I’ll never forget the first time I made Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken. It was a lazy Sunday morning and I was craving something truly special for brunch. I had the idea to combine two of my favorite indulgences – savory cheddar and chive waffles with crispy fried chicken drizzled in a sweet and spicy honey sauce. The results were out of this world!
As I stood in the kitchen, the aroma of the waffles baking and the chicken frying filled the air. I couldn’t wait to dig in. When I finally sat down with my plate, the first bite was pure bliss. The buttery, cheesy waffles provided the perfect contrast to the crispy, seasoned chicken. And that hot honey sauce? It took the whole dish to the next level. I knew from that moment on that this Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken recipe would become a go-to for my family and friends.
Why This Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken
What makes this Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken recipe so special? It all comes down to the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The waffles start with a base of fluffy, golden brown batter that’s enriched with melty cheddar cheese and fresh chives. This savory waffle is then perfectly complemented by the crispy, seasoned fried chicken and the sweet-and-spicy honey sauce.
The key is in the details – things like letting the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking, getting the oil to the right temperature for frying, and making sure to baste the chicken evenly in the sauce. When you nail all those little techniques, you end up with a brunch dish that’s truly crave-worthy.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This provides the base for the fluffy waffles. The flour gives them structure and helps them brown up beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – This is the leavening agent that makes the waffles light and airy.
- 1 teaspoon salt – A little salt goes a long way in enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1 cup milk – Milk is essential for creating the perfect waffle batter consistency.
- 2 eggs – Eggs add richness and help bind the batter together.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Melted butter makes the waffles extra tender and indulgent.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – The cheddar cheese is the star here, melting into the waffles for pockets of cheesy goodness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives – The chives add a lovely bright, oniony flavor that complements the cheddar so well.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The chicken provides the protein and pairs perfectly with the waffles.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – This is for dredging the chicken to get it crispy.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – The paprika adds depth of flavor and a gorgeous red-orange hue to the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Garlic powder seasons the chicken and complements the honey-hot sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper – A touch of heat from the cayenne balances the sweetness of the honey.
- 1/2 cup hot sauce – The hot sauce is the base for the addictive honey-hot sauce.
- 1/4 cup honey – The honey provides the sweetness to offset the heat.
Step-by-Step Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken Instructions
Preparing Your Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 15 minutes, this Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken recipe comes together quickly. You’ll need a waffle iron, a shallow bowl for dredging the chicken, and a skillet for frying.
1- Start by making the waffle batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. In a separate bowl, combine the 1 cup of milk, 2 eggs, and 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined – don’t overmix.
2- Gently fold in the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes while you prepare the chicken.
3- For the chicken, place the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl and season it with 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Dredge the 1 pound of chicken breasts in the seasoned flour, coating them evenly on both sides.
4- Heat 1/4 inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate.
5- While the chicken is resting, cook the waffles in your preheated waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions, about 3-4 minutes per waffle.
6- To make the hot honey sauce, simply whisk together the 1/2 cup of hot sauce and 1/4 cup of honey in a small bowl. Drizzle the sauce over the fried chicken and serve the Cheddar Chive Waffles and Hot Honey Chicken immediately.
Pro Tips for Success
- Let the waffle batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking – this helps develop the gluten and results in fluffier waffles.
- Use a combination of hot sauce and honey for the most balanced sweet-and-spicy flavor.
- Make sure to fry the chicken at the right temperature, around 350-375°F. This ensures a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Don’t overload the waffle iron – cook the waffles in batches for the best texture.
- Adjust the amount of chives and cayenne to suit your personal tastes.
- Shredding the cheddar yourself (rather than using pre-shredded) will give you the best texture in the waffles.
Serving and Storing Your Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken
Perfect Pairings for Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken
This Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken recipe serves 4 people, making it a fantastic brunch centerpiece. For the perfect pairing, I recommend serving it with a fresh fruit salad, a green salad with a light vinaigrette, and a mimosa or bloody mary. The sweet-and-savory combo of the waffles and chicken also pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a hoppy craft beer.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the waffles in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through, and reheat the chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the waffle batter up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When ready to cook, just give it a quick stir before pouring onto the hot waffle iron. The chicken can also be fried and kept warm in a 200°F oven until ready to serve. The hot honey sauce can be made ahead as well and stored in the refrigerator.
If you’d like to freeze the Cheddar Chive Waffles, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen waffles to an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen waffles in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken
Creative Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken Variations
For a fun twist, try swapping out the cheddar for another melty cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack. You could also add in some diced jalapeño or chopped bacon for extra flavor. In the summertime, fresh corn kernels would be a delicious addition to the waffle batter.
Instead of fried chicken, you could use grilled or baked chicken breasts. And if you’re in the mood for something a little sweeter, drizzle the waffles with maple syrup in addition to the hot honey sauce.
Making Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened almond or oat milk in place of regular milk, and vegan shredded cheese instead of the cheddar.
If you’re watching your carbs, you can reduce the amount of flour in the waffle batter and replace it with almond flour or coconut flour. For the chicken, use a low-carb breading mix or skip the dredging step altogether.
And for a vegan spin, make crispy tofu or plant-based chicken tenders instead of the regular chicken, and use vegan honey or agave nectar in the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I substitute a different cheese for the cheddar in the waffles?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend instead of the cheddar. Just make sure to use the same 1 cup measurement.
Q: How long does it take to make the Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken?
A: This recipe has a total time of 30 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cook time. The steps are quick and straightforward, making this an ideal brunch dish.
Q: Can I make the waffles or chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare components of this dish in advance. The waffle batter can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. The fried chicken can also be made ahead and kept warm in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.
Q: How many servings does this Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken recipe make?
A: This recipe is designed to serve 4 people. The quantities of ingredients are sized accordingly, providing a hearty portion of waffles and chicken per person.
Q: What if my waffles don’t turn out crispy?
A: Make sure your waffle iron is fully preheated before adding the batter. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, as that can result in tough, dense waffles. If they still don’t crisp up, try increasing the cooking time by 30 seconds to a minute.
Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in the savory-sweet perfection of Cheddar Chive Waffles topped with crispy Hot Honey Chicken. This 30-minute meal is a surefire way to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 2 eggs
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 cup hot sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
1. Preheat your waffle iron.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and stir just until combined. Fold in the cheddar cheese and chives.
5. Spray the waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray and pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. In a shallow dish, combine the 1/2 cup flour, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
7. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, coating both sides.
8. In a large skillet, heat 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
9. In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce and honey.
10. Serve the waffles immediately, topped with the fried chicken and drizzled with the hot honey sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
For a spicier kick, feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the flour coating. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or herbs in the waffles to customize the flavors.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken recipe is destined to become a new brunch favorite. The combination of savory, cheesy waffles and crispy, spicy-sweet chicken is simply irresistible. With easy-to-follow instructions and pro tips for success, you’ll be whipping up this restaurant-worthy dish at home in no time.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the same joy I felt the first time I made it. Be sure to let me know how it turns out and don’t forget to share your photos – I love seeing your creations! Enjoy your delicious Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken.
