Name: Waffles and Chicken Nuggets
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 chicken breasts, cubed; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 2 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp cayenne pepper; 1 tbsp parsley; 1 tsp turmeric; 1 cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup parmesan cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying); 1 egg; 1 tbsp olive oil; ¼ cup milk; ¼ cup Greek yogurt; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tbsp sesame seeds; 1 tbsp flaxseeds; ½ cup shredded gouda cheese; 1 tbsp chopped chives; 1 tsp salt

I love how this recipe combines crispy, flavorful chicken nuggets with savory waffles for the ultimate comfort food dish. The nuggets are tender inside with a golden, crunchy coating, while the waffles are soft, cheesy, and full of texture from seeds and herbs. When I bring them together, the balance of crispy and fluffy makes every bite satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s a playful twist on a classic chicken-and-waffles dish. The chicken nuggets are seasoned with spices that bring just the right amount of heat, while the waffles carry a savory depth thanks to cheese and seeds. I enjoy making this when I want something indulgent but still homemade and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

For Crispy Chicken
3 chicken breasts (cubed)
1 cup Greek yogurt
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp parsley
1 tsp turmeric
1 cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup parmesan
1 tsp garlic powder
2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

For Waffles
1 egg
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup milk
¼ cup Greek yogurt
¾ cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp flaxseeds
½ cup shredded gouda
1 tbsp chives
1 tsp salt

Directions

I start by marinating the cubed chicken breasts in Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper, parsley, and turmeric. I let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
I mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan, and garlic powder in a shallow dish.
I coat the marinated chicken pieces in the breadcrumb mixture and set them aside.
I heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat and fry the chicken nuggets until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. I drain them on paper towels.
For the waffles, I whisk together the egg, olive oil, milk, and Greek yogurt until smooth.
I add flour, baking powder, sesame seeds, flaxseeds, shredded gouda, chives, and salt, then mix until just combined.
I preheat the waffle maker and cook the batter in batches until golden and crisp.
I serve the crispy chicken nuggets over the savory waffles, enjoying them together.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. It usually takes me 20 minutes to prepare, 30 minutes for marinating and cooking the chicken, and 15 minutes for the waffles, so the total time is around 1 hour.

Variations

Sometimes I swap gouda for cheddar or mozzarella in the waffles for a different flavor. If I want spicier nuggets, I add extra cayenne or chili flakes. For a lighter version, I bake the chicken nuggets instead of frying. I also like serving the dish with honey, hot sauce, or maple syrup for a sweet-and-savory twist.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating them in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy. The waffles also keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for a month, and I reheat them in a toaster or oven. I usually store them separately and assemble before eating.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken nuggets instead of frying?

Yes, I often bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.

Can I make the waffles without cheese?

Yes, I sometimes skip the cheese, but I find the gouda adds great flavor and richness.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I like using thighs because they stay juicy and tender when fried.

Can I prepare the chicken nuggets ahead of time?

Yes, I bread them in advance and refrigerate for a few hours before frying.

Do the waffles work with sweet toppings too?

Yes, even though they’re savory, I sometimes drizzle them with honey or maple syrup for a sweet-salty balance.

Can I air-fry the chicken nuggets?

Yes, I air-fry them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Can I use whole wheat flour for the waffles?

Yes, I replace some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version.

What sauces go well with this dish?

I enjoy it with ranch, hot sauce, barbecue sauce, or even garlic aioli.

Can I freeze the chicken nuggets?

Yes, I freeze them after frying and reheat in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy.

How do I keep the waffles warm while cooking batches?

I place them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (90°C) oven until ready to serve.

Conclusion

I really enjoy making waffles and chicken nuggets because they bring together two comfort food favorites in one meal. The crispy, flavorful chicken and cheesy, savory waffles are the perfect match, and I can play around with sauces and toppings to make it my own. Whether I serve it for brunch, dinner, or a fun family meal, it always feels like a treat.