Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup Recipe
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that sticks to your ribs and sings with unexpected sweetness, Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup will absolutely sweep you off your feet. Imagine golden, crispy fried chicken nestled atop light, fluffy waffles, all crowned with a cascade of syrup made from juicy, bursting blueberries. This iconic Southern-inspired dish balances savory and sweet like nothing else, with each bite inviting you to go back for just one more forkful. Whether served up for a brunch gathering, weeknight treat, or a special Sunday-feel breakfast, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and destined to become a staple you’ll talk about long after the plates are cleared.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll only need a handful of pantry staples and a few standout ingredients to bring Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup to life. Every component has a job: succulent chicken gets seasoned for that addictive crunch, waffles offer a soft and buttery base, and the blueberry syrup delivers the perfect note of tangy sweetness.
- Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless thighs or breasts—thighs for juiciness, breasts for a leaner cut. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a better chicken-to-waffle ratio.
- Buttermilk: Acts as a marinade, tenderizing the chicken and adding a subtle tang that makes each bite unforgettable.
- Hot Sauce (optional): Adds just the right kiss of heat—use a dash or leave it out for a milder option.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for both your fried chicken breading and waffle batter—keep your pantry stocked!
- Paprika: Injects warmth and a pop of color into the seasoned flour, making your chicken irresistible.
- Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: A simple, classic trio for seasoning, which brings out the full flavor of the chicken.
- Vegetable Oil: Choose a high smoke point oil for frying, ensuring your chicken gets that perfect golden crunch.
- Sugar: Sweetens the waffle base just enough to contrast with the savory chicken.
- Baking Powder: The not-so-secret agent behind cloud-like, fluffy waffles.
- Milk: Regular or whole milk works beautifully; it gives your waffle batter the right texture and richness.
- Eggs: Help your waffles rise and bind, giving them structure and lightness.
- Melted Butter or Oil: Adds moisture and buttery flavor to the waffles—choose unsalted butter for the purest taste.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla takes waffles from good to fantastic with aromatic depth.
- Blueberries (fresh or frozen): The star of your syrup, infusing the sauce with vibrant purple color and fresh berry taste.
- Maple Syrup: Marrying naturally sweet and caramel-like notes with tart blueberries for a more complex syrup.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens and balances the blueberry syrup, cutting through sweetness for a lively finish.
- Cornstarch Slurry (optional): If you like a thicker syrup, this quick step helps you get that glossy, rich consistency.
How to Make Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together buttermilk and a dash of hot sauce in a medium bowl. Add your chicken pieces and swirl them around to ensure every nook is coated. Pop the bowl into the fridge for at least thirty minutes, or let the magic happen overnight if you’re planning ahead. This marinade guarantees your chicken will be juicier, more flavorful, and ultimately worthy of that beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Make the Blueberry Syrup
While your chicken soaks up flavor, grab a small saucepan for the blueberry syrup—this is where Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup really shines! Toss together blueberries (fresh or frozen), maple syrup, and a splash of lemon juice. Let everything simmer gently until the berries burst and sweet-tart aromas fill your kitchen. Want it thicker? Stir in that spoonful of cornstarch slurry, and cook for an extra minute or two until you reach the right consistency. Set aside and resist the urge to eat it by the spoonful.
Step 3: Prepare the Waffles
Waffle time! Whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the dry mix. In a second bowl, marry milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet into the dry, stirring just until combined—lumps are totally fine! Preheat your waffle iron, brush on a little oil if needed, and cook the batter until each waffle is deeply golden, fluffy in the middle, and slightly crisp at the edges. These waffles make the perfect pillow for crispy chicken.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Pat your marinated chicken pieces dry, then dredge them generously in seasoned flour mixed with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This crust gets incredibly flavorful and crunchy. Heat a heavy skillet with enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom, and fry your chicken chunks in batches—just a few minutes per side until crisp and thoroughly cooked. Drain them on paper towels, and let the anticipation build.
