Sheet Pan Chicken and Waffles: A Fun and Delicious Family Meal
Welcome to our kitchen, where we’re bringing you a delightful twist on a classic comfort food combo: Sheet Pan Chicken and Waffles! This easy-to-make dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner and is sure to become a family favorite in no time. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to create this mouthwatering meal, share tips for getting the kids involved, and provide answers to common questions. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Ingredients:
To whip up this scrumptious Sheet Pan Chicken and Waffles, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- For the waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
How Kids Can Help:
Getting the little ones involved in the kitchen is not only fun, but it also helps them develop valuable cooking skills. Here are some ways kids can lend a hand with making Sheet Pan Chicken and Waffles:
- Mixing the waffle batter: Let them help whisk together the ingredients for the waffle batter until it’s smooth and lump-free.
- Pouring the batter: Allow them to pour the waffle batter into the waffle iron and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Seasoning the chicken: Supervised by an adult, kids can help season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Arranging ingredients: Have them help arrange the chicken tenders on one side of the sheet pan before it goes into the oven.
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheet Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Season Chicken:
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken tenders with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other desired seasonings. Toss well to coat.
- Arrange Chicken on Sheet Pan:
- Place the seasoned chicken tenders on one side of the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for the waffles.
- Prepare Waffle Batter:
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, milk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
- Cook Waffles:
- Pour the waffle batter into the waffle iron and cook until the waffles are golden brown and cooked through.
- Bake Chicken:
- While the waffles are baking, place the sheet pan with the chicken tenders in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.
- Serve:
- Once the chicken tenders and waffles are cooked, remove them from the oven. Serve the crispy chicken tenders alongside the fluffy waffles, and drizzle with maple syrup or your favorite sauce.
A Personal Story From a Reader: A Fun Family Adventure with Sheet Pan Chicken and Waffles
Cooking with my children is always an adventure filled with laughter, learning, and, of course, delicious food. One weekend morning, we decided to try our hand at making Sheet Pan Chicken and Waffles together. As we gathered around the kitchen counter, I could see the excitement in their eyes as they eagerly put on their aprons and washed their hands in anticipation of the culinary journey ahead.
Getting Started:
We started by gathering all the ingredients we needed for our Sheet Pan Chicken and Waffles adventure. My youngest eagerly helped me measure out the flour for the waffle batter while my older children took charge of seasoning the chicken tenders. As we worked together, we talked about the importance of each ingredient and how they come together to create a delicious meal.
Mixing and Pouring:
With the ingredients prepped and ready to go, it was time to mix up the waffle batter. My kids took turns whisking the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, milk, eggs, and melted butter until the batter was smooth and creamy. They were especially excited when it was time to pour the batter into the This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Waffle Iron, watching as it spread out into perfect little waffle shapes.
Arranging and Seasoning:
While the waffles baked, we turned our attention to the chicken tenders. My children carefully arranged them on one side of the sheet pan, making sure they were spaced out evenly for even cooking. They then took turns seasoning the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, making sure each tender was coated with flavor.
Baking and Waiting:
As the tantalizing aroma of crispy chicken and golden waffles filled the air, we eagerly watched through the oven door, counting down the minutes until our meal was ready. My children took turns peeking through the oven window, their faces lighting up with excitement as they saw the waffles rise and the chicken turn golden brown.
Serving and Enjoying:
Finally, the moment we had all been waiting for arrived. With the sheet pan fresh out of the oven, we carefully transferred the crispy chicken tenders and fluffy waffles onto our plates. As we drizzled maple syrup over the golden waffles and savored the first bite of tender chicken, I couldn’t help but smile at the joy on my children’s faces.
Cleanup and Reflection:
After enjoying our delicious meal together, we gathered around the kitchen sink to wash the dishes and clean up our cooking mess. As we scrubbed and rinsed, we talked about our favorite parts of the cooking process and how much fun we had working together as a team.
Conclusion:
Cooking Sheet Pan Chicken and Waffles with my children was not only a delicious culinary experience but also a memorable bonding activity that brought us closer together as a family. From measuring and mixing to seasoning and baking, each step of the process was a chance for us to learn and grow together, creating cherished memories that we’ll treasure for years to come.
How to Store Leftovers:
If you happen to have any leftovers (although we doubt there will be any!), here’s how to store them:
- Separate the chicken tenders and waffles and place them in separate airtight containers.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.
Substitutions and Additions:
Feel free to customize this dish to suit your taste preferences! Here are some ideas for substitutions and additions:
- Swap chicken tenders for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese over the chicken tenders during the last few minutes of baking for an extra cheesy twist.
- Serve with a side of coleslaw or a green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders, but be sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and baking.
Q: Can I make the waffle batter ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the waffle batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Just give it a quick stir before pouring it onto the sheet pan.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s a fun twist on a classic comfort food combo that the whole family will enjoy.
- The sheet pan method makes for easy cleanup—no need to dirty multiple pots and pans!
- Kids can get involved in the cooking process, making it a great way to bond as a family.
- It’s versatile—feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite seasonings and toppings.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, round up the kids, and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal of Sheet Pan Chicken and Waffles that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family!
Sheet Pan Chicken and Waffles
Equipment
Equipment and Ingredient sections may contain affiliate links to items we use and love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Chicken Breast
- 2 tablespoons This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Olive Oil
- This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Salt and Pepper
- 1 teaspoon This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Garlic Powder
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tablespoon This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Baking Powder
- 2 tablespoons This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Granulated Sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Salt
- 1 3/4 cups This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Milk
- 2 This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Eggs
- 1/2 cup This section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.Butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chicken tenders with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other desired seasonings. Toss well to coat.
- Place the seasoned chicken tenders on one side of the prepared baking sheet.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, milk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
- Pour the waffle batter into the waffle iron. Cook until the waffles are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the waffles are baking, place the sheet pan with the chicken tenders in the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.
- Once the chicken tenders and waffles are cooked, remove them. Serve the crispy chicken tenders alongside the fluffy waffles, and drizzle with maple syrup or your favorite sauce.
Notes
For a shortcut, you can use store-bought frozen waffles instead of making them from scratch.
Leftover chicken tenders and waffles can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for best results.
Nutrition
Kitchen Gear and Equipment We Use and Love
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