Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles Recipe

In this Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles recipe, we’re recreating a homemade version that blends the signature flavors you love with the warmth of freshly made waffles. Trust me, this dish is a surefire hit for brunch, breakfast-for-dinner nights, or whenever you’re craving a little Southern-inspired comfort food.

How to make Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles

Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles is a limited-time breakfast entrée that occasionally appears at select Chick-fil-A locations or during special promotions. It combines Chick-fil-A’s signature crispy chicken with classic buttery waffles, creating a sweet-and-savory breakfast dish.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

Chicken breasts (or tenders) – 2 medium pieces, sliced into strips or nuggets
Pickle juice – ½ cup (for marinating, Chick-fil-A uses pickle juice for their chicken!)
Whole milk – ½ cup
Egg – 1 large, beaten
All-purpose flour – 1 cup
Powdered sugar – 1 tbsp (optional, for sweetness like Chick-fil-A)
Salt – 1 tsp
Black pepper – ½ tsp
Paprika – ½ tsp
Garlic powder – ½ tsp
Vegetable oil – Enough for frying (or use peanut oil for a more authentic flavor)

For the Waffles:

All-purpose flour – 1 ¾ cups
Baking powder – 2 tsp
Sugar – 2 tbsp
Salt – ½ tsp
Milk – 1 ½ cups
Eggs – 2 large, separated
Unsalted butter – ½ cup, melted
Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
Maple syrup or honey (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Marinate: In a bowl, mix the pickle juice and milk. Add the chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge). This gives the chicken the juicy, tender texture Chick-fil-A is famous for.
Make the Batter: In another bowl, whisk the flour, powdered sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Dip it into the beaten egg, then back into the flour mixture to create a crispy outer layer.
Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once it reaches 350°F, carefully fry the chicken pieces in batches (about 3–4 minutes per side) until golden brown and crispy. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 2: Make the Waffles

Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Combine: Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined (don’t overmix; lumps are fine).
Whisk Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold them into the waffle batter. This will make the waffles light and airy.
Cook the Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron, lightly grease it with nonstick spray or butter, and pour the batter onto the hot iron. Cook until golden brown and crisp (about 4–5 minutes per waffle).

Step 3: Assemble the Chicken and Waffles

Place a freshly cooked waffle on a plate.
Layer with 2–3 pieces of crispy chicken.
Drizzle the Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles with warm maple syrup or honey for sweetness. For extra indulgence, add butter, whipped cream, or even hot sauce on top!

Tips for Success

Marinating Time: Don’t skip the pickle juice marinade—it’s the secret to soft, flavorful chicken!
Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to prevent soggy or undercooked chicken.
Fluffy Waffles: Folding in whipped egg whites makes a big difference in texture. Don’t skip this step for light waffles.
Meal Prep: Fry the chicken and cook the waffles ahead of time, then reheat them in the oven for a quick assembly when serving.
Customization: Play with toppings! Add bacon bits, hot honey, or even Chick-fil-A Sauce for a signature twist.

What to serve with

Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles are an indulgent dish with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, but pairing it with sides, toppings, and beverages can elevate your meal to restaurant-quality.

Maple Syrup: The classic choice! Warm maple syrup drizzled over your Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles ties the flavors together beautifully.
Honey: If you prefer a less sugary option, honey is a great alternative for sweetness.
Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of light, airy whipped cream to your Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles for extra indulgence.
Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries bring a refreshing burst of natural sweetness.
Powdered Sugar: Sprinkle powdered sugar for a simple yet decorative touch that keeps the dish visually appealing.
Vanilla Butter: Whip softened butter with a dash of vanilla and sugar for an extra luxurious butter spread.

Ingredients Substitutes

Substitutes for Chicken

Chicken thighs: Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great alternative to chicken breasts. Cut them into strips or nuggets for a similar appearance.
Pre-cooked Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, shred rotisserie chicken to skip the frying process. It won’t have the crispy coating but still delivers satisfying chicken flavor.
Plant-Based Chicken: For vegetarians or vegans, use breaded plant-based chicken strips (brands like Beyond Meat or Gardein are great). Cook as instructed on the package.

