Name: Chicken And Waffles Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 6 Kodiak Cakes Buttermilk and Vanilla Power Waffles, toasted and chopped (about 15 pieces); 15 pieces Tyson Air Fried Crispy Chicken Nuggets (340g); 1/2 tsp salt; Fresh cracked pepper to taste; 1/2 cup lite pancake syrup (120ml); 2 Tbsp honey (42g); 3 eggs; 1/2 cup liquid egg whites (100g); 1.5 cups low fat 2% milk (360ml); 1/4 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded (28g); 1/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (28g); 1 green onion, chopped; 1 Tbsp fresh chives, chopped; Optional Toppings: maple syrup, sliced green onions, sliced jalapeños

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Chicken And Waffles Casserole

Warm, slightly sweet, and utterly comforting, this chicken and waffles casserole takes two Southern favorites and bakes them into one easy, crowd-pleasing dish. Think of it as brunch turned into a hearty bake—crispy air-fried chicken nuggets tucked into toasted waffles and set in a custardy, cheesy egg base. It’s the kind of recipe that brings back lazy weekend mornings and makes weeknight dinners feel a little celebratory.

If you love other cozy, layered bakes, you might also enjoy this hearty baked potato chicken & broccoli casserole, which shares the same soul-warming spirit as this dish.

Why make this recipe
If you’re tired of making the same chicken dinners or serving waffles only on weekends, this casserole is perfect because it transforms familiar favorites into an effortless, hands-off meal that’s great for feeding a family or taking to a potluck. The combination of savory, sweet, and cheesy elements keeps everyone coming back for seconds, and it’s simple enough for cooks of any skill level.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken And Waffles Casserole

Ingredients

6 Kodiak Cakes Buttermilk and Vanilla Power Waffles, toasted and chopped (about 15 pieces)
15 pieces Tyson Air Fried Crispy Chicken Nuggets (340g)
1/2 tsp salt
Fresh cracked pepper to taste
1/2 cup lite pancake syrup (120ml)
2 Tbsp honey (42g)
3 eggs
1/2 cup liquid egg whites (100g)
1.5 cups low fat 2% milk (360ml)
1/4 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded (28g)
1/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (28g)
1 green onion, chopped
1 Tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Optional Toppings: maple syrup, sliced green onions, sliced jalapeños

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Chop toasted waffles and place in a greased baking dish.
Layer chicken nuggets over the chopped waffles.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites, milk, salt, and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture over the chicken and waffles.
Sprinkle cheeses, green onion, and chives on top.
Drizzle with pancake syrup and honey.
Bake for 30–35 minutes until set and golden.
Let sit for a few minutes, then serve with optional toppings.

A few notes on the ingredients

Using toasted Kodiak Cakes waffles gives the casserole a slightly nutty, whole-grain flavor and helps them hold up in the custard. If your waffles aren’t toasted, they may become overly soggy.
Tyson Air Fried Crispy Chicken Nuggets add convenience and a familiar crunch; leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken tenders can work as substitutes if you prefer.
The milk + egg + egg whites custard soaks into the waffles, setting into a savory-sweet matrix that binds everything together—so don’t skip the custard step.
Mild cheddar and Monterey Jack provide a creamy, mild cheese melt that complements the maple/pancake sweetness without overpowering the chicken.

Why this casserole works

Texture balance: crisp-ish chicken + tender, custard-soaked waffle bits + melted cheese.
Flavor pairing: warm maple and honey mingle with savory chicken and a touch of onion and chive brightness.
Ease and convenience: mostly assembly and a single baking step make this casserole weeknight-friendly.

Storage Tips for Chicken And Waffles Casserole

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Freeze: To freeze, cool completely, wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months at 0°F (-18°C). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat individual portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or in an air fryer for 6–8 minutes to restore some crispness; microwave warming is quickest (1–2 minutes) but may soften the exterior.

How to Present Chicken And Waffles Casserole

Serve this casserole straight from the dish with small plates and a ladle for self-serve brunches or family-style dinners.
Provide optional toppings—maple syrup, sliced green onions, and sliced jalapeños—so guests can tailor sweet and spicy notes to taste.
Pair with a simple side salad or steamed green vegetables to balance richness, or go full comfort-food route with baked beans or roasted sweet potatoes.

Tips to make Chicken And Waffles Casserole
Q: How do I keep it from getting too soggy?
A: Use toasted waffles and avoid puddling extra syrup on the waffle layer before baking; the drizzle on top gives sweet flavor without oversaturation.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes — assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake directly from cold; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Q: How can I make the top crispier?
A: Sprinkle an extra tablespoon of shredded cheese or panko crumbs on top for the last 10 minutes of baking, or finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes while watching carefully.

