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Chicken and Waffle Tacos

A fun and easy weekend brunch option featuring crispy fried chicken nestled in warm waffle taco shells, topped with a sweet and spicy drizzle.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 tacos
Course: Brunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Marinade and Coating
  • 1 pound boneless chicken pieces (tenders or thigh strips) Cut into taco-sized pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk Can substitute with milk and lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce For marinating
  • 1 teaspoon salt For marinating
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour For dredging
  • 1 cup cornstarch For dredging, helps make the crust shattery
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder In coating mix
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder In coating mix
  • 1 teaspoon paprika In coating mix
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper In coating mix, optional for heat
Waffle Taco Shells
  • 8 waffles frozen or homemade If using frozen, toast lightly and steam before shaping
Sauce and Toppings
  • 1/4 cup spicy honey For drizzling
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter Mix with spicy honey for drizzling
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard For maple mustard variation
  • 1 cup cabbage slaw Optional for topping
  • 1/2 cup pickles Dill or bread and butter, optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk, hot sauce, and salt for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight.
  2. For the coating, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne in a bowl.
  3. Shake off excess marinade from the chicken, dredge in the coating, and let it rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350-365°F (175-185°C).
  2. Fry the marinated chicken in batches until the crust is deep golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  3. Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack to keep it crisp.
Assembling the Tacos
  1. Cook the waffles until just golden. Shape them over a mug or rolling pin to cool in a taco form.
  2. Nest a few chicken pieces into each waffle taco shell.
  3. Drizzle with spicy honey butter or another sauce of choice, add slaw or pickles if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Feel free to experiment by changing the sauce or waffle types to match your preferences. Use tips provided to keep everything crispy and delicious.