There are few dishes as joyfully indulgent as this Chicken and Waffle Casserole Recipe! Imagine all the charm of classic Southern comfort with layers of crispy chicken, golden waffles, and a luscious maple-scented custard baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a brunch hero, a quick-bake dinner, or a showstopping breakfast-for-dinner—one pan, all the beloved flavors, and plenty to share. Each bite blends sweet, savory, and that unbeatable waffle crunch. If you’re craving captivating comfort with next-to-no fuss, this Chicken and Waffle Casserole Recipe delivers in every way.

Chicken and Waffle Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s start with the beauty of this casserole: its simplicity. With just a handful of kitchen staples, every ingredient earns its place, lending distinctive texture, flavor, or color to the final bite. Here’s what makes this Chicken and Waffle Casserole Recipe so irresistible.

Frozen waffles: These are the backbone of the recipe, giving that signature crunchy-yet-tender base. Toasting first keeps things from getting soggy!
Popcorn chicken: Reach for your favorite frozen popcorn chicken for effortless crispy bites throughout. A shortcut, but no one will ever guess!
Eggs: The custardy glue holding everything together, eggs make the casserole puff up beautifully and keep it moist.
Milk: Adds creaminess and lightens the egg mixture just enough for a rich, soufflé-like texture.
Maple syrup: Sweetness, warmth, and a classic pairing with both chicken and waffles—don’t skip it!
Cooking spray: A quick mist helps your casserole lift out with no sticking, ensuring those golden edges stay intact.
Optional salt/cinnamon: Just a pinch of salt or a sprinkle of cinnamon can lift the flavor to new heights, so add to taste if you’re feeling adventurous.

How to Make Chicken and Waffle Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Casserole Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Give your 7×9 inch or 8×8 inch casserole dish a generous spray with cooking spray. This guarantees your Chicken and Waffle Casserole Recipe comes out easily and keeps those golden edges perfect. There’s nothing like a non-stick start to kick things off right!

Step 2: Toast and Dice the Waffles

Give your frozen waffles a quick toast—either in the toaster or on a baking sheet in the preheating oven for just 2-3 minutes. Toasting prevents sogginess and amps up that irresistible waffle crunch. Once toasted, cut the waffles into bite-size pieces, about an inch each, so every bite features that classic waffle flavor.

Step 3: Dice the Chicken

Take your popcorn chicken and chop it into 1-inch pieces. If it’s hard to cut straight from the freezer, pop the pieces into the microwave for about 30 seconds to soften. Uniform pieces mean you’ll get the perfect chicken-to-waffle ratio in every spoonful.

Step 4: Layer Waffles and Chicken in the Dish

Scatter your diced waffle pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. Add the chopped chicken, distributing it so every bite brings together those classic flavors. This is where the magic starts to come together—layer after layer of comfort and crunch.

Step 5: Whisk the Custard and Pour

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and maple syrup until fully combined. Add a pinch of salt or sprinkle of cinnamon if you’d like a flavor boost. Pour this luxurious egg mixture evenly over the chicken and waffles, letting it soak into all those nooks and crannies.

Step 6: Bake

Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the eggs have set and the top turns a beautiful golden brown. It will puff slightly and fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma. Check doneness by gently jiggling the dish—the center should be set but still moist.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes so it sets up and is easy to slice. Serve generous squares drizzled with extra maple syrup and get ready for rave reviews! This final touch brings out that perfect sweet-meets-savory harmony the Chicken and Waffle Casserole Recipe is known for.

How to Serve Chicken and Waffle Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Brighten up each serving with a scattering of freshly chopped chives, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce. Extra maple syrup on the side is always welcome for those who love a sweet drizzle on their Chicken and Waffle Casserole Recipe.

Side Dishes

Pair this cozy casserole with a fresh fruit salad to balance its richness, or serve alongside crispy roasted potatoes for the ultimate brunch spread. A simple green salad can add a pop of color and freshness to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking your Chicken and Waffle Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for brunch parties or cut into squares and stack like sliders for a fun finger-food presentation. Turn leftovers into next-day breakfast sandwiches simply by reheating a slice and tucking it between two mini waffles!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Chicken and Waffle Casserole Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, sometimes making it even tastier the next day!

Freezing

This casserole is freezer-friendly! Slice into portions, wrap well, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, pop slices in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quick fix. For the best crispiness, a few minutes in a toaster oven or under the broiler revives that maple-sweet crust.

FAQs

Can I use homemade waffles instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh or leftover homemade waffles add even more character and flavor to the Chicken and Waffle Casserole Recipe. Just be sure to toast them first to keep the layers as crisp as possible.

What type of chicken works best?

Popcorn chicken is perfect for its bite-sized shape and crispy coating, but diced cooked chicken tenders or even rotisserie chicken can be used. Just be sure they’re fully cooked before adding to the casserole.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) for the regular milk. Check the labels on your waffles and popcorn chicken to make sure they’re dairy-free as well.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The center should be puffed, golden, and set. Insert a knife in the middle—if it comes out clean and the eggs aren’t runny, your Chicken and Waffle Casserole Recipe is ready to come out of the oven.

Can I assemble the casserole the night before?

Definitely! Prep the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, bring it to room temperature while the oven preheats and bake as directed for a truly effortless brunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a breakfast or brunch that surprises, delights, and brings everyone together, give this Chicken and Waffle Casserole Recipe a try. It’s got crave-worthy flavors and effortless charm, making it an easy favorite for any home cook. Whip it up, share with friends, and get ready for second helpings!

Chicken and Waffle Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 10 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the perfect combination of sweet and savory with this delightful Chicken and Waffle Casserole recipe. It’s a comforting and easy-to-make dish that will surely impress your family or guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

8 Frozen waffles
½ bag popcorn chicken (12 ounces)

For the Egg Mixture:

6 eggs
¾ cup milk
¼ cup maple syrup

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 7×9 inch or 8×8 inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
Toast the waffles: Toast the frozen waffles either in the toaster or in the oven for 2-3 minutes. Dice the waffles into bite-size pieces.
Prepare the chicken: Dice the popcorn chicken into 1-inch pieces. If it’s too hard to cut, microwave it for 30 seconds.
Assemble the casserole: Arrange the waffle and chicken pieces in the greased baking dish, mixing them together.
Mix the egg mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt or cinnamon. Pour this mixture over the waffle and chicken in the casserole dish.
Bake: Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving with additional maple syrup.

Notes

You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite cheese or spices to the egg mixture.
Feel free to top the casserole with crispy bacon or fresh herbs before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American