If you’ve been searching for that perfect balance of savory and sweet, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite comfort dish: the Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup Recipe. This delightful combo brings together crispy, juicy fried chicken nestled on fluffy waffles, all topped off with a luscious blueberry syrup that’s bursting with fresh fruit flavor. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for brunch, lunch, or any time you want to treat yourself to something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for the Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup Recipe is surprisingly simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible harmony of flavors and textures. From the tangy buttermilk that tenderizes the chicken to the vibrant blueberries that lend a fresh sweetness, every component contributes to making this dish shine.
- Buttermilk (2 cups): Tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang that keeps the flavors bright.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1 pound): The star protein, juicy and perfect for frying; thighs offer more flavor, breasts are leaner.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Forms the crispy coating when combined with the seasonings.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle smokiness and a beautiful golden color to the chicken crust.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings depth and savory notes to the seasoning mix.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Complements the garlic with a sweet, aromatic touch.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers just the right amount of mild heat.
- Large egg (1): Helps bind the flour coating for the perfect crispy finish.
- Vegetable oil (for frying): The cooking medium that creates that irresistible crunch.
- Waffle mix (2 cups, prepared as directed): The foundation beneath the chicken, light and airy to soak up the syrup.
- Fresh or frozen blueberries (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient in the syrup, bursting with fruity sweetness and color.
- Maple syrup (1/3 cup): Adds natural sweetness and richness to the blueberry syrup.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Balances sweetness with a bright, citrusy kick.
- Cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water): Thickens the syrup to a luscious, drizzle-ready consistency.
How to Make Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken strips into a bowl and pouring 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk over them. This marinating step is magical — it tenderizes the chicken, making every bite juicy and flavorful. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or longer if you have time for even more tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Coating
While the chicken is marinating, mix together the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. This seasoned flour blend is what creates that crunchy, flavorful crust you’ll fall in love with.
Step 3: Dredge and Fry the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off lightly. Then, coat them generously in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well. Heat about one inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches, about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to keep them crisp and ready for plating.
Step 4: Make the Waffles
Prepare the waffle mix according to the package directions while your chicken is frying. The waffles will be the light, fluffy base that absorbs all the glorious flavors of the chicken and blueberry syrup.
Step 5: Create the Blueberry Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, maple syrup, and lemon juice over medium heat. Let the mixture simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the berries burst and the syrup is fragrant. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken things up nicely. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until you achieve a luscious, pourable consistency perfect for drizzling.
How to Serve Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup Recipe pop visually and flavor-wise, try topping it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, some fresh blueberries, and a few sprigs of mint. These little touches add freshness and a pop of color that make the dish irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider light sides like a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. They’ll add a welcome contrast without stealing the spotlight from your chicken and waffles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try stacking several smaller waffle rounds and layering the chicken strips in between for a mini chicken waffle tower. Alternatively, serve the chicken pieces on the side with individual waffles, allowing everyone to customize their perfect bite with syrup and toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), keep your chicken and waffles in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the texture of each component without getting soggy.
Freezing
Chicken strips freeze well when wrapped tightly, and waffles can be frozen too. Freeze them separately on a baking sheet before placing in airtight bags to prevent sticking. This way, you’ll always have a quick Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup Recipe option ready for mornings or lazy weekends.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat leftover chicken in a hot oven or air fryer rather than the microwave, which can make it soggy. Waffles reheat nicely in a toaster or oven. Warm your blueberry syrup gently on the stove to bring back that fresh, vibrant flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup Recipe?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving when frying, but breasts can be used for a leaner option. Just watch the cooking time carefully to avoid drying out.
Is it possible to make the blueberry syrup ahead of time?
Yes, the blueberry syrup can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving to bring out those fresh flavors.
Can I substitute fresh blueberries with frozen for the syrup?
Frozen blueberries are a fantastic substitute and work just as well in this recipe. You can use them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw—making it convenient any time of year.
What kind of waffles work best for this recipe?
Traditional buttermilk or plain waffle mix works beautifully, providing a tender, fluffy base that complements the crispy chicken and syrup perfectly. Feel free to experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free mixes based on your preferences.
Can I add a spicy kick to the Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup Recipe?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to your flour mix gives the fried chicken a lovely, subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweet blueberry syrup. It’s an easy way to personalize the dish.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that brings pure joy with every bite. The crispy chicken, fluffy waffles, and sweet-tart syrup combine in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. So, grab those ingredients, invite some friends over, and prepare to impress with a meal that feels like a celebration of flavors. Trust me, this one will become your new favorite too!
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Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A deliciously indulgent recipe combining crispy fried chicken strips served over fluffy waffles, topped with a sweet and tangy blueberry syrup. Perfect for brunch or a hearty meal that balances savory and sweet flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade and Coating
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Waffles
- 2 cups waffle mix, prepared according to package directions
Blueberry Syrup
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken strips in a bowl and pour 1 1/2 cups of the buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Prepare the Flour Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour will add a flavorful crust to the chicken.
- Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture to coat completely.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken strips in batches for 4 to 5 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the fried chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Waffles: While the chicken is frying, prepare the waffles according to the package directions, ensuring they are warm and fluffy when ready to serve.
- Make the Blueberry Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the berries burst.
- Thicken the Syrup: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until the syrup is slightly thickened and glossy.
- Assemble and Serve: Place the fried chicken atop the warm waffles and drizzle generously with the blueberry syrup. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture and sweet-savory flavor balance.
Notes
- For extra flavor and a slight kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- This dish is best served immediately while the chicken remains crispy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
