It was a crisp fall morning, and I could already smell the aroma of freshly baked waffles wafting through the house. As I sleepily made my way to the kitchen, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. You see, this was no ordinary waffle day – today, I was making my signature Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken, and I couldn’t wait to dive in.
I had first stumbled upon this recipe a few years ago, and it quickly became a household favorite. The combination of savory, cheesy waffles and the sweet, spicy chicken is simply out of this world. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to linger at the table, savoring every bite and dreaming about when you can have it again.
Why This Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken
What sets this Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken recipe apart is the attention to detail and the perfect balance of flavors. The waffles are made with a blend of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a touch of salt, which creates a light and fluffy texture. The addition of melted unsalted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh chives takes these waffles to the next level, infusing them with a savory richness that’s simply irresistible.
The real star of the show, though, is the hot honey chicken. By marinating the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a mixture of honey and Sriracha, you end up with a perfectly tender and flavorful protein that complements the waffles beautifully. The sweet and spicy combination is like a party in your mouth, and it’s sure to leave your taste buds begging for more.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the base for the fluffy waffles.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: The baking powder is essential for creating the perfect rise and texture in the waffles.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt helps to balance the flavors and enhance the overall taste.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: The melted butter adds richness and moisture to the waffles.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The cheddar cheese is the star of the show, providing a savory, cheesy flavor.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives: The fresh chives add a lovely pop of color and a subtle onion-like flavor.
- 1 1/4 cups milk: The milk helps to create a smooth, pourable batter.
- 2 large eggs: The eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the waffle’s structure.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The chicken is the perfect protein to pair with the waffles.
- 1/2 cup honey: The honey adds a delightful sweetness to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Sriracha): The hot sauce provides the perfect kick of heat to balance the honey.
Step-by-Step Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken Instructions
Preparing Your Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken
Prep time for this recipe is just 15 minutes, and the cook time is 30 minutes, for a total time of 45 minutes. To get started, you’ll need a waffle iron, a baking sheet, and a few mixing bowls.
1- Begin by preheating your waffle iron to the desired temperature. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2- In a separate bowl, melt the unsalted butter and let it cool slightly. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh chives, milk, and eggs, whisking until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
3- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix. This will ensure your waffles come out light and fluffy.
4- Grease your preheated waffle iron and scoop the batter onto the hot surface, cooking the waffles until they’re golden brown and crispy.
5- While the waffles are cooking, prepare the hot honey chicken. In a shallow dish, combine the honey and hot sauce, then add the chicken breasts and turn to coat them evenly.
6- Once the waffles are ready, transfer them to a plate and top with the hot honey chicken. Serve immediately, and enjoy the perfect balance of savory and sweet in every bite.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix the waffle batter – this can result in tough, chewy waffles. Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined.
- Make sure your waffle iron is properly preheated and greased before adding the batter. This will help ensure crisp, evenly cooked waffles.
- For the hot honey chicken, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to allow the flavors to really soak in.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey marinade to suit your spice preference. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more if you like things extra spicy.
Serving and Storing Your Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken
Perfect Pairings for Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken
This Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken recipe is perfect for a special brunch or a cozy weekend dinner. It serves 6 people, making it a great option for entertaining.
For the ultimate brunch experience, consider serving the waffles and chicken with a fresh fruit salad, a side of roasted potatoes, and a refreshing mimosa or bloody mary. If you’re enjoying this dish for dinner, pair it with a simple green salad and a crisp white wine.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any leftovers of the Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the waffles in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until they’re warm and crispy again. The hot honey chicken can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare the waffle batter and the honey chicken marinade up to 2 days in advance. Store the batter in the refrigerator, and the marinated chicken in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the waffles and chicken as directed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken
Creative Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken Variations
- Swap out the cheddar cheese for a different variety, like pepper jack or Gruyère, for a fun flavor twist.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the waffle batter for a delightful crunch.
- For a seasonal variation, top the waffles with roasted apples or pears and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Try using a different type of protein, like shredded pork or crispy tofu, in place of the chicken.
Making Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe more diet-friendly, you can try the following substitutions:
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular all-purpose flour.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- For a low-carb option, replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a keto-friendly flour blend, and use a sugar-free sweetener in place of the honey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese in the waffles?
A: Absolutely! While the cheddar cheese works beautifully, you can experiment with other varieties like pepper jack, Gruyère, or even a blend of cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: For best results, marinate the chicken in the honey-Sriracha mixture for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to really soak into the chicken.
Q: Can I make the waffles and chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare both components in advance. The waffle batter can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator, while the marinated chicken can be prepped up to 2 hours before cooking.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken recipe serves 6 people.
Q: What if my waffles come out too dry or dense?
A: If your waffles are turning out too dry or dense, try adding a bit more milk to the batter, or be careful not to overmix the ingredients. Properly preheating your waffle iron is also key to achieving the perfect texture.
Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of crispy, cheesy cheddar chive waffles and juicy, flavor-packed hot honey chicken for a truly unique and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
– 1 1/4 cups milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Sriracha)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, cheddar cheese, chives, milk, and eggs.
3. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined (do not overmix).
4. Preheat a waffle iron and coat with nonstick spray. Scoop the batter onto the waffle iron and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
5. In a small saucepan, combine the honey and hot sauce. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
6. Cook the chicken breasts in a skillet or on a grill until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
7. Serve the cheddar chive waffles warm, topped with the hot honey chicken and drizzled with the hot honey sauce.
Notes
For extra crispiness, you can place the cooked waffles in a 400°F oven for 5 minutes before serving. Leftover waffles can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months and reheated in the toaster or oven.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Cheddar Chive Waffles with Hot Honey Chicken is a dish that’s sure to become a new household favorite. With its irresistible combination of savory, cheesy waffles and sweet, spicy chicken, it’s a true culinary masterpiece.
Whether you’re serving it for a special brunch or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your waffle iron, and get ready to experience the ultimate in comfort food bliss. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
