That first bite of something unexpectedly perfect – like sweet syrup meeting savory, crispy chicken on a fluffy waffle – can truly make a morning. I remember a bustling family brunch where a deconstructed version of this classic pairing sparked an idea: why not combine all that goodness into one easy, shareable dish? And so, this recipe was born.
This Chicken and Waffle Casserole is a delightful marriage of textures and tastes, layering tender waffles and crispy popcorn chicken, all brought together by a lightly spiced, savory egg custard. It’s the kind of comforting meal that’s perfect for a laid-back weekend brunch, a surprisingly fun weeknight dinner, or a potluck dish that’s guaranteed to disappear fast. We often pull this recipe out for lazy Sunday mornings when no one wants a complicated kitchen routine but everyone wants something satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just another casserole; it’s a game-changer for several reasons:
- Effortlessly Delicious: By using convenient frozen waffles and popcorn chicken, prep time is minimal, making this impressive dish surprisingly easy to assemble.
- Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: The irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors is a surefire hit with both kids and adults. It’s a familiar comfort food pairing presented in a fun, new way.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re planning a special brunch, need a quick family dinner, or want a standout dish for a gathering, this Chicken and Waffle Casserole fits the bill.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble it ahead of time and bake when ready, making your hosting duties or meal prep that much smoother.
- This recipe is a lifesaver for busy parents looking for a kid-approved meal, a go-to for anyone who loves hosting brunch, and a warm hug for comfort food aficionados.
Ingredients for Chicken and Waffle Casserole
Let’s gather what you’ll need for this delightful Chicken and Waffle Casserole.
Core Ingredients
- 12 frozen waffles: Choose your favorite brand. Thicker, Belgian-style waffles tend to hold their structure well and absorb the custard beautifully.
- 1 (24-ounce) package frozen popcorn chicken, thawed: These bite-sized pieces ensure you get chicken in nearly every forkful and they crisp up nicely. Thawing them first helps with even cooking.
- 8 extra-large eggs: These create the rich, savory custard that binds the casserole together.
- 1¼ cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and moisture to the egg mixture.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: This touch of warm spice beautifully complements both the sweet waffles and the savory chicken, adding a classic breakfast aroma.
- Maple syrup (for drizzling): Pure maple syrup is highly recommended for its authentic flavor – it’s the crowning glory!
- Fresh minced parsley (optional, for garnish): A little sprinkle adds a touch of freshness and a pop of color before serving.
Substitutions and Tips
- Waffles: Feel free to use homemade waffles if you have them! If you’re using thinner toaster waffles, you might need a few extra to cover the layers adequately.
- Chicken: No popcorn chicken? Cooked chicken tenders (chopped into bite-sized pieces) or even leftover fried chicken (skin removed, deboned, and chopped) will work. If using plain cooked chicken, you might want to season it a bit more. For a spicy twist, try spicy chicken nuggets.
- Milk: You can substitute with 2% milk if that’s what you have. For an even richer custard, try using half-and-half or adding a splash of heavy cream. Dairy-free options like unsweetened almond or soy milk can also work, though the custard may be slightly less decadent.
- Cinnamon: If cinnamon isn’t your favorite, a pinch of nutmeg or even a little apple pie spice could offer a similar warmth.
- Chef’s Insight: Add Cheese! For an extra layer of savory goodness in your Chicken and Waffle Casserole, consider whisking ½ cup of shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Colby Jack blend into the egg mixture. It adds a lovely meltiness.
Best Type of Chicken to Use
For this specific Chicken and Waffle Casserole recipe, frozen popcorn chicken is really the star for a few reasons. Its pre-cooked, bite-sized nature means less prep work for you, and it distributes perfectly throughout the casserole, ensuring that delightful crispy-savory element in each serving. The breading also tends to hold up well during baking, offering a pleasing texture.
However, if popcorn chicken isn’t available or you prefer alternatives:
- Frozen Chicken Tenders or Nuggets: These are a close second. Simply thaw them and cut them into 1-inch pieces before adding them to the casserole.
- Leftover Fried Chicken: If you have some on hand, remove the skin and bones, chop the meat into bite-sized pieces, and you’re good to go. The flavor will be fantastic.
- Rotisserie Chicken: For a non-breaded option, shredded rotisserie chicken works. While you’ll miss the “fried” aspect, it’s still delicious. You might want to toss it with a little extra seasoning (like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika) before layering it in.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You won’t need any highly specialized equipment for this easy recipe.
Must-Have Tools
- 9×13 inch baking dish: This is the standard size that works perfectly for the ingredient quantities. Glass or ceramic are both fine.
- Large mixing bowl: For whisking together the egg custard.
