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This quick and easy chicken and waffles recipe brings together crispy chicken tenders and hearty cornbread waffles, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup or powdered sugar. This sweet and savory dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. It combines Southern comfort food with a delicious balance of flavors and textures!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 (25-ounce) package frozen crispy chicken strips (such as Tyson)
For the Cornbread Waffles:
1 ½ cups yellow cornmeal
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups whole buttermilk, well-shaken
1 egg
¼ cup salted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Optional for serving: butter, maple syrup, honey, or powdered sugar

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Bake the frozen chicken tenders according to the package instructions.
Make the Waffles:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
Cook the Waffles: Cook the waffle batter in a lightly oiled waffle iron for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve: Top each waffle with a piece (or two) of chicken. Garnish with butter, maple syrup, honey, or powdered sugar as desired.

Nutrients

Serving: 1/5 of the recipe (1 waffle and chicken)
Calories: 640 kcal
Carbohydrates: 66.5g
Protein: 32.6g
Fat: 27.6g
Saturated Fat: 9.5g
Cholesterol: 107mg
Sodium: 1274mg
Potassium: 436mg
Fiber: 4.8g
Sugar: 7.7g
Calcium: 215mg
Iron: 2mg

The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory

What makes chicken and waffles such a beloved dish is the balance between its sweet and savory components. The savory flavor of the crispy chicken tenders pairs beautifully with the slightly sweet, buttery cornbread waffles. The contrast between the crispiness of the chicken and the fluffiness of the waffles creates an exciting mouthfeel that makes each bite even more enjoyable.

The waffles, made with yellow cornmeal, bring a deliciously hearty texture and flavor that makes them stand out from regular waffles. The addition of sugar and baking powder ensures that the waffles rise well and get golden and crisp on the outside, while still being soft and tender on the inside. The buttermilk in the batter adds a slight tanginess, which enhances the overall flavor of the waffles, complementing the savory chicken.

The dish is traditionally served with a generous pour of maple syrup, which adds sweetness and moisture, tying the whole dish together. However, for those who prefer a slightly different twist, honey or powdered sugar can be used as alternatives. The syrup can be drizzled over both the waffles and chicken, allowing the flavors to meld together, creating an indulgent treat for breakfast or brunch.

Convenience with Frozen Chicken Tenders

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is the use of frozen crispy chicken tenders, which significantly cuts down on preparation time. Instead of making fried chicken from scratch, you can rely on high-quality pre-cooked chicken tenders that bake up crispy in just minutes. This step simplifies the process, making the dish accessible even on busy days when you don’t have the time to fry chicken.

Brands like Tyson offer a range of frozen chicken strips that are easy to bake, and they provide the perfect texture to pair with waffles. The tenders are already seasoned and crispy, so they just need to be heated according to package instructions. This makes the recipe not only faster but also more convenient, ensuring that you can serve a delicious meal with minimal effort.

The combination of the pre-cooked chicken with freshly made cornbread waffles makes this recipe ideal for busy families, as it takes the guesswork out of cooking dinner and provides a delicious, satisfying meal in no time.

How to Make the Cornbread Waffles

The homemade cornbread waffles are the star of this dish, offering a comforting and flavorful base for the crispy chicken. The waffles are easy to prepare, with the cornmeal providing a slight texture and richness that’s different from traditional waffles made with just flour. The cornmeal also adds a subtle sweetness to the waffles, enhancing their flavor and making them an ideal complement to the savory chicken.

To make the waffles, the dry ingredients—cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt—are combined in one bowl. In another bowl, the wet ingredients—buttermilk, egg, and melted butter—are whisked together. The wet ingredients are then added to the dry ingredients, and the batter is mixed until just combined. It’s important not to overmix the batter, as this can make the waffles dense instead of light and fluffy.

Cooking the waffles is simple, and you can use any standard waffle iron. Lightly oil the iron to prevent sticking, and cook the waffles for 3-5 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside. The waffles should have a crisp, golden crust while maintaining a soft, fluffy interior.

The Versatility of Chicken and Waffles

While chicken and waffles is often associated with Southern cuisine, it has grown in popularity and can now be enjoyed in various ways to suit personal preferences. The combination of flavors and textures allows for numerous variations of the dish, and it’s a great option for customization.

For instance, you can add extra seasonings to the waffles to elevate their flavor. A pinch of cayenne pepper or garlic powder can add a subtle kick to the waffles, balancing the sweetness of the syrup. You can also experiment with different types of chicken, such as spicy chicken tenders or grilled chicken, to change the flavor profile.

Chicken and waffles can also be served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. If you’re hosting a brunch or family gathering, you could offer a mini version of the dish, using smaller waffles and bite-sized pieces of chicken. For a heartier meal, consider adding a side of gravy, coleslaw, or even fried okra to enhance the Southern theme and provide more variety.

Perfect for Breakfast, Brunch, or Dinner

The beauty of chicken and waffles is its versatility in terms of when it can be served. Traditionally enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or brunch dish, it works equally well for lunch or dinner. The sweetness of the waffles and the savory chicken make it a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

This dish is also ideal for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself or your loved ones to something extra special. It’s a great option for weekend brunches or even holiday breakfasts, offering something a little more indulgent than the usual morning fare.

A Balanced Meal in One Dish

While chicken and waffles may seem indulgent, it can also be a balanced meal that offers protein, carbohydrates, and even fiber. The chicken tenders provide a substantial amount of protein, while the cornbread waffles offer a good source of carbs and some fiber. Depending on the toppings you choose, you can also add vitamins and minerals, such as calcium from the buttermilk or additional nutrients if you add fresh fruit or nuts as garnish.

Additionally, the versatility of this dish means that it can be easily adjusted to suit dietary preferences. For example, you could opt for gluten-free cornbread waffles if you or your guests are gluten-sensitive, or air-fry the chicken tenders to reduce the amount of oil used. These small adjustments can help make the dish healthier while still preserving the delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this quick and easy chicken and waffles recipe is a perfect meal for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and savory flavors. It brings together crispy chicken tenders and fluffy cornbread waffles, topped with your choice of syrup, honey, or powdered sugar, to create a delicious dish that’s ideal for any meal of the day. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is a time-saver without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, chicken and waffles offers a comforting, flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. So, next time you’re craving something indulgent yet quick, this dish will be the perfect choice!

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