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Author: Ann Styles

Prep time: 25 mins | Cook time: 30 mins | Total: 55 mins | Serves: 4

This Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy, kid-friendly chicken tenders with fluffy waffles. The fried chicken is coated in crunchy panko bread crumbs and fried until golden, brown and delicious, while the waffles are light and airy with a touch of vanilla sweetness. Serve with classic maple syrup or optional hot honey for a spicy-sweet twist, making it a hit with both kids and adults.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fried Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with kitchen towels and season with 1½ tsp salt.
2. Place the flour in a shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Place the panko bread crumbs in a third shallow bowl.
3. Coat each chicken tender in flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat evenly in panko bread crumbs. Place the coated chicken tenders on a wire rack to rest while you prepare the oil for frying.
4. Heat avocado or coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
5. Prepare the Waffle Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, crème fraîche (or sour cream), melted butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract.
7. Beat the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until stiff peaks form.
8. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix). Gently fold in the beaten egg whites using a spatula.
9. Cook the Waffles: Preheat the waffle iron and grease it lightly with cooking spray.
10. Pour enough batter into the waffle iron to reach within 1/2 inch of the edges on all sides, allowing room for the waffle to spread. Cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, about 3–5 minutes per waffle, until golden brown and crisp. Repeat with the remaining batter.
11. Make the Hot Honey (Optional): In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and butter. Heat over low heat, stirring until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.
12. Assemble the Dish: Place a waffle on each plate and top with 2–3 pieces of fried chicken tenders. Drizzle generously with maple syrup or hot honey.
13. Serve with berries, sunny-side-up eggs, and pickles, if desired.