If you’ve been craving a dish that combines irresistible crunch with comforting warmth, this Crispy Chicken Waffles Delight Recipe is going to be your new go-to! Imagine golden-baked chicken strips coated in a savory pork rind and Parmesan crust paired perfectly with tender, cheesy almond flour waffles. Each bite is an explosion of crispy, creamy, and cheesy goodness that’s both satisfying and surprisingly light. Whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner, this recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both indulgent and wholesome, making it a true crowd-pleaser everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but fabulously important because each one plays a unique role in creating the textures and flavors that make this recipe spectacular. From the pork rinds adding an unexpected crispy crust to the almond flour waffles that bring a tender, cheesy balance — every component matters.
- Cooking spray: Ensures nothing sticks and helps achieve that perfect golden finish on chicken and waffles.
- 4 oz pork rinds: Ground into crumbs, they create a delightfully crunchy coating that’s gluten-free and flavorful.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty punch to the chicken crust.
- 1 large egg: Binds the coating ingredients to the chicken pieces perfectly.
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise: Keeps the chicken juicy and tender inside the crispy crust.
- 2 Tbsp water: Lightens the egg mixture for easier coating.
- Kosher salt: Enhances every element’s natural flavor.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Gives a subtle heat and depth.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips: The star protein of this dish, tender and ready to crisp up.
- 4 large eggs: The base for the waffle batter, making it rich and fluffy.
- 2 cups almond flour: Provides a light, slightly nutty texture to the waffles.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar: Melts into the waffles for a cheesy, comforting bite.
- 1 cup milk: Adds moisture and richness to the waffle mix.
- 1 cup sour cream: Keeps waffles tender and adds a subtle tang.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Gives the waffles their light, fluffy lift.
- 2 Tbsp freshly chopped chives, for garnish: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color.
- Butter (optional): For finishing the waffles with extra richness and shine.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Waffles Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and giving it a generous spritz of cooking spray. This sets the stage for perfectly crisp chicken without any sticking worries.
Step 2: Create the Crunchy Coating
Pop the pork rinds into a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs that almost resemble coarse breadcrumbs. Transfer these to a shallow dish and mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture is what will make your chicken so irresistibly crunchy and full of flavor.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Wet Mix for Coating
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, and water. Season this blend well with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This mixture helps the pork rind and Parmesan coating cling beautifully to the chicken pieces while keeping them moist.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Strips
Take each chicken strip, dip it into the egg and mayonnaise mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then press the piece firmly into the pork rind and Parmesan crust. Arrange the coated strips evenly on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded so they crisp nicely.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Place the chicken strips in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until they develop a deep golden color and the coating becomes crisp and firm. This slow bake ensures your chicken remains juicy inside while boasting that glorious crunch outside.
Step 6: Mix the Waffle Batter to Perfection
While your chicken bakes, preheat your waffle iron. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs first, then gradually add almond flour, shredded cheddar, milk, sour cream, and baking powder. Season this batter with salt and pepper to taste. This batter is thick and packed with cheesy, tangy goodness — quite a treat on its own!
Step 7: Cook the Cheesy Almond Flour Waffles
Spray the waffle iron with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour about half a cup of batter into the iron and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions, usually about 4 to 5 minutes, until golden and slightly crispy on the edges. Repeat until all the batter is used. The waffles turn out fluffy with melty pockets of cheddar in every bite.
Step 8: Plate and Garnish the Crispy Chicken Waffles Delight Recipe
Now for the best part: serve your crispy chicken strips alongside the warm, cheesy waffles. Top with freshly chopped chives and, if you like, a pat of butter melting on the waffles for that extra indulgence. This dish is lifesaving comfort food that’s sure to warm hearts and fill tummies.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Waffles Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped chives not only brighten up the plate with their gorgeous green color but also add a subtle onion-like freshness that balances the richness of the chicken and waffles. A small dab of butter melting on top of the waffles adds a luscious shine and richness that takes this dish from great to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing with a light, crisp salad dressed in citrus vinaigrette or a simple slaw to add a refreshing crunch and contrast. If you want to go classic, creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables make a comforting side that complements the hearty chicken and waffles without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting brunch or special occasion, stack a crispy chicken strip atop a waffle square, drizzle with a little honey or hot sauce for a sweet and spicy punch, and serve on a rustic wooden board with mini ramekins of syrup, mustard, and aioli for dipping. It’s playful, elegant, and perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover chicken strips and waffles in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay crispy for a day or two, especially if you cool it completely before storing. Waffles reheat better without becoming soggy if kept separate from moist toppings or sauces.
