Best-Best Chicken and Waffles
A decadent twist on a classic, with crispy chicken and fluffy waffles for the best breakfast or brunch experience. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 65 minutes combines chicken thighs, buttermilk, flour into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 6, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 12 waffles
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup banana slices
- 1/4 cup pecans
- 1/4 cup vanilla yogurt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow dish, whisk 1/2 cup buttermilk with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. In another dish, mix 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, and 1 beaten egg.
- Step 2: Dredge 1.5 lbs chicken thighs in the buttermilk mixture, then coat in the flour mixture until evenly coated. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a separate pan, cook 12 waffles according to package instructions. Serve warm with 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 cup banana slices, 1/4 cup pecans, and a dollop of vanilla yogurt on top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best-Best Chicken and Waffles take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.
How do I store leftover Best-Best Chicken and Waffles?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.
Can I substitute ingredients in Best-Best Chicken and Waffles?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Best-Best Chicken and Waffles for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Best-Best Chicken and Waffles?
American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order american delivery again.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.