Chicken Strips and Waffles with Strawberries and Crispy Bacon

Chicken strips and waffles are a dependable comfort meal that works for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. The combination of crisp, well-seasoned chicken and soft waffles strikes a balance between savory and sweet, while fresh strawberries, powdered sugar, and maple syrup add a light finish. Baking the bacon keeps preparation simple and allows everything to come together smoothly. This is a dish that feels special without being complicated and is easy to adapt for both family meals and casual entertaining.

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Ingredients

Chicken Strips

• 1½ lbs chicken breast tenders

• 1 lemon or 2 tablespoons white vinegar

• Water, for cleaning

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Neutral oil, for frying

Waffles

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1¾ cups milk

• ½ cup melted butter

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings

• Fresh strawberries, sliced

• Powdered sugar

• Warm maple syrup

Bacon

• 2–4 strips thick-cut bacon

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Directions

1. Clean and Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and add enough water to cover. Add the lemon juice or vinegar and gently rinse the chicken. Drain, rinse again with clean water, and pat dry with paper towels. Transfer the chicken to a clean bowl, cover with buttermilk, and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to tenderize.

2. Bake the Bacon

Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the bacon in a single layer. Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until crisp. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken Strips

In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C). Remove chicken from the buttermilk, coat evenly in the flour mixture, and fry in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack.

4. Make the Waffles

Preheat your waffle maker. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir wet ingredients into dry just until combined. Cook waffles according to your waffle maker’s instructions until golden and crisp. Keep warm until ready to serve.

5. Assemble and Serve

Place a waffle on each plate and top with chicken strips. Add sliced strawberries, dust lightly with powdered sugar, and drizzle with warm maple syrup. Serve baked bacon on the side.

Important note: For consistent results and ease of use, the Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker is a reliable option. It heats evenly, produces waffles with good structure, and is suitable for both everyday meals and occasional hosting.

This chicken strips and waffles recipe is straightforward, comforting, and adaptable—exactly the kind of dish that fits naturally into everyday home cooking. Happy cooking!

Be Well & Plentiful,

Your fabulous homemaking strategist & wellness CEO 🍓💼✨

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