How do you make chicken and waffle breakfast casserole from scratch?

To make chicken and waffle breakfast casserole from scratch, you'll need frozen popcorn chicken, frozen waffles, eggs, egg whites, milk, cinnamon, honey, salt, and maple syrup. Begin by toasting the waffles and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Cut the chicken into smaller chunks, then arrange both in a 9x13 baking dish. Whisk together the eggs, egg whites, milk, cinnamon, honey, and salt, then pour over the chicken and waffles. Brush maple syrup on top, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes until set and golden brown.

Can I use leftover fried chicken for this breakfast casserole?

Yes, leftover fried chicken works excellently in this breakfast casserole! Simply remove the meat from the bones, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and proceed with the recipe as written. Since leftover fried chicken is already fully cooked, you might want to reduce the baking time by about 5-10 minutes, monitoring carefully for doneness. The crispy coating of the leftover fried chicken adds wonderful texture to the finished casserole.

Should I use frozen or fresh waffles in the casserole?

Both frozen and fresh waffles work well in chicken and waffle breakfast casserole. Frozen waffles are convenient and hold their structure well during baking. If using fresh homemade waffles, let them cool completely and even consider toasting them lightly before adding to the casserole to ensure they don't become too soggy during baking. Regardless of which type you use, cutting them into bite-sized pieces helps them integrate better with the other ingredients.

How long do you bake chicken and waffle breakfast casserole?

Chicken and waffle breakfast casserole typically bakes for about 50 minutes in a 350°F oven. The casserole is done when the egg mixture is completely set (not jiggly in the center) and the top is golden brown. If your oven runs hot, check at the 40-minute mark. For a crispier top, remove the foil cover during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Can I prepare chicken and waffle breakfast casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chicken and waffle breakfast casserole can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the casserole as directed, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time since you're starting with a cold casserole.

What cheeses go well in chicken and waffle breakfast casserole?

Several cheeses complement chicken and waffle breakfast casserole beautifully. Sharp cheddar adds a tangy contrast to the sweet elements, while Monterey Jack or Colby provide a mild, creamy texture. For a more distinctive flavor, consider Gruyère or a smoky Gouda. Cream cheese can be cubed and scattered throughout for pockets of creaminess. Regardless of which cheese you choose, about 1-1.5 cups shredded or cubed will sufficiently flavor the casserole without overwhelming it.

Chicken and Waffle Breakfast Casserole: Best Southern Comfort Recipe

Chicken and Waffle Breakfast Casserole

Print Recipe

A delicious make-ahead breakfast casserole featuring crispy popcorn chicken, fluffy waffles, and a sweet maple-cinnamon egg custard.

Author: Chef Rina
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 50
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 1x
Category: Breakfast
Cuisine: American Southern

Ingredients

Scale

24 oz frozen popcorn chicken, Tyson
10 frozen waffles, Kodiak Cakes Buttermilk & Vanilla
6 large eggs
3/4 cup egg whites
1 ¼ cup milk, Fairlife skim
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp honey, or maple syrup
1/2 tbsp salt
1 tbsp maple syrup, for drizzling on top
cooking spray

Instructions

Slightly thaw the frozen chicken while preparing other ingredients.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast waffles according to package directions.
Whisk together eggs, egg whites, milk, honey, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
Cut each waffle into six bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Slice semi-frozen chicken into ~1-inch pieces.
Coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange chicken and waffle pieces evenly in the dish.
Pour egg mixture over everything. Brush maple syrup on top and cover with foil.
Bake for 50 minutes until egg mixture is set and top is golden brown.
Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving with additional maple syrup if desired.

Notes

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8
Calories: 385 Kcal
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 175mg

Keywords: chicken and waffle casserole, breakfast casserole, make-ahead breakfast, savory breakfast, southern breakfast, chicken breakfast recipe

Find it online: https://www.joyliciousrecipes.com/chicken-waffle-breakfast-casserole/