If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy, tender chicken, fluffy waffles, and rich, creamy white gravy, then the Oven-Fried Chicken with Waffles and White Gravy Delight Recipe will be your new go-to comfort food. This recipe combines the best of Southern-inspired flavors with an easy oven-fried twist, making it a fantastic crowd-pleaser or a special weekend treat. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will have you smiling through every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Oven-Fried Chicken with Waffles and White Gravy Delight Recipe lies in its wonderfully simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in bringing vibrant flavors, delightful crunch, and creamy smoothness to the plate.
- 2 pieces Chicken Breast: Freezing before slicing helps create perfect halves for even cooking and crispiness.
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and a subtle tang; Greek yogurt works too if you want a lighter version.
- 2 cups Kettle-Cooked Potato Chips: These give the chicken an irresistible salty crunch — feel free to use any salty potato chip you love.
- 2 Egg Whites: Whipped to soft peaks to add airy lightness and volume to the coating.
- 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar: Balances savory flavors; sugar substitutes can be used if preferred.
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour: The base for the waffle batter; swap with gluten-free flour blend if needed.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder: Ensures waffles are fluffy and tender — always use fresh for best results.
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda: Works alongside baking powder for the perfect rise.
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt: Elevates the overall flavor in both the waffle and chicken coating.
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter: Melted for rich flavor; coconut oil is a great non-dairy option.
- 1 cup Buttermilk: Contributes tangy moisture and tenderness to waffles; regular milk with vinegar is a quick alternative.
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter: For the white gravy base; olive oil can substitute for a lighter touch.
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the white gravy; cornstarch offers a gluten-free choice.
- 2 cups Whole Milk: Creamy base for gravy; almond milk works well for dairy-free versions.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds a little kick to the gravy, enhancing its depth.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Essential to season the gravy perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons Scallions: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, mild onion flavor; chives make a nice substitute.
How to Make Oven-Fried Chicken with Waffles and White Gravy Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Slice the Chicken
Begin by partially freezing your chicken breast for about 20 minutes; this makes slicing cleaner and easier. Slice each breast into two even halves. This step ensures your chicken cooks evenly and crisply in the oven, so your delightful chicken pieces remain juicy yet perfectly crunchy.
Step 2: Whip Egg Whites and Season Coating
Whip the egg whites to soft peaks to incorporate lightness into the coating mixture. In a separate bowl, crush the kettle-cooked potato chips finely and combine with salt and sugar for a perfect balance of savory and slight sweetness. The whipped egg whites will help this coating stick beautifully to the chicken, creating that coveted oven-fried crunch.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken and Prepare for Baking
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over each chicken piece to keep them moist and to help the coating adhere. Dip each piece into the egg whites, then press both sides firmly into the crushed potato chips mixture. Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to ensure even baking and easy cleanup.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The oven-frying method allows you to enjoy the crispy texture without the mess of deep-frying, making this recipe a healthier and equally delicious alternative.
Step 5: Make the Waffles
While the chicken bakes, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, melted butter, and egg whites gently to keep the batter light. Slowly mix the wet and dry ingredients, taking care not to overmix. Cook waffles in a preheated waffle iron until golden and crisp on the outside but tender inside.
Step 6: Prepare the White Gravy
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to make a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer until the gravy thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. This luscious white gravy is the comforting finishing touch that makes the Oven-Fried Chicken with Waffles and White Gravy Delight Recipe truly outstanding.
How to Serve Oven-Fried Chicken with Waffles and White Gravy Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped scallions sprinkled over the white gravy add a beautiful pop of color and a subtle oniony brightness that elevates the dish. If you prefer, finely chopped chives or parsley make excellent alternatives, giving it a fresh, inviting look and flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside classic Southern sides such as creamy coleslaw or buttery green beans to balance the richness of the main dish. A crisp cucumber salad also provides a refreshing contrast that lightens the palate between bites of chicken and waffles.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the waffles topped with crispy chicken pieces and drizzle the white gravy generously over the top, finishing with a sprinkle of scallions for color. For a more casual presentation, serve everything family-style where everyone can pile their own plates — the fun, warm vibe of this dish really shines best when shared.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken and waffles are best stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This prevents the waffle from becoming soggy and keeps the chicken crispier for longer.
