Chicken & Waffles

Lately, it seems like people are more excited about food and want to try new dishes! Recently, my friend from college came to visit. We drank homebrew, played games and spent a long time talking about life and reminiscing about "back in the day". It was so nice to see her again and I was thrilled to be able to cook for her. One of my greatest passions is to cook for people. Before she came down, I asked her if there was anything in particular she wanted to eat for dinner. She never responded - but suddenly, an idea popped into my head. Chicken and waffles. I sent her a text to see if that sounded good with her. Lo and behold, she had been wanting to try chicken & waffles for a long time but never got around to it! Decision made.

Best Breaded Chicken Breast You'll Ever Have

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

3/4 cup dry, Italian seasoned bread crumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 1/2 tsp. minced fresh cilantro

3/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/3 cup butter, melted

3 Tbsp. lemon juice

2 garlic cloves, minced

6 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut in half lengthwise

Directions

1. In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, cilantro, salt and pepper. In another bowl, combine the butter, lemon juice and garlic. 

2. Dip chicken pieces into the butter mixture, letting excess drip off. Roll chicken into bread crumb mixture until fully coated.

3. Place chicken in a coated 9 x 13" baking dish. Drizzle with any remaining butter mixture.

4. Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 35 minutes, or until juices run clear.

Savory Herb & Cheese Waffles

Makes 3-4 waffles

Ingredients

Dry:

1 3/4 cups flour

1 tsp. baking power

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. ground cardamom

1/4 tsp. ground ginger

Wet:

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup water

Fold Ins:

1/2 cup cheese, shredded (we use cheddar usually)

1/2 cup onion, finely diced

2 Tbsp. dried oregano

2 Tbsp. cilantro

Directions

1. Whisk the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.

2. Add the wet ingredients, mixing well with a spatula. Fold in the egg.

3. Add your fold-in ingredients. Gently fold in until fully incorporated.

4. Add a ladle-full of batter to a hot waffle iron and cook through.

5. Allow to cool a few minutes before serving.

Serve the chicken over the waffles. Top with extra cheese and PURE maple syrup! Bless your heart!