The Best Chicken and Waffles Recipe for Kids

This chicken and waffles recipe for kids is sure to become one of your family's favorite meals. We've been making this for our kids since they were toddlers and it's been a staple family recipe ever since. If you're looking for an easy and straightforward chicken and waffles recipe, this is the perfect one to start with.

Chicken and Waffles Recipe for Kids

The thing I love the most about this chicken and waffles recipe is that it is both flavorful enough where adults love it, but not too overwhelmingly spicy that kids resist eating it. It also comes together really quickly, and isn't very intimidating to make at all. Chicken and waffle is one of those things that sound complicated to make, but the reality is that it's really straightforward and simple.

Chicken and Waffles Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

• 1/4 cup Corn Starch

• 1 tablespoon garlic salt

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 tablespoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1lb thin sliced boneless skinless chicken breast

• Store Bought or Homemade Waffles

Preparing the Chicken

Begin by marinating the mini chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic salt, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Optional: just the smallest amount of cayenne pepper makes a huge impact. This seasoned flour will give the chicken a deliciously crispy coating.

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Dredge each marinated chicken breast in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.

Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165º.

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Cooking the Waffles

While the chicken is frying, prepare the waffles according to your preferred method. You can use a waffle iron to make homemade waffles or toast store-bought ones until golden brown and crispy.

Once the waffles are cooked, place one on each plate in preparation for serving.

Assembling the Dish

To assemble the chicken and waffles, place a crispy fried chicken breast on top of each waffle.

Drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet and savory flavor combination that kids will love.

Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciousness!

Now that you have the basic recipe, let's explore some creative variations to make this dish even more exciting for your little ones.

Maple Syrup Magic

Maple syrup is the perfect accompaniment to chicken and waffles, adding a touch of sweetness that enhances the flavors of the dish. For an extra special treat, consider infusing your maple syrup with flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, or even a hint of citrus zest.

Spicy Sriracha Mayo:

While our kids love this meal with maple syrup, my husband and I love to eat this with a spicy sriracha mayo drizzle. We simply mix together some mayo and sriracha until we get a consistency we like, and then drizzle that over our fried chicken. You can also mix in a little maple syrup into this mixture to give it another sweet depth of flavor.

Use Fun Mini Waffles

Mini waffles are not only adorable, but they're also perfectly sized for little hands. Experiment with different shapes and designs to make mealtime more fun for your kids. You can even let them help out by using cookie cutters to create waffle shapes like hearts, stars, or animals.

Waffle Slider Sensation

Turn chicken and waffles into bite-sized delights by making waffle sliders. Simply cut the mini waffles into smaller pieces, add a slice of fried chicken, and secure with a toothpick. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, picnics, or any time your kids need a quick and delicious snack.

Kid-Friendly Chicken

To make this recipe even more kid-friendly, consider using mini chicken tenders instead of breasts. These smaller pieces of chicken are easier for little ones to eat and can be dipped into their favorite sauces for added fun.

Healthy Twist

For a healthier version of chicken and waffles, try baking the chicken instead of frying it. Simply place the breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. This reduces the saturated fat content while still delivering the crispy texture kids love.

This is especially great if you're trying to be conscious of our cholesterol. Overall preparing the meal this way will give you a great balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, and it makes for a pretty well balanced meal.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your chicken and waffles with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve them with a side of honey mustard sauce or barbecue sauce for dipping.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're short on time, you can prepare the chicken and waffles ahead of time and simply reheat them when ready to serve. Just be sure to store the components separately to maintain their crispiness.

Final Thoughts

Chicken and waffles may be a classic southern dish, but with this kid-friendly recipe, you can bring the deliciousness of this comfort food favorite to your own kitchen. Whether you're serving it up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this irresistible combination is sure to put a smile on your kids' faces. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to create memories around the dinner table with this delightful chicken and waffles recipe for kids.

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