Freezing
You can freeze both the cooked chicken and waffles by wrapping them tightly in foil or placing in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
For optimal reheating, warm the chicken and waffles in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. This helps restore crispness without drying out the chicken, unlike microwaving which can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more moisture and flavor and can be prepared the same way. Just watch the cooking time closely as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in both the waffles and gravy, and using gluten-free potato chips, you can enjoy this incredible dish gluten-free without compromising taste.
Can I prepare the waffles batter in advance?
While fresh waffles are best, you can prepare the batter a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before cooking to ensure the waffles rise properly.
What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?
No worries! Simply add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade buttermilk substitute works perfectly in this recipe.
Can I make a dairy-free version of this dish?
Definitely! Use coconut oil instead of butter, almond milk instead of whole milk, and try dairy-free yogurt or mayonnaise alternatives. These swaps keep the flavors vibrant and the textures enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Oven-Fried Chicken with Waffles and White Gravy Delight Recipe that makes it a standout among comfort foods. Its thoughtful combination of crispy textures, tender meat, and velvety gravy creates a meal that’s both cozy and celebratory. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s sure to become a beloved favorite for family dinners or weekend brunch gatherings!
Print
Oven-Fried Chicken with Waffles and White Gravy Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A delightful Southern-inspired meal featuring crispy oven-fried chicken served alongside fluffy waffles and smothered in rich white gravy. This recipe uses a crunchy potato chip coating for the chicken and a perfectly seasoned white gravy to complete the comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 pieces Chicken Breast (Freezing prior to slicing helps for cleaner halves)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Greek yogurt can be substituted for a lighter touch)
- 2 cups Kettle-Cooked Potato Chips (Any salty potato chip can be used if needed)
- 2 Egg Whites (Whipped to soft peaks adds volume and lightness)
Waffles
- 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (A sugar substitute can work for those watching their intake)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (For gluten-free options, replace with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Freshness is key for effectiveness)
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda (Freshness is key for effectiveness)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt (Elevates flavor in both batters)
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (Melted coconut oil can serve for a dairy-free alternative)
- 1 cup Buttermilk (Regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar is a quick substitute)
White Gravy
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (Olive oil offers a lighter substitute)
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (Cornstarch can be a gluten-free option)
- 2 cups Whole Milk (Almond milk can replace it for dairy-free diets)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Essential for seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust based on taste)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Scallions (Optional garnish; chives can be substituted)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Freeze the chicken breasts briefly to make slicing easier and cleaner. Slice each breast in half to create thinner pieces. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Mix the Coating: Crush the kettle-cooked potato chips into fine crumbs. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise with the whipped egg whites (whipped to soft peaks for lightness) to create a sticky coating mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the mayonnaise and egg white mixture, then press into the crushed potato chips to fully coat. Set aside on a baking sheet.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a wire rack on a baking sheet to allow air circulation and keep the chicken crispy.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces on the wire rack and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crisp and golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Waffle Batter: In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Melt the unsalted butter and whisk it together with the buttermilk. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix gently until just combined. Fold in the whipped egg whites carefully to keep the batter light and airy.
- Cook the Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron and grease it lightly with butter or oil. Pour the batter in and cook until waffles are golden brown and crisp, about 4-5 minutes depending on your appliance. Keep waffles warm in a low oven if needed.
- Make the White Gravy: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Slowly whisk in the whole milk, continuing to stir as the gravy thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer gently until the desired thickness is achieved.
- Serve: Place a waffle on each plate, top with a piece of oven-fried chicken, and generously ladle over the white gravy. Garnish with chopped scallions if using, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Freezing the chicken before slicing makes for cleaner, easier cuts and more even cooking.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a healthier coating option.
- Kettle-cooked chips provide the best crunch due to their thickness and salt content.
- Whipping egg whites before folding into batter lightens the waffles and chicken coating.
- Use a wire rack when baking chicken to ensure the coating stays crispy instead of soggy.
- Adjust seasoning in gravy to your preference; adding a pinch of nutmeg can add warmth if desired.
- For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free flour blends and cornstarch where indicated.
- If dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut or olive oil and milk with almond or other plant-based milk.
