I can’t even remember how long I have wanted to make chicken and waffles. Mainly because the one time I had chicken and waffles was at an event and they were terrible. A flat, dry boneless chicken breast over, what appeared to be, a frozen waffle. I knew I could do better, especially using my Grandmother’s fried chicken recipe. Unfortunately I don’t ever remember my Grandmother making this chicken for me but it was my Mom’s go to recipe. My Mom always told me she made her fried chicken just the way her Mom did. So, that’s the way I make it too. It’s easy, nothing really special like hours of brining or soaking in buttermilk but when it’s babied in the frying pan it’s fried chicken perfection. My family loves it. The crust is just crispy enough, but not so crispy that it’s hard to eat. The secret ingredient is chopped fresh Italian parsley added to the seasoned flour. My Mom only used Crisco shortening to fry her chicken in a frying pan. It’s how I make mine too. I use enough shortening that, when melted, is about an inch of liquid.
Let’s talk about the waffle now. We love waffles and a few years ago I asked for a waffle maker for Christmas. Not just any waffle maker but one that makes two waffles at a time. Well, much to my delight, I found a Cuisinart double waffle maker under the tree. That way I’m not eating breakfast (or dinner) alone. I had never made them at home so thankfully the waffle maker came with a booklet. I made the yeast waffles that could also be an overnight waffle, if you just wanted to make them for breakfast. If you’ve never had a yeast waffle, you’re missing out.
A little chicken and waffles history. The Pilgrims are credited with bringing waffles to America from Holland. The earliest American version of the dish appears in the 1600’s in Pennsylvania Dutch country. It was a waffle topped with shredded chicken and gravy. Thomas Jefferson is credited with starting a waffle craze after returning from France with a waffle iron in the 1790’s. Fried chicken and waffles is a soul food dish that has roots in Harlem. It quickly became popular among jazz musicians in New York.
You could certainly serve this dish without the pecan-honey glaze but I will say it’s a delicious accompaniment. Get the recipe here: Pecan-Honey Glaze. If there are nut sensitivities, serve with maple syrup, which would also be good.
Chicken and Waffles are the perfect combination of breakfast and dinner. The honey pecan sauce puts this dish over the top! Freeze extra waffles for breakfast. Reheat in a toaster. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Chicken and Waffles
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken;
For the Waffles:
Instructions
Notes
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Emily says
I have never heard of a yeast waffle before. I can’t wait to try this!
Natalie says
I never had chicken with waffles. But now I definitely must try this recipe. Sounds delicious. And so easy.
Kate Hackworthy says
What a fun recipe! I love that you’ve used a cherished family recipe for the chicken.
Jessica Formicola says
My family loves chicken and waffles! I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Jere Cassidy says
Chicken and waffles are my daughter’s favorite! While I’ve never made them before I’m so excited that I found your recipe so we can start making them at home!
Krissy Allori says
It doesn’t get any better than homemade chicken and waffles!
Megan @ MegUnprocessed says
Waffles are probably my favorite breakfast. That sauce on top with pecans looks amazing!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
Chicken and waffles is one awesome combination!! Thanks for sharing!!!