Cornflake-Crusted Chicken and Waffles with Spicy Honey
A bright American comfort food that brings together crispy, salty chicken, soft cornmeal waffles, the nutty aroma of pecans and a sweet-and-spicy finish. Cornflakes create an especially crisp crust, buttermilk tenderises the meat, and the waffles turn out lightly crumbly thanks to the cornmeal. A final drizzle of spicy honey unites the salty, creamy, spiced and sweet notes.
Preparation
- 1
Heat the oven to 135°C and set a metal rack on a tray (for the finished chicken). Preheat the waffle iron to medium-high.
- 2
Prep the chicken: halve the breasts horizontally, lightly pound to ~1–1.5 cm and pat dry with paper towels.
- 3
Set up three bowls: 1) flour + salt + pepper; 2) buttermilk + hot sauce; 3) crushed cornflakes + granulated garlic and onion + paprika + salt + white and black pepper.
- 4
Bread the chicken: dredge in flour, dip in the buttermilk-hot-sauce, then press firmly into the cornflake crust.
- 5
Heat ~3 mm of oil in a pan to 175°C (hot but not smoking).
- 6
Fry the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until deep golden and fully cooked. Keep finished pieces warm on the rack in the oven.
- 7
For the waffles, mix the dry ingredients: all-purpose and cornmeal, baking powder, soda, cayenne, nutmeg, salt and pepper.
- 8
In a separate bowl whisk the buttermilk, melted butter and egg. Pour into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined (small lumps are fine), fold in the toasted pecans.
- 9
Bake the waffles: lightly grease the iron, add batter and cook ~4 minutes until golden and crisp.
- 10
Assemble: place a piece of crispy chicken on a hot waffle, drizzle generously with spicy honey and serve immediately.
Chef's tips
- —Dry the chicken well so the crust adheres better.
- —Keep the oil around 175°C: too cool makes the crust greasy, too hot burns it fast.
- —Don't crowd the pan; fry in batches.
- —Press the cornflakes onto the chicken for a dense, crisp crust.
- —Don't overmix the waffle batter or the waffles turn out heavy.
- —Be sure to toast the pecans — their flavour is much more pronounced.
- —Preheat the waffle iron fully for a crisp surface.
- —For a spicier version add more hot sauce or cayenne; serve immediately — waffles and crust are best hot.
What to pair it with
Chicken and waffles with spicy honey are at their best with light fresh additions that balance the richness of the dish.
- fresh berries
- fruit salad
- crispy bacon
- green salad
- coleslaw
- pickles
- spicy honey butter
- roasted sweet potato
- grilled corn
- maple syrup
✨ Perfect match
An especially good combination is a hot waffle, crispy chicken, fresh butter, berries and a generous drizzle of spicy honey. The fruit adds freshness, the butter adds creaminess, and the honey ties together salty, sweet and spicy.
