Chef Jake Thompson - Comfort Food Specialist
👨‍🍳 Comfort Food Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Culinary Arts Graduate ⏰ 18+ Years Experience 🍽️ BBQ & Grill Master

❤️ My Recipe Story

"This casserole was born from my love of the classic chicken and waffles combination, but reimagined for family-style serving. After countless Sunday brunches, I realized we needed a way to serve this beloved pairing to a crowd without standing over a waffle iron all morning."

Jake's southern roots shine through in recipes like this that transform classic comfort food combinations into practical, family-friendly dishes that maintain all the flavors we love.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Golden-brown chicken and waffle casserole in a rectangular baking dish, drizzled with maple syrup and garnished with green onions

The Perfect Sweet and Savory Balance

The magic of chicken and waffles lies in the contrast between savory, seasoned chicken and sweet, fluffy waffles. In casserole form, this balance becomes even more harmonious as the flavors meld during baking while maintaining distinct textures.

Using boneless chicken thighs instead of traditional fried chicken pieces ensures the meat stays juicy throughout the longer baking process. The waffle batter acts as both a base and topping, creating layers of flavor and texture that make each bite satisfying.

💡 Professional Tip

Fry the chicken until just golden - it will finish cooking in the oven. Overcooking at this stage will result in dry chicken in the final dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but thighs stay more tender during the longer cooking process. If using breasts, cut them smaller and don't overcook during the initial frying.

You can assemble the casserole up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.

Make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1/2 cup regular milk. Let sit 5 minutes before using.

The waffle topping should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. A toothpick inserted in the waffle portion should come out clean.

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or a simple green salad balance the richness. For brunch, serve with coffee and orange juice.

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness.

Yes, freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking or reheating.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Soggy Bottom

Problem: Bottom waffle layer turns out soggy

Solution: Make sure chicken is well-drained after frying. Use a wire rack over baking sheet to drain excess oil before adding to casserole.

✅

Uneven Cooking

Problem: Some areas are overcooked while others are underdone

Solution: Spread waffle batter evenly and distribute chicken pieces uniformly. Cover with foil if top browns too quickly.

✅

Dry Chicken

Problem: Chicken pieces turn out dry despite proper cooking

Prevention: Don't overcook during initial frying. Use dark meat (thighs) which stays moister, and don't cut pieces too small.

✅

Dense Waffle Texture

Problem: Waffle portion is heavy and dense instead of fluffy

Recovery: Don't overmix the batter - stir just until ingredients are combined. Lumps are okay and will smooth out during baking.

✅

Too Sweet or Salty

Problem: Flavor balance is off

Prevention: Adjust seasoning on chicken - it should be well-seasoned to balance the sweet waffle. Control maple syrup amount when serving.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Reduce maple syrup serving amount or add more seasoning to chicken

Too Salty: Serve with extra maple syrup or fresh fruit to balance

Bland: Increase chicken seasoning and serve with flavored butter or honey

Raw chicken pieces, waffle batter ingredients including flour and buttermilk, maple syrup, and seasonings arranged on a kitchen counter

Building Layers of Flavor

The foundation of great chicken and waffle casserole starts with properly seasoned chicken. The spice blend should be bold enough to complement the sweet waffle component - garlic, onion, paprika, and a touch of cayenne create the perfect savory base.

The waffle batter differs slightly from traditional waffle recipes, with a slightly thinner consistency that allows it to spread evenly in the casserole dish while still maintaining the characteristic light, fluffy texture when baked.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken Selection: Boneless thighs provide the best flavor and stay moist during the extended cooking process. Cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  • Buttermilk Importance: Buttermilk adds tanginess and helps create tender, fluffy waffles. The acidity also helps activate the baking powder for maximum lift.
  • Maple Syrup Quality: Use real maple syrup rather than pancake syrup for the best flavor. The genuine article has complexity that complements the chicken seasoning perfectly.
Chicken and waffle casserole baking in the oven with golden-brown waffle topping and visible chicken pieces underneath

Mastering the Casserole Technique

The key to success lies in the layering technique and timing. The bottom waffle layer should be spread evenly but not too thick, creating a sturdy base that won't become soggy from the chicken. The top layer seals in moisture while developing a beautiful golden crust.

Temperature control is crucial - the oven needs to be hot enough to cook the waffle batter through while ensuring the chicken finishes cooking without drying out. The casserole is done when the waffle topping springs back when lightly touched.

The Perfect Layer

Spread the first waffle layer thin but completely covering the bottom. Distribute chicken evenly, then gently spread the remaining batter on top without pressing down.

Chicken & Waffle Casserole

Prep 30 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 8 servings
Level Intermediate

📋 Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 240g all-purpose flour
    Foundation for fluffy waffle texture
  • 120ml buttermilk
    Adds tang and helps create tender texture
  • 240ml whole milk
    Creates proper batter consistency
  • 2 large eggs
    Binding and structure for waffles
  • 60g melted butter
    Adds richness and helps browning
  • 15g baking powder
    Essential for waffle lift and fluffiness
  • 180ml maple syrup
    Pure maple syrup for authentic flavor

For the Waffle Batter

  • 900g boneless chicken thighs, bite-sized
    Dark meat stays tender during long cooking
  • 30g sugar
    Balances savory elements
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
    Essential for chicken seasoning
  • 1 tsp onion powder
    Adds savory depth to chicken
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
    Provides color and mild spice
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
    Adds gentle heat to balance sweetness
  • Green onions, chopped
    Fresh garnish for color and flavor

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken

    Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne. Let sit for 15 minutes. Heat oil in large skillet and fry chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

  2. Make Waffle Batter

    In large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. In separate bowl, combine buttermilk, milk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined - don't overmix.

  3. Assemble Casserole

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread half the waffle batter in bottom. Layer fried chicken pieces over batter, then top with remaining waffle batter.

  4. Bake

    Bake for 35-40 minutes until waffle topping is golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted in waffle portion should come out clean.

  5. Finish and Serve

    Remove from oven and immediately drizzle with warm maple syrup and dot with butter pieces. Garnish with chopped green onions. Let cool 5 minutes before serving with hot sauce if desired.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for brunch gatherings, serve with fresh fruit, crispy bacon, or breakfast sausage. Coffee and fresh orange juice make excellent beverage pairings.

Variations

Try adding crispy bacon bits to the chicken layer, or experiment with different spice blends. Some people enjoy adding a layer of cream cheese for extra richness.