Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and savory perfection: The combination of fried chicken, waffles, and a maple custard creates the ultimate sweet and savory flavor profile.
- Perfect for gatherings: This casserole is great for feeding a crowd or family, especially during holidays or special occasions.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the casserole in advance and bake it when ready to serve, making it an ideal brunch or dinner dish.
- Crispy and cheesy: With a crispy panko topping, gooey cheese, and rich maple syrup drizzle, this dish hits all the right notes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Waffle Base:
- 8 frozen waffles, toasted and cubed
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Fried Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Custard Base:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cheese Layer:
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
For the Maple Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For the Crispy Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Fresh Garnish:
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- Fresh thyme sprigs
For the Assembly:
- Butter for greasing casserole dish
- Cooking spray
Special Equipment:
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Large skillet for frying
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Waffle Base:
- Toast the frozen waffles until golden, then cut them into 1-inch cubes.
- Toss the waffle cubes with melted butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
3. Prepare the Fried Chicken:
- Marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken pieces until golden and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
4. Prepare the Custard Base:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, heavy cream, maple syrup, and brown sugar.
- Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, and whisk until combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
- Layer half of the waffle cubes in the prepared casserole dish.
- Distribute the fried chicken pieces evenly over the waffle layer.
- Sprinkle half of the cheese mixture over the chicken and waffles.
- Top with the remaining waffle cubes and pour the custard mixture evenly over everything.
- Gently press down to ensure the custard soaks into the waffle pieces.
- Top with the remaining cheese, distributing it evenly across the surface.
6. Make the Crispy Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer.
7. Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until golden and set.
8. Prepare the Maple Drizzle:
- While the casserole bakes, heat the maple syrup, butter, and bourbon (if using) in a small saucepan over low heat until combined and warm.
- Add a pinch of salt and stir to combine.
9. Rest and Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Drizzle the warm maple syrup over the casserole just before serving.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, chives, and thyme.
10. Enjoy:
- Serve the casserole warm with additional maple syrup on the side for drizzling.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 servings
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Variations
- Make it spicier: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the chicken batter for an extra kick.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free waffles and a gluten-free flour blend to make the casserole gluten-free.
- Vegan: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free cream, and maple syrup to make the dish vegan-friendly. Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.
Storage
- Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding extra time for baking if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
What should I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs nicely with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
The Ultimate Chicken & Waffle Casserole is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it an ideal dish for special occasions, holiday brunches, or weekend gatherings. With crispy fried chicken, fluffy waffles, rich custard, and a maple drizzle, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite!
Ultimate Chicken & Waffle Casserole
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Brunch, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Make the Ultimate Chicken & Waffle Casserole for a mouthwatering combination of crispy fried chicken, fluffy waffles, and a rich maple syrup drizzle. This sweet and savory casserole is perfect for family gatherings, brunch, or special occasions. With a cheesy custard base, crispy topping, and make-ahead options, this dish is sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Waffle Base:
8 frozen waffles, toasted and cubed
4 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Fried Chicken:
2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
For the Custard Base:
8 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cheese Layer:
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
For the Maple Drizzle:
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
Pinch of salt
For the Crispy Topping:
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
4 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Fresh Garnish:
4 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
Fresh thyme sprigs
For the Assembly:
Butter for greasing casserole dish
Cooking spray
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. -
Prepare the Waffle Base:
Toast the frozen waffles until golden, then cut them into 1-inch cubes. Toss the waffle cubes with melted butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon. -
Prepare the Fried Chicken:
Marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. Dredge in the seasoned flour mixture and fry until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels. -
Prepare the Custard Base:
Whisk together eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. -
Assemble the Casserole:
Layer half of the waffle cubes in the casserole dish. Add the fried chicken, then half of the cheese. Repeat layers and pour custard evenly over everything. Press down gently to soak the waffles. -
Make the Crispy Topping:
Mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle over the casserole. -
Bake the Casserole:
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and set. -
Prepare the Maple Drizzle:
Heat maple syrup, butter, and bourbon (optional) over low heat until combined. Add a pinch of salt. -
Rest and Serve:
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes. Drizzle with maple syrup, then garnish with green onions, chives, and thyme. -
Enjoy:
Serve warm with extra maple syrup on the side.
Notes
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.
Freezing: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free waffles and flour for a gluten-free version.
Vegan Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use plant-based dairy alternatives.
