wire rack.
7. In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat until the oil is hot and the butter is melted. Place as many pieces of chicken in the pan as can fit without crowding. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-5 minutes per side.
8. Transfer the chicken to wire rack lined baking sheet. Continue with the remaining chicken, adding more oil and butter as necessary so that there’s plenty in the pan for each batch.
9. Place the chicken in the oven to keep warm.

Making Savory Cinnamon Waffles

I have a great homemade cinnamon waffle recipe that will go great with the recipe. But for now I’m going to give you a shortcut version using Krustez mix. Plus I heard they make the waffle mix for a lot of the most famous chicken and waffle spots in the country. So it’s a great place to start for me.

FULL RECIPE can be found below with print out!

Ingredients

• Pancake Mix
• Water
• Egg
• Vegetable Oil
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla

Mix all the ingredients in a mixing bowl making sure not to over mix. Heat up the waffle maker and spray it with vegetable oil spray. Pour the batter onto the waffle plates and cook per the directions for the waffle maker. Waffles should have a golden brown color.

Bringing It All Together

To assemble chicken and waffles traditionally you simply place a large waffle on a plate and top with 2-3 pieces of chicken. Then top with butter! After that use maple syrup to finish it off.

Fun Ways to Serve Chicken and Waffles

• Mini chicken and waffle sliders
• Chicken and Waffles Taco Style ( Stuff eggs and chicken in the waffle shell then top with hot sauce and dip in syrup)
• Chicken and Waffle Bites ( Cut the waffles into quarter pieces and serve a piece of chicken with each waffle piece. Keep together using toothpicks.)

Chicken and Waffles Around the World

These are the chicken and waffle recipes around the internet that caught my eye because they all represent different cultures! They all look so delicious and worth a look and try!

• Mexican Chicken and Waffles
• Amish Chicken and Waffles
• Italian Chicken and Waffles
• Korean Chicken and Waffles

I hope you end up loving this weeknight shortcut to chicken and waffles! Using chicken tenderloins is a great way to make them quick and get dinner on the table! Make sure you save any leftovers for the next day. Because like I said Chicken and Waffles is perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner!