For those of you who are new here, welcome to our Southern themed dinner party! We recently held a 8 course dinner party for 8 of our closest friends. Yep, 8 courses for 10 people! This may be the recipe that I have been the most excited about sharing with you! When we first decided on a Southern theme for our dinner party, I was willing to build the entire meal around this one course. There is just something so perfect about this combination of sweet, salty, spicy, and decadent! Chicken and Waffles is one of the most versatile recipes I have ever made, and it turns out it’s perfect for almost any occasion! Read more find to see how easy it is! 
I first ate Chicken and Waffles after moving to Houston, Texas. Common on menus all across the south, I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this one. I mean, really, I liked chicken. I loved waffles. But together? Sounded super sketchy.
I. WAS. WRONG.
Chicken and waffles was quickly my new favorite special occasion meal. And I’m a pro at finding a special occasion. Somedays getting out of bed in the morning is a special occasion. I know you’re with me here.
Most of the places that I have had chicken and waffles, the chicken was fried. I wanted to develop a version utitilizing a baked chicken without losing the flavor or textures. This one works. Really works. But don’t take my word for it, try it for yourself!
Some places do Chicken and Waffles with a more gravy type sauce. I prefer the lighter simplicity of a drizzle of syrup (preferably Whiskey Syrup) and some sliced strawberries. If you haven’t tried this yet, you should. Even if it means I have to make it for you!
PS: Every time I ask my kids what meal they want me to make they invariably say “chicken and waffles” first. And that my friends, is a win.
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You can use any kind of homemade waffles. I prefer the cornbread variety (like this one from Smitten Kitchen). If you like something lighter or less savory, any buttermilk waffle recipe would do (like this one from Sally’s Baking Addiction)!
Looking for a fun syrup recipe to use with your Chicken and Waffles? Try this Maple Whisky Syrup from Dishing up the Dirt, this is the one we used!
A Moveable Feast: Chicken and Waffles
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts cut into 3 strips each or 12 chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup butter divided
- 1 cup flour
- ¼ cup fine cornmeal
- 1 Tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika may sub. regular
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup hot sauce I use Cholula's Chile Garlic sauce
- 2 cup panko crumbs
- 6 homemade waffles see links to recipes in blog post or use your own!
- Syrup See link to Whiskey Syrup recipe in blog post for an extra special syrup
- Sliced strawberries finely chopped basil for garnish
Instructions
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Put chicken in a large bowl and cover with buttermilk.
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Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit 8 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
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When ready to make the chicken, preheat oven to 400ºF.
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Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Place ¼ cup of butter on each pan.
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Place in oven and allow the butter to melt (watch carefully to ensure it does not burn).
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Once the butter is melted (approximately 2 minutes), remove the pans from the oven.
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In a gallon sized plastic bag, mix flour, cornmeal, salt, garlic powder, pepper, smoked paprika and onion powder and combine well.
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Add the chicken to the bag and shake until all of the chicken is coated with flour mixture.
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Break the eggs into a shallow bowl with the hot sauce. Break the yolks with a fork and mix well.
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Dredge flour coated chicken the in egg/hot sauce mixture.
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Place panko crumbs in a second shallow bowl.
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Dredge each flour and egg coated piece of chicken in the panko crumbs.
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Place coated chicken on the parchment paper containing the melted butter.
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Bake the chicken at 400 ºF for 12 minutes.
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Flip chicken and bake for another 8-10 minutes or until cooked through.
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Remove chicken from the pan and arrange 2 pieces of chicken on each waffle.
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Garnish with sliced strawberries and chopped basil.
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Serve with warmed syrup.
I love themed dinner parties! I need to host our dinner club this fall and “southern” might be my inspiration! I’ve never had chicken and waffles, but your version looks amazing!
The Southern theme was SO much fun. Our friends for the party before us did “balls” and served meatballs, cocktails with round ice cubes, soup in a pretzel “ball shaped” bowl, dessert in a chocolate ball, etc. It was a blast!
I love Themes dinners! They are so much fun! Our family tries to get together once a month tondondinner and occasionally we’ll do a theme. I like this one!
It was so, so fun! Thanks for visiting!
This looks delicious! Do you think it would turn out just as tasty without the cornmeal? We have a corn allergy in the family, but would love to try this recipe!
Absolutely! I think flour only would be just as good!
well doesn’t this just look mouth watering! I know what I am making this weekend!
Hope you do! Let us know how it turns out! XOXO
I have been a little skeptical of trying chicken and waffles but this recipe may have convinced me.
I also thought it was an odd combination. But my kids go crazy for it, and even my most skeptical friends are converts! Enjoy!
There’s a place on Sullivan’s Island in South Carolina that serves the best chicken and waffles…but this looks like it might rival it (and be better for you, too! :))
I was really trying to avoid fried chicken (although I LOVE it!), I’m not a fan of frying at home! This baked chicken is just as good!
OH MY GOODNESS!! GIRL!! This looks so good. I need to make this for myself! *drool* Thanks for sharing this recipe!!
ENJOY! Thanks for visiting!
I love chicken and waffles but have never made them at home! Thanks for sharing this great recipe
I was amazed at how easy it is, and I always make extra waffles to freeze for later!
Love your photography! And those chicken & waffles look DELISH 🙂
Awww…Rosalie, thanks!! XOXO
I need to make this for my Southern sister in law. She will be so impressed!
She will love it! 🙂
Love me some chicken and waffles! This version looks so fresh. Can’t wait to try it!!
Right? Chicken and waffles for all!
Yum! I love that the chicken is baked in this version!
Just a little bit healthier…and still so, so good!
i love chicken and waffles. I haven’t made them before, but your recipe is easy and looks so good that I totally need to give it a try!
Thanks! Hope you love it! (and PS-make extra waffles and freeze them!)
I’ve never had chicken and waffles, but that chicken looks extra delish. I may need to try this recipe.
You will love it! It’s actually a great combination!
Strawberries and basil on chicken and waffles?! SIGN ME UP!!! Everything about this dish looks delish!
There something so great about the combination!
I know what I am making tomorrow morning! LOVE this! It looks so delicious! 🙂
Thank you 🙂 Enjoy!
This looks so incredible and yummy! Perfect for a brunch with the girls!
YES! Perfect brunch food!
My favorite dish!!! Can’t wait to try this at home!
xo
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Great! Hope you love it!