If you’re a fan of Southern comfort food, you know there’s nothing quite like the combination of crispy fried chicken and warm, fluffy waffles. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, all topped off with a drizzle of maple syrup. Today, I’m sharing a fun twist on this classic dish with my Sheet Pan Chicken and Waffles recipe! This one-pan wonder takes all the best parts of the traditional meal and makes it simpler, quicker, and even more delicious—all in one sheet pan.
A Quick Backstory…
Let me tell you where this recipe idea came from! One weekend morning, my kids and I were in the kitchen, and I was trying to think of something easy yet special to make for brunch. They love chicken, they love waffles—why not combine the two in a way that wouldn’t leave me with a kitchen full of dirty dishes? That’s how Sheet Pan Chicken and Waffles came to life.
What I love about this recipe is that it brings together the whole family. It’s hands-on and fun, especially when you let everyone choose their own toppings and sauces. Plus, it’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or lazy Sunday brunches. And did I mention there’s almost no cleanup? Just one sheet pan! Win-win!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- One Pan, Fewer Dishes: Everything is cooked on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze.
- Crispy & Juicy Chicken: The chicken comes out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- Fluffy Waffles: The waffles are baked to golden perfection—crispy edges and a fluffy interior.
- Customizable: The toppings are where you can get creative. From spicy honey to whipped butter or even fresh fruit, there are endless possibilities.
Let’s make it : Sheet Pan Chicken & Waffles
What you’ll need:
1 bag frozen chicken tenders
1 bag frozen waffles
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted
1/2 cup maple syrup, plus more for serving
2 tablespoons chili crisp
fresh blueberries
Extra chili crisp for drizzling (optional)
Now for the fun part:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Arrange the frozen chicken tenders and frozen waffles evenly across the sheet pan.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, and chili crisp until fully combined.
4. Drizzle the butter mixture over the chicken tenders and waffles, making sure everything is well coated. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is crispy and fully cooked, and the waffles are golden brown.
5. Once done, remove from the oven and serve with fresh blueberries, maple syrup and an extra drizzle of chili crisp for added heat if desired. Enjoy this sweet and spicy twist on a classic!
Make it your way!
Spicy Honey Chicken & Waffles: If you love a little heat, drizzle the chicken with spicy honey (just mix honey with a dash of cayenne or hot sauce) right before serving. It gives the perfect sweet-and-spicy kick!
Fruit-Topped Waffles: For a lighter twist, top the waffles with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even a spoonful of compote. The fruit adds a refreshing balance to the savory chicken.
Cheesy Chicken & Waffles: For all the cheese lovers, sprinkle shredded cheddar or pepper jack on the waffles during the last five minutes of baking. The cheese will melt over the waffles and add a creamy, gooey texture that’s irresistible.
Herb Butter: Whip up some herb butter with fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley to spread on the waffles for a savory touch that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
Why Sheet Pan Chicken and Waffles?
This recipe is all about bringing people together around good food with minimal effort. It’s a fun twist on a classic that feels special, even on busy days. Whether you’re making this for a casual weeknight dinner or as a showstopper for Sunday brunch, this sheet pan version of chicken and waffles is sure to be a family favorite.
Pro Tip: For even crispier chicken, give it a quick broil at the end of the cooking time—just a minute or two will do the trick!
So, gather your loved ones, grab that syrup, and enjoy every bite of this comforting and customizable meal. And don’t forget to share your fun twists with me—I’d love to see how you make it your own!
