Chicken and Waffles Cone Recipe

Chicken and waffles is a classic comfort food that combines crispy, savory fried chicken with sweet, fluffy waffles. But have you ever thought about taking this beloved dish to the next level? Enter the Chicken and Waffles Cone—a fun, portable, and delicious twist on this Southern favorite. Perfect for parties, brunches, or a unique dinner idea, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Waffle Cones:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• Nonstick spray

For the Fried Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Maple Drizzle:

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Waffle Cones

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then add melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
4. Preheat a waffle cone maker and lightly spray with nonstick spray.
5. Pour a small amount of batter into the waffle cone maker and cook according to manufacturer instructions until golden brown.
6. Quickly shape the waffle around a cone mold while warm and let it cool until firm.

Step 2: Make the Fried Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce, then add the chicken pieces. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
2. In another bowl, whisk together flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove chicken from the buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, and shake off excess.
5. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Prepare the Maple Drizzle

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine maple syrup, butter, and cinnamon.
2. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture is well combined. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Chicken and Waffles Cone

1. Place a few fried chicken bites into each waffle cone.
2. Drizzle generously with the maple syrup mixture.
3. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, chopped fresh herbs, or a touch of hot sauce for extra flavor.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Chicken and Waffles Cone

• Crispy Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, double-dip in the flour mixture after the buttermilk soak.
• Fluffy Waffles: Don’t overmix the waffle batter; lumps are okay and will ensure a light texture.
• Sweet and Savory Balance: Adjust the maple drizzle to taste—add more cinnamon for warmth or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the waffle cones ahead of time and store them in an airtight container to keep them crisp.

Chicken and waffles cones are a delightful, handheld version of a classic dish that delivers all the flavors you love in a convenient and fun way. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, a casual get-together, or just because, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it out and let us know how it turns out!