Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken

Introduction

Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken are a flavor-packed, comforting combination that elevates brunch to an entirely new level. The waffles are rich and slightly tangy with that signature red velvet flavor, soft yet crisp on the outside, creating the perfect base for crispy fried chicken. The sweetness of the waffles complements the savory, crispy chicken, and the addition of a maple syrup drizzle ties everything together in a sweet and salty harmony.

I first made this dish on a weekend morning when I wanted something indulgent and memorable. The contrast between the fluffy, slightly cocoa-infused waffles and the juicy, crunchy chicken is nothing short of perfection. The waffles are just the right amount of sweet, and when paired with the chicken, they create a dish that feels luxurious yet comforting.

Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken are perfect for those days when you crave something more than the usual breakfast or brunch options. It’s a meal that combines the best of both worlds—decadent yet satisfying, and full of flavor. When served with a side of warm maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream, it becomes a truly indulgent experience. If you’re looking to wow your guests or enjoy a special meal at home, this dish will surely steal the spotlight!

Perfect for:

• Special brunches or holiday breakfasts
• Sweet and savory flavor lovers
• Indulgent weekend meals
• A fun, colorful twist on the classic chicken and waffles
• Cooking for a crowd or entertaining guests

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken

Here’s why Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken will become one of your favorite meals:

• Bold, Unique Flavor: The slight cocoa flavor of the red velvet waffles pairs effortlessly with crispy, perfectly seasoned fried chicken.
• Eye-Catching: The vibrant red color of the waffles makes this dish visually stunning and a great conversation starter.
• Comforting and Satisfying: The combination of crispy chicken and fluffy waffles creates a rich and filling meal, perfect for any occasion.
• Customizable: Swap out the chicken for another protein or tweak the seasoning to suit your tastes.
• Perfect for Brunch: This dish is not only filling but impressive enough to serve to guests at brunch or holiday gatherings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 750-800 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 70g, Fat: 45g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional for a bit of heat)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Red Velvet Waffles:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt

Maple Cream Cheese Syrup:

• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Chicken:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken breasts or thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours, to marinate.
2. Prepare the Flour Coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir to combine.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks. Set aside.
4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small amount of flour dropped in bubbles immediately.
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Red Velvet Waffles:

6. Preheat the Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
8. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Add the vinegar last and whisk again until combined.
9. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; it’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy.
10. Cook the Waffles: Lightly grease the waffle iron with nonstick spray or a small amount of melted butter. Spoon the batter into the waffle iron, using about ½ cup of batter per waffle, depending on the size of your waffle iron. Cook the waffles according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for 3-5 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
11. Keep Waffles Warm: If you’re making multiple batches of waffles, keep the finished waffles warm in a low oven (about 200°F) until all waffles are cooked.

Maple Cream Cheese Syrup:

12. Blend the Syrup Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Gradually whisk in the maple syrup, adjusting the amount of milk to reach your desired consistency. For a smoother syrup, you can use a hand mixer or stand mixer.
13. Heat the Syrup (Optional): If you prefer warm syrup, heat it gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave until it’s warm but not boiling.

Assemble the Dish:

14. Plate the Waffles and Chicken: Place one or two red velvet waffles on each plate. Top with a piece of crispy fried chicken.
15. Drizzle with Syrup: Generously pour the maple cream cheese syrup over the waffles and chicken.
16. Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) or a dusting of powdered sugar for added flair. Serve immediately while the waffles are warm and the chicken is crispy.

How to Serve Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken

Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken can be served in various ways to add your personal touch:

• Classic Style: Serve with extra syrup on the side and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a traditional presentation.
• Brunch Platter: For a more festive touch, serve the waffles and chicken with fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
• With Sautéed Greens: Pair with sautéed spinach or kale to add a fresh contrast to the rich, indulgent meal.
• As a Sandwich: Place a waffle, chicken, and another waffle together for a fun handheld version of the dish.
• With Bacon or Sausage: Add a side of crispy bacon or sausage links to enhance the savory-sweet contrast.

Additional Tips For Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken

Follow these tips for the best Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken:

• Use Fresh Buttermilk: Fresh buttermilk creates a tangy flavor in both the chicken marinade and waffles. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar to 1 cup of milk.
• Double Coat the Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, you can double dip the chicken by dipping it back in the buttermilk and then re-coating it with the flour mixture.
• Customize the Waffle Flavor: Add chocolate chips or cinnamon to the waffle batter for a unique twist.
• Ensure the Oil is Hot Enough: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken may become greasy. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350°F.
• Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring creates a deeper, more vibrant red color without thinning the batter.
• Make It Ahead: You can marinate the chicken the night before to save time. The waffles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for later use.

Recipe Variations For Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken

Here are 5 Variations to customize your Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken:

1. Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour for both the chicken coating and waffles to make this dish gluten-free.
2. Vegetarian Version: Replace the fried chicken with crispy, breaded tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
3. Stuffed Waffles: Add a sweet cream cheese filling inside the waffles for an extra indulgent twist.
4. Sweet and Spicy Chicken: Add a drizzle of honey or hot sauce over the fried chicken to give it a spicy-sweet flavor.
5. Mini Waffle Bites: For a party or gathering, make smaller waffles and serve the chicken as bite-sized pieces with toothpicks for easy eating.

Freezing and Storage For Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken

• Freezing the Waffles: You can freeze the waffles for up to 2 months. To reheat, place them in a toaster or oven to restore their crispness.
• Storing Leftover Chicken: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain its crispiness.
• Storing the Syrup: The maple cream cheese syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Special Equipment For Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken

Here are some items that will help you make the perfect Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken:

1. Waffle Iron: Essential for making perfectly crisp waffles.
2. Thermometer: A kitchen thermometer is useful to ensure the chicken is cooked through and the oil is at the correct temperature.
3. Cast Iron Skillet or Frying Pan: Ideal for frying chicken, as it retains heat and produces an even fry.
4. Shallow Dishes for Dipping: Have separate shallow dishes for the buttermilk and flour mixture to make coating the chicken easier.
5. Whisk: A whisk ensures the smooth consistency of the waffle batter and the syrup.
6. Tongs or a Slotted Spoon: To carefully remove the fried chicken from the hot oil.
7. Serving Plates: To plate the waffles and chicken attractively for serving.

FAQ Section For Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken

1. Can I make the waffles ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the waffles ahead of time and freeze them. Reheat in the oven for best results.
2. What can I substitute for buttermilk?
   You can use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a buttermilk substitute.
3. Can I make this dish with other proteins?
   Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, turkey, or even pork chops for a different twist.
4. How do I make the syrup thicker?
   Add more powdered sugar to thicken the syrup, or reduce the maple syrup slightly by simmering it on the stove.
5. Can I use non-dairy milk for the waffles?
   Yes, you can use almond milk or oat milk as a substitute for regular milk in the waffles.

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Conclusion

Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken are a show-stopping combination that will quickly become a favorite for any meal of the day. The waffles, with their rich, velvety texture and subtle cocoa flavor, pair perfectly with the crispy, seasoned chicken, creating a harmony of sweet and savory in every bite.

I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes a staple in your kitchen! Don’t forget to share your creations—I’d love to see how you make it your own! Enjoy every crispy, tender, and sweet bite!