Description
Delight in a classic Southern-inspired brunch with crispy fried chicken strips served over golden waffles, topped with a luscious homemade blueberry syrup. This comforting dish combines savory and sweet flavors perfectly, making it an irresistible breakfast or main course option.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Waffles
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Blueberry Syrup
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken strips in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture to coat evenly.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until hot. Fry the coated chicken strips in batches for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Waffle Batter: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs with milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
- Cook the Waffles: Pour batter onto the preheated waffle iron and cook until waffles are golden and crisp, typically 4-6 minutes depending on your waffle maker. Remove and keep warm.
- Prepare the Blueberry Syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine blueberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and start to release juices. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the syrup thickens to your liking.
- Assemble and Serve: Place crispy chicken strips atop warm waffles, then generously drizzle with the homemade blueberry syrup. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, double coat by dipping the fried chicken back into the buttermilk and then the flour mixture before frying again.
- Maple syrup can be added to the blueberry syrup for a richer, deeper sweetness.
- This dish tastes wonderful with a small pat of butter melted on the waffles before adding the chicken and syrup.
