Name: Chicken and Waffle Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 frozen Belgian waffles (cubed); 25 ounces frozen breaded chicken strips (1 package, chopped into bite-sized pieces); 2-3 tablespoons honey (optional); 8 large eggs; ¾ cup whole milk; ⅓ cup pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick, melted and slightly cooled); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; Crumbled cooked bacon (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Chicken and Waffle Casserole combines the best of sweet and savory in a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for brunch or dinner. With crispy chicken strips layered between soft Belgian waffles and a rich maple-egg custard, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

A thick square slice of bread pudding sits on a white plate showing three layers: the bottom layer is a dense, light brown baked custard base, the middle layer has baked chunks of golden bread with crispy reddish-brown bacon pieces, and the top layer shows more golden, toasted bread pieces dusted with white powdered sugar. Golden syrup is being poured over the slice, adding a glossy texture on top. In the background, more bread pudding in a clear rectangular baking dish is seen, along with a white coffee cup filled with dark coffee. The whole scene is placed on a white marbled texture with a light blue cloth and silver forks nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

10 frozen Belgian waffles, cubed
25 ounces frozen breaded chicken strips (1 package), chopped into bite-sized pieces
2-3 tablespoons honey (optional)
8 large eggs
¾ cup whole milk
⅓ cup pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick), melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Crumbled cooked bacon (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish or spray it with nonstick spray and set aside.
Step 2: Place the frozen waffles and chicken strips on two baking sheets (or one if they fit). Bake the waffles for about 7 minutes until softened. Remove, let cool slightly, then cut the waffles into cubes.
Step 3: Continue baking the chicken for an additional 8-10 minutes until cooked through, then remove from the oven.
Step 4: In the prepared casserole dish, add a single layer of cubed waffles. Top with half of the chicken pieces. Repeat the layers with the remaining waffles and chicken. Drizzle honey over the top if using.
Step 5: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, melted butter, cinnamon (if using), and salt until well combined.
Step 6: Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layers in the casserole dish. Press down gently to help the mixture soak in, similar to a bread pudding.
Step 7: Bake the casserole for 45 to 60 minutes until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
Step 8: Serve warm topped with crumbled cooked bacon and additional maple syrup, if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use homemade waffles or leftover waffles for a fresher taste.
Swap honey for bourbon or flavored syrups to add a unique twist.
For extra crispiness, broil the top for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking—watch closely!
Add sautéed onions or bell peppers between layers to boost flavor.
Use spicy or flavored breaded chicken to add depth to the casserole.

Storage

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through. This casserole can also be frozen; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

How to Serve

A piece of bread pudding sits on a stack of two white plates with a silver fork resting on the bottom plate, holding a bite of the pudding at the front. The pudding has multiple layers of golden-brown baked bread chunks mixed with soft, cream-colored custard, topped with crispy darker brown caramelized bread pieces and small bits resembling bacon. A light dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of syrup cover the top, giving it a glossy, slightly sticky look. In the background, part of a glass baking dish filled with more bread pudding and a white mug of black coffee sit on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen breaded chicken strips?

Yes, you can cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs and chop them into bite-sized pieces. For best results, bread and bake them beforehand to mimic the texture of breaded strips.

What type of maple syrup is best for this recipe?

Use pure maple syrup, not imitation or pancake syrup, for authentic flavor. Grade A or Grade B pure maple syrup both work well in the dish.