Chicken and waffles bring together crispy fried chicken, toasted waffles, smoky bacon, melted Cheddar cheese, and a creamy maple-horseradish mayonnaise.
This recipe makes four hearty sandwiches with a combination of sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy flavors. The chicken is coated in seasoned flour and fried until golden, then layered with bacon and cheese between warm waffles.
A quick trip under the broiler melts the cheese, while the homemade maple mayonnaise adds a rich finishing touch.
With a little preparation and a short resting period for the breaded chicken, you can prepare this satisfying meal in about 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Resting Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Servings: 4 sandwiches
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Cooking Method: Deep-frying and broiling
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Coating
- 8 fresh chicken tenders
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 quart peanut oil, for frying
For the Maple-Horseradish Mayonnaise
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
For Sandwich Assembly
- 8 plain frozen waffles
- 12 slices bacon
- 8 thin slices Cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Coating
Start by preparing the wet and dry coatings in separate containers. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and heavy cream until smooth. Add the cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly so the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Place the flour, cornstarch, and remaining tablespoon of salt in a large paper bag. Shake the bag several times to combine the dry ingredients evenly. This mixture will form the crispy outer coating on the chicken.
2. Dredge and Rest the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender into the seasoned egg mixture, ensuring that every surface is covered. Transfer the chicken to the paper bag containing the flour mixture. Close the bag and shake gently until each piece is thoroughly coated.
Remove the tenders and arrange them in a single layer on a wire rack. Avoid stacking the pieces, as this can disturb the coating. Allow the breaded chicken to rest for 20 minutes.
This helps the coating adhere to the meat and reduces the chance of it falling off during frying.
3. Deep-Fry the Chicken
Pour the peanut oil into a deep fryer or a large, heavy saucepan, ensuring that the oil reaches a depth of approximately 3 inches without exceeding the cookware’s safe fill level. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C), using a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Carefully lower the chicken tenders into the hot oil in small batches. Fry each batch for approximately 5 to 8 minutes, turning as needed for even browning.
The coating should become crisp and golden brown, and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Transfer the cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. If you are preparing the remaining sandwich ingredients, keep the chicken warm in a low-temperature oven until needed.
4. Cook the Bacon
Place the bacon slices in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, turning the slices occasionally to promote even browning.
Once the bacon is crisp and cooked to your preferred texture, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease. Set aside until assembly.
5. Make the Maple-Horseradish Mayonnaise
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, maple syrup, prepared horseradish, and dry mustard powder. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Taste the sauce and adjust the balance to your preference if desired. The maple syrup provides sweetness, while the horseradish and mustard contribute a sharp, savory flavor. Set the finished mayonnaise aside while you prepare the waffles.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Arrange four frozen waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet. If your waffles require additional toasting according to their package instructions, prepare them before adding the toppings.
Place two fried chicken tenders on each waffle, followed by three slices of cooked bacon and two thin slices of Cheddar cheese. Arrange the toppings evenly to help the cheese melt across the chicken and bacon.
Place the baking sheet under the broiler for approximately 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts completely. Keep the waffles close enough to the heat to melt the cheese but monitor the edges to prevent burning.
7. Add the Sauce and Serve
Spread approximately 3 tablespoons of the prepared maple-horseradish mayonnaise over each of the four remaining waffles.
Remove the topped waffles from the oven and carefully place one sauce-covered waffle over each sandwich, mayonnaise side facing down toward the melted cheese. Press gently to hold the layers together without crushing the waffles.
Serve immediately while the chicken is hot, the waffles are warm, and the cheese is still melted.
Tips for Crispy Chicken and Flavorful Sandwiches
- Let the breading rest: Give the coated tenders the full resting period before frying. This helps the flour mixture adhere and supports a more consistent crust.
- Maintain the frying temperature: Keep the oil close to 375°F (190°C). Adding too much chicken at once can lower the temperature, leading to uneven cooking and greasy breading.
- Fry in small batches: Leave enough space between the chicken pieces so they cook evenly and develop a crisp exterior.
- Check the internal temperature: Use a food thermometer to confirm that the thickest part of each tender reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain the fried chicken: A wire rack or paper towel-lined plate helps remove excess oil before the chicken goes into the sandwiches.
- Watch the broiler carefully: Cheese can melt quickly, and waffle edges can burn if left unattended. Check the sandwiches frequently during the final few minutes.
- Prepare the sauce ahead: Mixing the mayonnaise while the chicken rests makes the final assembly faster and helps keep the components warm.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken and waffles sandwiches are substantial enough to serve as a complete meal. For a balanced plate, consider pairing them with a simple green salad, fresh fruit, or a serving of coleslaw.
The crisp vegetables and refreshing flavors provide a contrast to the rich fried chicken, bacon, and cheese.
You can also serve the sandwiches with extra maple-horseradish mayonnaise on the side for dipping. If you prefer a little more sweetness, offer a small amount of maple syrup alongside the sandwiches.
Nutrition Facts
The following estimated nutrition information is for one sandwich, based on four servings.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 1,793 kcal | — |
| Total Fat | 110 g | 141% |
| Saturated Fat | 28 g | 138% |
| Cholesterol | 397 mg | 132% |
| Sodium | 5,234 mg | 228% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 127 g | 46% |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g | 17% |
| Total Sugars | 17 g | — |
| Protein | 73 g | 146% |
| Calcium | 518 mg | 40% |
| Iron | 11 mg | 61% |
| Potassium | 848 mg | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 3 mg | 3% |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Actual nutrition values may vary depending on the brands used, the amount of breading retained, and the quantity of oil absorbed during frying.