Freezing
Both chicken and waffles freeze well if laid out on a baking sheet individually until firm, then transferred to freezer bags to prevent sticking. This method preserves their shapes and textures, so you can enjoy a quick, delicious meal later without any hassle.
Reheating
For the best results when reheating, pop chicken strips in a 375-degree oven for about 10 minutes to restore that crisp exterior. Reheat waffles on a toaster or in a hot skillet to keep them just as delightful as when freshly cooked. Microwaving can work in a pinch but may lead to sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of pork rinds?
Absolutely! While pork rinds give a unique crunch and are gluten-free, regular breadcrumbs work well too, especially if you want a milder flavor or prefer a pantry staple.
Is almond flour necessary for the waffles?
Almond flour gives the waffles a light, nutty taste and a tender crumb, but you can substitute with regular flour if you don’t have it on hand, keeping in mind the texture will be a bit different.
Can I make the waffles dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the milk with your favorite plant-based milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to keep the waffles creamy but dairy-free.
How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
Make sure the chicken pieces aren’t touching on the baking sheet and don’t overcrowd them. Also, pressing the coating firmly onto each strip and baking at 425 degrees ensures great crispiness.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! The chicken and waffles keep well refrigerated or frozen, making them ideal for preparing ahead and enjoying quick, homemade meals throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chicken Waffles Delight Recipe perfectly blends comfort and crunch, cheesy warmth, and fresh flavors into a dish that feels both down-home familiar and delightfully fresh. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving weekend brunch or an easy dinner. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite way to enjoy chicken and waffles!
Print
Crispy Chicken Waffles Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy Chicken Waffles Delight is a flavorful and satisfying dish that pairs crunchy pork rind and Parmesan-crusted chicken tenders with cheesy almond flour waffles. Baked to golden perfection and paired with a rich, savory waffle batter, this recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic comfort meal, perfect for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- Cooking spray
- 4 oz pork rinds
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 large egg
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp water
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Waffles
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray
Garnish and Serving
- 2 Tbsp freshly chopped chives
- Butter (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and generously grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Make Pork Rind Coating: Place the pork rinds into a food processor and pulse until they become fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow dish and mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture will form the flavorful crust for the chicken.
- Prepare Egg Wash for Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together one large egg, mayonnaise, and water until smooth. Season this mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste for extra flavor.
- Coat Chicken Strips: Dip each chicken strip into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat the chicken thoroughly in the pork rind and Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to make sure it adheres well. Arrange the coated strips on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the coated chicken strips in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare Waffle Batter: While the chicken bakes, preheat your waffle iron. In a large bowl, whisk the four large eggs first. Then add and combine almond flour, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, and baking powder. Season the batter with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste.
- Cook Waffles: Grease the waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour approximately 1/2 cup of batter into the waffle iron, cooking according to the manufacturer’s instructions, generally for about 4 to 5 minutes, until waffles are golden and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the crispy chicken tenders alongside the cheesy waffles. Garnish with freshly chopped chives and add butter on top if desired for extra richness. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Ensure chicken strips are cut evenly to cook thoroughly and evenly.
- Use fresh pork rinds for best texture in the coating.
- The waffles can be kept warm in a low oven (around 200°F) if preparing in advance.
- Optional butter garnish can add richness but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- Almond flour gives the waffles a gluten-free base but is denser than traditional flour.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference, especially the salt and pepper in both the chicken coating and waffle batter.