Substitutes for Pickle Juice (Chicken Marinade)

Pickle juice is the secret to tender, flavorful chicken, but if you’re out of pickles, here are some substitutes:

Substitutes for Milk (Chicken Marinade)

If you’re avoiding dairy or don’t have milk, try these options:

Non-Dairy Milk: Unsweetened soy, oat, almond, or coconut milk works well. Just make sure to use a plain, unsweetened variety.
Yogurt: Dilute plain yogurt with a little water for a creamy marinade substitute.
Water: Simple water can work in a pinch, but it won’t add any extra flavor or creaminess to the marinade.

Substitutes for Flour (Chicken Coating)

All-purpose flour can be replaced based on dietary needs or preferences:

Gluten-Free Flour: A gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works perfectly. Brands like King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill are reliable options.
Cornstarch: A blend of cornstarch and flour (1:1 ratio) makes fried chicken extra crispy. You can use pure cornstarch if you’re avoiding gluten, though the texture will be lighter.
Rice Flour: Rice flour is a great substitute for a crispy impact and works well for gluten-free diets.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For a different texture, coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for allergy concerns).

Substitutes for Frying Oil

Chick-fil-A uses peanut oil, but there are alternatives if you’re allergic or don’t have it on hand:

Vegetable Oil: A neutral-flavored oil like canola or sunflower oil is a great substitute and widely available.
Avocado Oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and is considered healthier for frying.
Coconut Oil: For a slightly sweeter taste, coconut oil works well with fried chicken but leaves a mild coconut flavor.

Substitutes for Sugar (Chicken Coating)

Powdered sugar adds subtle sweetness to the chicken. If you prefer not to use it:

Brown Sugar: Use an equal amount for deeper caramel notes.
Granulated Sugar: Works just as well, though the coating may be slightly less smooth.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Brush the fried chicken lightly with honey or syrup instead of adding sugar to the flour. This will create a sweet-savory balance after frying.

Substitutes for Waffle Ingredients

Flour (Waffles)

Instead of all-purpose flour:

Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Works well for fluffy and light waffles.
Whole Wheat Flour: Adds a nuttier flavor but makes the waffles denser—lighten it with a small amount of almond or oat flour.
Almond Flour: Gluten-free and lower in carbs but yields softer, less structured waffles.

Sugar (Waffles)

Honey or Maple Syrup: Use equal parts in place of sugar, especially if you prefer natural sweeteners.
Coconut Sugar: A healthier sugar substitute with a slight caramel flavor.
Stevia or Monk Fruit: Low-carb sugar substitutes for those cutting back on calories.

Milk (Waffles)

Non-Dairy Milk: Unsweetened oat, almond, soy, or coconut milk can replace regular milk without affecting the flavor.
Water: You can use water in a pinch, though the waffles may not be quite as rich.

Eggs (Waffles)

For egg substitutes, consider these options:

Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tbsp of flaxseed meal with 2½ tbsp of water for every egg, let it sit, and use as a binder.
Applesauce: Use ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce per egg for moisture and binding, ideal for vegan waffles.
Mashed Banana: ¼ cup mashed banana per egg adds sweetness and moisture—great for complementing the waffles’ flavor.

Butter (Waffles)

If you want to cut back or avoid dairy:

Coconut Oil: Substitute equal parts for melted butter while adding slight sweetness.
Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: These neutral oils work perfectly, though olive oil may add a subtle savory note.
Non-Dairy Margarine: Vegan-friendly versions of margarine work as a butter substitute.

Vanilla Extract (Waffles)

If you’re out of vanilla:

Maple Syrup: Adds comparable warmth and sweetness to the batter.
Almond Extract: Use sparingly (start with a few drops) for a nutty alternative.

Substitutes for Syrups/Toppings

If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use:

Honey: A natural sweetener that’s equally delicious.
Agave Nectar: A slightly lighter and healthier alternative.
Caramel Sauce: For a richer topping, drizzle caramel sauce over your Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles.
Fruit Compote: Make a simple fruit sauce by simmering berries and sugar for a fresh topping.

Final Thoughts

No matter how you serve Chick-fil-A Chicken and Waffles, the unique combination of flavors is sure to impress—and these sides and pairings will take your dish to the next level!

More Chicken Recipes:

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