Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles Recipe

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While Chick-fil-A tests its new Chicken & Waffles sandwich in select cities, you don’t have to wait or travel to indulge in this delight! This Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles recipe is all about recreating that magic at home, with personal touches to suit your taste buds.

How to make Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles

Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles is a limited-time breakfast item that combines Chick-fil-A’s signature crispy chicken with sweet Belgian-style waffles.

Ingredients

For the Crispy Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for a super crispy texture)
• Vegetable oil (for frying – about 2-3 cups, depending on pan size)

For the Maple Waffles:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 4 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup maple syrup

Optional Add-Ons:

• Honey butter spread (combine softened butter and honey for the perfect drizzle)
• Applewood smoked bacon (crispy bacon strips to layer in the sandwich)
• Extra maple syrup (for drizzling or dipping)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Marinate: Place chicken breasts in a zip-top bag with buttermilk and let them marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the fridge. This will ensure the chicken is tender and juicy.
2. Seasoned Coating: In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg.
3. Bread the Chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk, dip it in the flour mixture, then into the egg, and finally into the flour again (add breadcrumbs for extra crunch). Ensure it’s fully coated.
4. Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pan to 350°F. Fry chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Make the Maple Waffles

1. Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until well combined.
3. Mix: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
4. Cook: Preheat your waffle maker, lightly grease (if necessary), and ladle batter into the machine. Cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions, usually 3-5 minutes, until golden and crisp.

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken and Waffles

• Layering: Place one waffle on a plate, add a piece of crispy chicken on top, layer with crispy bacon (if desired), and drizzle honey butter or maple syrup over the chicken. Top with another waffle to make a sandwich, or serve open-faced for a classic look.
• Optional Garnish: Add fresh herbs, extra syrup, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elevated presentation.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Waffles

• Marinate generously: For the juiciest chicken, don’t skip the buttermilk marinating process, and let it sit overnight if you can.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggs and maple syrup make a big difference in the flavor of your waffles. Choose pure maple syrup over artificial ones for authenticity.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing waffle batter can result in tough waffles—keep it light and airy.
• Temperature control: Keep your frying oil between 350°F and 375°F to avoid greasy chicken or undercooking.
• Experiment with toppings: Chick-fil-A’s version includes honey butter and bacon, but you can also add spicy mayo, hot honey, or fruit compote for a fun twist!
• Make it ahead: Both the chicken and waffles can be made in advance. Warm them up in the oven before assembly for a quick and easy meal.

What to serve with

While Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles is already a satisfying combination of flavors—crispy fried chicken, fluffy waffles, sweet maple syrup, and savory add-ons like honey butter and bacon—you can elevate this comfort food with delicious sides and accompaniments.

• Creamy Southern Grits: Grits are a classic Southern side dish and pair beautifully with Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles. You can prepare creamy grits with butter, cream, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese for added richness.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Counterbalance the rich flavors of chicken and waffles with a light and healthy vegetable medley. Roast carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper to provide a fresh, nutritious twist to your plate.
• Sautéed Spinach or Collard Greens: Add some Southern flair with tender, flavorful greens. Sauté spinach or collard greens in garlic and a touch of olive oil or bacon fat to complement the dish.
• Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy macaroni is an excellent pairing with fried chicken! Serve it alongside your Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles for a decadent, all-in-one comfort feast.
• French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: For a classic Chick-fil-A vibe, serve up some crispy waffle fries or sweet potato fries. These are perfect for dipping into honey mustard, Chick-fil-A sauce, or spicy mayo alongside your chicken.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles at home is a fun and creative way to celebrate this classic dish, but what if you’re missing some ingredients or need alternatives due to dietary restrictions, preferences, or availability? No problem!

Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: If you don’t have chicken breasts, boneless, skinless chicken thighs make a great substitute. They are naturally juicy and flavorful, and they perform well in fried recipes.
• Tenderloins: Chicken tenderloins are smaller, cook faster, and can be used if smaller portions are preferred.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with soy-based chicken strips, jackfruit (marinated and breaded), or seitan for a vegetarian or vegan version.

