There is nothing quite like the comforting combination of crispy, savory chicken paired with golden, fluffy waffles to brighten up any meal. This Crispy Chicken Waffles Delight Recipe takes that classic duo to a whole new level by using a crunchy pork rind and Parmesan coating on the chicken, paired with cheesy, tender almond flour waffles that are rich and flavorful. Each bite offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have you craving this dish again and again. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to bring a smile to your table with its satisfying make-ahead ease and irresistible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is key to bringing out the best in this Crispy Chicken Waffles Delight Recipe. From the nutty crunch of pork rinds to the cheesy goodness of Parmesan and cheddar, every item adds something unique — whether it’s flavor, texture, or richness.
- Cooking spray: For greasing surfaces so your chicken and waffles don’t stick.
- 4 oz pork rinds: Ground up for a crispy, gluten-free coating on the chicken.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan: Adds a salty, savory depth to the chicken crust.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the chicken’s coating for extra crunch.
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise: Moisturizes the chicken and amps up flavor.
- 2 Tbsp water: Lightens the coating mixture so it clings perfectly.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Gives a mild heat and balances richness.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips: The star protein, tender and juicy inside.
- 4 large eggs: The base for the waffle batter, adding structure and fluff.
- 2 cups almond flour: Keeps waffles light and nutty, perfect for a gluten-free option.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar: Melts into the waffles for cheesy, melty bites.
- 1 cup milk: Creates a smooth batter for those tender waffles.
- 1 cup sour cream: Boosts moisture and tang in the waffle batter.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the waffles rise and become fluffy.
- 2 Tbsp freshly chopped chives (for garnish): Adds a fresh, oniony pop to finish the dish.
- Butter (optional): For an indulgent finish on your waffles.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Waffles Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by heating your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and generously coat it with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures your chicken crisps up beautifully in the oven. Having this ready sets the stage for perfectly cooked crispy chicken strips.
Step 2: Create the Pork Rind and Parmesan Coating
Pop the pork rinds into a food processor and pulse until you get fine crumbs. This crunchy base is what gives your chicken a knockout crispiness without the usual breading. Transfer the crumbs into a shallow dish and mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This combination packs in flavor and texture that’s truly irresistible.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Coating Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together one large egg, mayonnaise, and water until smooth. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This mixture acts as the glue, ensuring the chicken strips get fully coated and that flavorful crust sticks perfectly during baking.
Step 4: Coat and Arrange the Chicken
Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Next, dredge the strips in the pork rind and Parmesan coating, pressing gently so the mixture clings well. Place the coated chicken on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer, giving each piece space to crisp up properly.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Pop the chicken into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, until the crust turns a gorgeous golden color. This step cooks the chicken through while locking in juicy tenderness, all wrapped in that addictive, crunchy coating.
Step 6: Mix the Waffle Batter
While the chicken bakes, preheat your waffle iron. In a large bowl, whisk the four eggs first, then stir in almond flour, shredded cheddar, milk, sour cream, and baking powder. Season with salt and pepper. This batter is rich, cheesy, and tender—the perfect waffle companion for your crispy chicken.
Step 7: Cook the Waffles
Grease your waffle iron with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, pour about half a cup of batter into the waffle iron and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter to create a stack of warm, cheesy waffles ready to impress.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Plate your crispy chicken tenders alongside the waffles, and sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the top for an herbal burst of flavor and color. Add a pat of butter on the waffles if desired for an extra indulgent touch. You’ve just created a meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Waffles Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chives add a bright, slightly onion-like note that cuts through the richness of chicken and waffles. You can also experiment with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of sour cream to complement the salty-savory flavors. Each garnish turns this dish into a delightful experience for your taste buds.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing your Crispy Chicken Waffles Delight Recipe with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. The freshness of these sides balances the indulgence of the main dish beautifully, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken skewered atop mini waffles as finger foods for brunch or a party. Layer the waffles and chicken in a stack with alternating layers of chive sour cream sauce to elevate presentation. Playing with plating can make this recipe the star of any gathering or family night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover chicken tenders and waffles in airtight containers. Store them separately in the refrigerator to keep the chicken coating crispier and the waffles fluffy. They should remain fresh for up to 3 days, making meal planning a breeze.
Freezing
You can freeze both chicken strips and waffles by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in freezer bags. This recipe freezes well for up to one month. Frozen portions reheat quickly and still retain much of their original texture and flavor—a lifesaver on busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, place chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until crisp. For waffles, rewarm in a toaster or oven until heated through and lightly crisp. Avoid microwaving to protect that delightful crunch and texture this recipe is known for.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour for the waffles?
Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour if you don’t have almond flour on hand. Just note that the waffles may be less nutty and slightly denser, but they will still come out deliciously cheesy and tender.
Is pork rind coating allergen-friendly?
Pork rinds are naturally gluten-free and a great alternative to breadcrumbs, but they are not suitable if you avoid pork or follow vegetarian diets. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Can I prepare the batter and coating ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the waffle batter and prepare the pork rind-Parmesan coating up to a day in advance. Keep the batter refrigerated and the coating covered to maintain freshness, making your cooking process quicker the next day.
What’s the best way to keep chicken extra crispy after baking?
Allow the chicken to rest on a wire rack after baking instead of a plate. This keeps air circulating around the chicken and prevents steam from softening the crust, maintaining that perfect crispiness everyone loves.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, consider replacing Parmesan and cheddar with dairy-free cheese alternatives, and swap sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt or cream. Keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor but can still produce tasty results.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chicken Waffles Delight Recipe truly brings comfort food to a whole new, exciting level. From the crunchy, flavorful chicken to the cheesy, tender waffles, every component harmonizes for a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect any time of day. I encourage you to make this recipe your own, share it with loved ones, and savor every scrumptious bite!
Print
Crispy Chicken Waffles Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy Chicken Waffles Delight combines perfectly seasoned, oven-baked pork rind-crusted chicken tenders with fluffy, cheesy almond flour waffles. This gluten-free, savory breakfast or brunch dish is richly flavored with Parmesan and cheddar cheeses and garnished with fresh chives for a delightful taste and texture contrast.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Cooking spray
- 4 oz pork rinds
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 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
For the Waffles
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray
For Garnish
- 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.
- 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 to combine thoroughly.
- Prepare Egg Wash for Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together one large egg, mayonnaise, and water. Season this mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then, dredge the chicken strips thoroughly in the pork rind and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well. Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the coated chicken strips in the preheated oven until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Prepare Waffle Batter: While the chicken bakes, preheat your waffle iron. In a large bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs first, then add the almond flour, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, and baking powder. Mix until smooth and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook the Waffles: Spray the waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour about ½ cup of batter onto the waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, about 4 to 5 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Repeat this process with the remaining batter.
- Serve: Plate the crispy pork rind-crusted chicken tenders alongside the cheesy almond flour waffles. Garnish with freshly chopped chives and add butter on the waffles if desired for extra richness. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using pork rinds instead of traditional bread crumbs makes this dish gluten-free and adds extra crunch.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are of even size for uniform baking.
- Waffle batter can be adjusted for consistency; if too thick, add a splash more milk.
- Butter is optional on waffles but enhances flavor and moisture.
- Chives add a fresh, mild onion flavor perfect for garnishing.