Step 5: Assemble
Now for the best part: assembly. Place a fresh, warm waffle on a plate, top with a glistening piece of fried chicken, and let that vivid blueberry syrup rain down. There’s something magical about how the sweet, syrupy berries seep into the crispy chicken and every waffle square—your fork will thank you.
How to Serve Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup
Garnishes
A finishing touch elevates this dish from delicious to unforgettable. Sprinkle a little confectioners’ sugar over the top for instant brunch vibes, or add fresh blueberries for color and freshness. A small pat of butter melting into the waffle crevices is another classic move—and don’t forget an extra drizzle of blueberry syrup at the table!
Side Dishes
For a full feast, serve Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup alongside easy breakfast potatoes or a light arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to keep things fresh. Fresh-squeezed orange juice or a creamy iced coffee on the side make this meal feel like a true celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Try cutting waffles and chicken into bite-sized pieces for a fun brunch platter, served with skewers and a bowl of blueberry syrup for dipping. Or stack them high for a dramatic, Instagram-worthy centerpiece! For brunch parties, mini-waffles topped with chicken nuggets make adorable and irresistible sliders.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare with Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup!), keep chicken, waffles, and syrup separate before refrigerating. Put the chicken in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to maintain its crunch. Waffles can be loosely wrapped and kept at room temperature for a few hours or refrigerated for longer, while syrup should be stored in a jar or container in the fridge.
Freezing
Both chicken and waffles freeze surprisingly well. Let them cool completely before storing. Freeze waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to two months. The cooked chicken should be wrapped tightly and frozen the same way. Blueberry syrup can be frozen in a small container; just allow a little space for expansion.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat chicken in a 375°F oven or toaster oven for about 10 minutes, turning once. Waffles can be revived in the toaster for fresh flavor and texture. Warm the blueberry syrup gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, and you’ll be back to brunch bliss in minutes—almost as dreamy as when freshly made!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought waffles or fried chicken to save time?
Absolutely! While homemade Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup have unbeatable flavor, you can definitely swap in high-quality store-bought waffles or rotisserie-style fried chicken in a pinch. Just reheat and top with your homemade blueberry syrup for a fabulous shortcut meal.
Is the blueberry syrup very sweet?
The blueberry syrup strikes a perfect balance—it’s sweet from maple syrup but gets a bright lift from lemon juice and the natural tartness of blueberries. If you want it less sweet, simply reduce the maple syrup or add a bit more lemon.
What other toppings can I use?
Possibilities abound! Try a sprinkle of toasted pecans, a little citrus zest, or even a dollop of whipped cream. You can even swap in strawberries or raspberries for a twist, but the classic Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup flavor combo is a favorite for a reason.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes—bake your dredged chicken pieces in a preheated 425°F oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Spray lightly with oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through. This trick gives you a lighter version of Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup without losing the crunch.
Does the recipe work with gluten-free or dairy-free swaps?
You can adapt this easily—use your favorite gluten-free flour blend for both the chicken breading and waffle batter. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter in the waffles, and a non-dairy yogurt thinned with water for the buttermilk. The results are still seriously craveable!
Final Thoughts
Bringing Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup to your table is a surefire way to win hearts and satisfy cravings, whether for brunch or a whimsical dinner. It’s pure comfort with just the right touch of surprise from that zingy blueberry syrup. Try it soon—your family, friends, and taste buds will be endlessly thankful!
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Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and savory with these delicious Chicken Waffles topped with Blueberry Syrup. A Southern-inspired dish that is sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
For the Waffles:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter or oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Blueberry Syrup:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Make the Blueberry Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, maple syrup, and lemon juice. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until blueberries burst. If a thicker syrup is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer 1–2 more minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Waffles: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Preheat waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden brown.
- Fry the Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge in seasoned flour, and fry for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Assemble: Place a piece of fried chicken on each waffle. Drizzle generously with warm blueberry syrup. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can bake the chicken for a lighter version.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the waffle batter for extra warmth.
- The blueberry syrup can be made in advance and reheated.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle with chicken and syrup
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