Variations

Spicy-Sweet Twist (paragraph): Swap the mild cheddar for pepper jack and mix 1–2 teaspoons of hot sauce into the egg custard for a spicier base. Add pickled jalapeños as a topping for tangy heat.
Chicken Swap (bullet):
- Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a less processed option.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute crispy plant-based nuggets and add a little smoked paprika to the custard for depth.

Serving ideas and meal pairings

Brunch spread: Complement with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, and mimosas or strong coffee to make a morning feast.
Family dinner: Serve with roasted vegetables and cornbread for a Southern-inspired spread that satisfies both kids and adults.
Potluck-friendly: Transport the casserole in a foil-covered dish; bring small containers of syrup and sliced jalapeños on the side so guests can personalize their servings.

Step-by-step technique tips (expanded)

Layering: Don’t overpack the waffles and chicken; keep a relatively even layer so the custard can penetrate uniformly. Aim for an even distribution of chicken nuggets so every slice contains protein.
Custard temperature: Use milk at room temperature for better incorporation with eggs; cold milk can make the custard take slightly longer to set evenly.
Cheese placement: Reserving a tablespoon of cheese to add near the end of baking gives you a fresher, gooier top instead of fully melted, browned cheese that can form a crust.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Soggy bottom: Ensure waffles are thoroughly toasted beforehand; if using fresh waffles, give them a quick sear on a dry skillet to remove surface moisture.
Undercooked custard: If the center jiggles too much at 30–35 minutes, cover the top loosely with foil and bake another 5–10 minutes, checking periodically. A thin knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
Overbrowning: If the top gets too dark before the center is set, loosely tent with foil and finish baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen waffles straight from the freezer?
A: It’s best to toast or warm them first so they won’t turn too soggy when mixed with the custard.

Q: How long will the casserole keep once baked?
A: Refrigerated leftovers will stay good for 3–4 days; freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
A: Yes—use gluten-free waffles and check that your chicken nuggets are certified gluten-free.

What if I want to scale the recipe up or down?

To double: Use a larger baking dish (like 9×13) and increase all ingredients proportionately. Bake time may increase by 10–15 minutes.
To halve: Use an 8×8 or smaller dish and reduce ingredients by half; keep an eye on baking time—it may finish sooner.

More FAQs in a different style

How do I reheat the casserole? Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through; an air fryer will restore some crispness.
Can I make it dairy-free? Substitute plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese; texture will vary slightly.

A few serving notes

Sweet vs. savory balance: Offer maple syrup on the side rather than pouring a heavy amount over the dish before baking so guests can control sweetness.
Garnishes: Fresh chopped chives and green onions add brightness. For a festive look, scatter microgreens or add a light drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-heat finish.

Kitchen-ready checklist before baking

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease baking dish well to prevent sticking.
Toast and chop waffles; arrange in dish.
Make sure chicken nuggets are warmed (if from frozen, give them a brief air-fry or oven crisp before assembling to ensure they aren’t icy inside).
Whisk custard thoroughly to avoid streaks of egg white or yolk.

A note on make-ahead convenience
This casserole is perfect for mornings when you want something almost ready to go. Assemble the night before and refrigerate; the next morning, pop it into the oven while you get coffee and set the table. It’s also a winner for feeding a crowd because the flavors mellow and marry nicely when assembled ahead.

Troubleshooting quick reference

Center not set: Bake longer, tent with foil if top browns.
Too runny after baking: Let it rest 10–15 minutes; the custard firms as it cools.
Dry chicken: Choose nuggets that retain moisture or use pieces of shredded chicken mixed with a bit of light mayo or a splash of milk before assembling.

Final serving touches

Drizzle a little warm maple syrup or honey at the table for a glossy, sweet finish.
Add sliced jalapeños or a small bowl of hot sauce for those who want heat.
Offer lemon wedges if you’ve used a richer chicken to cut through the fat and refresh the palate.

Conclusion

If you want more casserole inspiration that blends comfort with clever combinations, this Chicken and Waffle Casserole Recipe from A Paige of Positivity is a lovely companion read with similar flavor ideas and presentation tips. For another take on chicken-and-waffle-style bakes and family-friendly comfort food recipes, check out this Chicken & Waffles Casserole from Plain Chicken for additional variations and serving suggestions.