Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Chicken & Waffles Breakfast Bake! It’s like a cozy hug in a baking dish, combining the savory goodness of chicken with the sweet, fluffy delight of waffles. I remember the first time I made this—it was a lazy Sunday morning, and I wanted something that felt special without spending hours in the kitchen. This bake is the answer! You just mix everything together and let the oven work its magic. It’s perfect for brunch with friends or as a hearty breakfast during a busy week. Plus, it’s super convenient—no need to juggle frying chicken and making waffles separately. Just a single pan to clean, and you’re left with a deliciously satisfying meal that everyone will rave about. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to in your breakfast rotation!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use leftover rotisserie chicken for an easy option or grill some fresh chicken to shred. The more flavor, the better!
- 4 cups waffle mix: You can use your favorite boxed mix or make it from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s all about that fluffy texture!
- 2 cups milk: Whole milk will give it a creamier taste, but any milk will work. Just avoid the skim if you want that rich flavor!
- 4 large eggs: These are key for binding everything together and giving that lovely rise. Fresh eggs are the way to go!
- 1 cup shredded cheese: I love using cheddar for that sharp flavor, but feel free to mix it up with mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick!
- 1/2 cup maple syrup: This is the sweet secret that ties everything together. You can use pure maple syrup for the best taste, trust me!
- 1 teaspoon salt: Just the right amount to enhance all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1 teaspoon pepper: A dash of black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth to the dish.
How to Prepare the Chicken & Waffles Breakfast Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want your Chicken & Waffles Breakfast Bake to cook evenly and come out perfectly golden brown. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than a soggy bottom, so don’t skip this part!
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the waffle mix, milk, eggs, salt, and pepper. I like to whisk the dry ingredients first before adding the wet ones to avoid any lumps. Make sure everything is mixed well until it’s nice and smooth. You really want that batter to have a fluffy consistency that’ll hold all the deliciousness together!
Step 3: Combine with Chicken and Cheese
Now, it’s time to fold in the shredded chicken and half of the cheese into the batter. Gently mix it all together until the chicken is well incorporated. This is when the magic starts to happen! The cheese will melt into the bake as it cooks, creating those gooey, cheesy bites that everyone loves.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grab a greased baking dish (I usually use a 9×13 inch one) and pour the batter into it. Make sure to spread it out evenly with a spatula. This helps it cook uniformly, so you don’t end up with some parts undercooked and others overdone.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Before placing it in the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and drizzle that heavenly maple syrup all over it. This will create a lovely sweet crust as it bakes. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s puffed up and golden brown. Oh, the smell will be absolutely irresistible!
Step 6: Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This cooling time is essential for the flavors to settle. When you’re ready to serve, cut it into squares and don’t forget to have some extra maple syrup on the side for drizzling. Your friends and family will be raving about this dish, I promise!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty breakfast ready in no time. Perfect for busy mornings!
- Hearty Flavors: The combination of savory chicken and sweet maple syrup makes every bite a delightful explosion of flavor.
- One-Dish Convenience: Forget about messy kitchens! This recipe cooks all in one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family breakfast or a brunch gathering, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it the night before and pop it in the oven in the morning for an effortless, delicious start to your day!
FAQs about the Chicken & Waffles Breakfast Bake
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Chicken & Waffles Breakfast Bake is perfect for prepping ahead. You can assemble the entire dish the night before, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and keep it in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before popping it in the oven. This way, it won’t go from cold to hot too quickly, ensuring even baking. If you’re feeling really organized, you can even freeze it—just thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake it fresh in the morning!
What can I add to the recipe?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can definitely boost the flavor and nutrition by adding some sautéed veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or even mushrooms. If you want a bit of spice, throw in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Herbs like chives or parsley can also add a fresh touch. You can also switch up the cheese—try feta for a tangy kick or pepper jack for a spicy twist. Get creative and make it your own!
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheating this breakfast bake is super easy! Just slice the leftovers and place them in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to keep them moist and heat for about 10-15 minutes. Either way, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy again!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for each serving of this mouthwatering Chicken & Waffles Breakfast Bake. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 20g
This hearty dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also packs a good punch of protein to keep you fueled for the day. Enjoy every delicious bite knowing it’s both comforting and filling!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Chicken & Waffles Breakfast Bake turns out perfectly every time, here are my top tips! First, use high-quality ingredients—fresh eggs and flavorful chicken make a noticeable difference in taste. If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully cooked and shredded before adding it to the mix. Also, don’t rush the mixing process; make sure your batter is smooth and lump-free before folding in the chicken and cheese. This helps achieve that fluffy texture we’re aiming for!
Timing is key, too! Keep an eye on the bake towards the end of cooking time; every oven is different, and you want to pull it out just as it reaches that golden perfection. Lastly, let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, the anticipation will be worth it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover Chicken & Waffles Breakfast Bake is super simple! Just make sure to let it cool completely before you cover it. I recommend slicing it into individual portions and placing them in an airtight container. This way, it stays fresh and ready to grab for breakfast or a snack! It should keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you’re looking to save it for longer, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 2 months!
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is a breeze. For the microwave, just place a slice on a plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. If you prefer the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover the slices with foil, and bake for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps it nice and moist while giving you that comforting, warm texture. Enjoy every delicious bite again!
Print
Chicken & Waffles Breakfast Bake: 7 Cozy Comforts to Savor
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delicious and hearty breakfast dish combining chicken and waffles in one bake.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups waffle mix
- 2 cups milk
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix waffle mix, milk, eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in shredded chicken and half of the cheese.
- Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese and drizzle maple syrup over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve with extra maple syrup if desired.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Chicken & Waffles Breakfast Bake