Buttermilk (for marinating)

• Milk and Vinegar: Mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This mimics the acidity of buttermilk.
• Greek Yogurt: Mix equal parts Greek yogurt and water to create a buttermilk-like consistency for your marinating liquid.
• Coconut Milk + Vinegar: For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.

Flour (for breading)

• Cornstarch: Mix half and half cornstarch with all-purpose flour for an ultra-crispy coating. It mimics the restaurant-style crunch.
• Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the dish suitable for those avoiding gluten.
• Crushed Cornflakes: For extra crunch, crushed cornflakes make a fun and crispy coating for your chicken.

Panko Bread Crumbs

• Traditional Bread Crumbs: If you don’t have panko, regular bread crumbs can be used. While they’re less crispy, they still provide a solid breading option.
• Crushed Crackers: Saltine crackers or Ritz crackers can be crushed finely and used as a substitute for panko.
• Almond Flour: For a low-carb or gluten-free version, almond flour can replace breadcrumbs or be combined with the flour mixture.

Paprika and Spices

If you’re missing specific seasonings like paprika or cayenne pepper:

• Chili Powder: Replace paprika with chili powder to maintain the smoky spice element.
• Smoked Salt: For paprika’s smoky flavor, smoked salt can work in its place.
• Italian Seasoning: Use for a slightly herby twist.

Vegetable Oil (for frying)

• Canola Oil: Canola is a neutral-tasting oil perfect for frying.
• Peanut Oil: Peanut oil is often used for chicken frying as it has a high smoke point and adds a subtle flavor.
• Avocado Oil: Ideal if you’re looking for a healthier oil that performs well under high heat.

All-Purpose Flour (for waffles)

• Whole Wheat Flour: A healthier substitute, though it will make the waffles denser. Combine half whole wheat flour and half white flour for a balanced texture.
• Gluten-Free Baking Blend: Works well for individuals avoiding gluten. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur make good blends for waffles.
• Oat Flour: Blend oats into a fine powder for a homemade gluten-free alternative.

Milk

• Almond Milk: A dairy-free substitute that’s light and mild in flavor, great for waffles.
• Oat Milk: Provides a creamy consistency and is an excellent vegan alternative.
• Coconut Milk: Adds a hint of tropical sweetness to waffles—perfect for experimenting with flavors!

Butter (melted butter in waffle batter)

• Coconut Oil: Use melted coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative that keeps the batter moist.
• Olive Oil: This adds richness to the waffles, though it lends a slightly savory flavor.
• Applesauce or Mashed Banana: For a healthier substitute, replace the butter with applesauce or mashed banana (½ cup for every stick of butter).

Sugar

• Honey: A natural sweetener that works as a substitute, though it changes the flavor slightly.
• Maple Syrup: Adds an earthy sweetness that emphasizes the overall syrupy vibe of the dish.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: Perfect for making low-sugar or keto-friendly waffles.

Eggs

• Flaxseed Egg: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens. Perfect for vegan waffles!
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Replace 1 egg with ¼ cup of applesauce as a binding agent and egg substitute.

Maple Syrup

• Honey: Works well as a substitute for maple syrup but has a distinct flavor.
• Agave Nectar: A mild, liquid sweetener that mimics the consistency of maple syrup.
• Fruit Compote: If you want something different, a berry compote or fruit jam can replace syrup for sweetness.

Final Thoughts

With this homemade Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles recipe, you’re only a few steps away from a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your kitchen. It’s a dish that’s perfect for special occasions, lazy brunches, or anytime you crave that sweet-savory mix!

More Chick-fil-A Recipes:

• Homemade Chick-fil-A S’mores Milkshake Recipe
• Chick-fil-A Cherry Berry & Sprite Recipe