- Whisk: Essential for getting that custard smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Nice-to-Have Extras
- Kitchen shears: These can be handy for quickly cutting waffles to fit snugly in the dish or for snipping chicken pieces if needed.
- Offset spatula: Useful for gently pressing down the top layer of waffles or for serving.
How to Make Chicken and Waffle Casserole
This Chicken and Waffle Casserole comes together in just a few simple steps. Let’s walk through it.
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps with cleanup.
Step 2: Layer the First Waffles
Arrange half of the frozen waffles (that’s 6 waffles) in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. You might need to cut or break some waffles to make them fit snugly without too much overlap. This bottom layer is the foundation of your Chicken and Waffle Casserole.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Scatter the thawed popcorn chicken evenly over the waffle layer. Ensure it’s well-distributed so every slice gets a good amount of that savory chicken.
Step 4: Add the Top Waffle Layer
Top the chicken with the remaining 6 frozen waffles, again cutting to fit if necessary. This creates that beautiful layered look and texture.
Step 5: Whisk the Custard
In your large mixing bowl, whisk together the 8 extra-large eggs, 1¼ cups of whole milk, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon until everything is thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth. You’re looking for a well-aerated custard.
Step 6: Pour and Soak
Carefully and evenly pour the egg mixture over the waffles and chicken in the baking dish. Try to cover everything. You can gently press down on the top waffles with the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to encourage them to soak up some of that delicious custard.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes. You’ll know the Chicken and Waffle Casserole is ready when it’s beautifully golden brown on top, puffed up, and the egg mixture is set. A good test is to insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 8: Rest, Drizzle, and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period is important as it helps the casserole set, making it much easier to slice and serve. Drizzle generously with maple syrup just before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh minced parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Slice and serve warm.
Tips for Success
Achieve Chicken and Waffle Casserole perfection with these handy tips:
- Thaw That Chicken: Don’t put the popcorn chicken in frozen. Thawing it first ensures it cooks through evenly with the rest of the casserole and prevents excess moisture from making the dish soggy.
- Uniform Custard Coverage: Pour the egg mixture slowly and evenly over the assembled layers. Tilting the dish slightly can help it seep into all the nooks and crannies, ensuring your Chicken and Waffle Casserole binds together perfectly.
- Don’t Rush the Rest: That 5-10 minute rest time after baking isn’t just a suggestion! It allows the casserole to firm up, preventing it from falling apart when you slice into it. Resist the urge to cut it immediately.
- Syrup Strategy: Drizzle maple syrup just before serving rather than soaking the entire casserole beforehand. This keeps the top waffles from getting overly soft and allows everyone to customize the sweetness on their portion.
- Achieve a Crispier Top: If you like the top waffles extra crispy, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch it very carefully to prevent burning, as broilers work fast!
How to Store Chicken and Waffle Casserole
Storing leftover Chicken and Waffle Casserole is easy, so you can enjoy it again!
- Room Temperature: Due to the eggs, it’s best not to leave the casserole at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- In the Refrigerator: Once cooled to room temperature, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored properly, it will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or, for best results (and to re-crisp the waffles a bit), place slices on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Freezing Tips: Yes, this Chicken and Waffle Casserole freezes surprisingly well! Allow it to cool completely first. You can wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers. Alternatively, if your baking dish is freezer-safe, you can wrap the entire dish. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake, covered with foil, in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes to help it crisp up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions that might pop up as you prepare your Chicken and Waffle Casserole:
Can I prepare this Chicken and Waffle Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole (without baking), cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add about 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be going into the oven cold.
What kind of waffles work best for the casserole?
Thicker waffles, such as Belgian-style frozen waffles, tend to hold up the best and absorb the egg custard without becoming too mushy. However, regular square or round frozen toaster waffles work perfectly fine too and are what this recipe was developed with!
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, indeed! If you’d like a little heat in your Chicken and Waffle Casserole, consider using spicy frozen popcorn chicken or spicy chicken nuggets. Alternatively, you can add about ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the egg mixture before pouring it over the layers.
What should I serve with Chicken and Waffle Casserole?
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but a side of fresh fruit salad can add a lovely freshness and balance out the richness. Crispy bacon or sausage links would also be delicious accompaniments, leaning further into those classic breakfast flavors. For a dinner setting, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would be a great pairing.
Conclusion
When you’re searching for a meal that effortlessly combines comfort, convenience, and a delightful interplay of sweet and savory, this Chicken and Waffle Casserole is an absolute must-try. It’s the kind of recipe that brings a bit of fun to the table, whether you’re serving it up for a lazy weekend brunch, a satisfying weeknight dinner, or as a standout dish at your next potluck. The ease of using frozen staples means less time prepping and more time enjoying those happy faces around your table. Give this Chicken and Waffle Casserole a try – it’s bound to become a beloved favorite!
