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Home » Entrees

Hot Chicken Recipe {and Jalapeño Bacon Cheddar Waffle}

11/04/2015 Updated: 02/26/2020 By Karrie 33 Comments

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Hot Chicken and Jalapeno Bacon Cheddar Waffle

This Hot Chicken recipe and Jalapeño Bacon Cheddar Waffle is a unique twist on the Nashville classic.  A crispy fried boneless chicken breast, served on top of a spicy jalapeño, bacon, and sharp cheddar waffle with a fiery maple syrup sauce.

Hot Chicken Recipe topped with pickle slices and served with an Jalapeño Bacon Cheddar Waffle

Hot Chicken and Jalapeño Bacon Cheddar Waffle

During my formative (college) years in Tennessee, I developed an everlasting love for Nashville hot chicken.  This type of chicken was unlike anything I had ever had before and I immediately fell in love with it!

And the one who set the standard for the absolutely perfectly-fried-to-a-crisp-insanely-spicy-red-colored-pickle-topped-on-a-fluffy-bed-of-white-bread-hot-chicken is...Prince's in Nashville.

Since I don't live near Nashville anymore, I had to make my own hot chicken recipe, but with a twist! 

I fried a lightly breaded, boneless chicken breast, put it on top of a spicy savory waffle, poured a maple hot sauce all over it.

I hope Prince's would be proud.

Spicy fried chicken breast on top of a bacon cheese waffle

 This hot chicken recipe is SPICY!!!

If you've looked at any of my other recipes, you might be able to figure out that I like spicy foods (because I like it hot!!). 

When I decided quite a while ago to do a hot chicken and waffle recipe, I knew the waffle would have to be spicy too...and bacony...and cheesy.

The waffle recipe was such a hit over here that I've made them on their own several times and topped them with yummylicious things.

Things like: smoked pulled pork, sausage and gravy with a poached egg, and BBQ shrimp NOLA style.

Check out this waffle pic below.  See all the bacon and jalapeños? And that crispy melted cheese on the edges? 

That's why I've been stuffing myself with these things all day long.  They are dang good.

A cooked savory Jalapeño Bacon Cheddar Waffle on a white plate.

A little word on frying chicken:  everyone has their own way of doing it, so feel free to fry your chicken the way that works for you.  Although, I think I might have found the best way on how to fry chicken that works for me.

Best way to fry chicken

  • Brine the chicken for at least 4 hours.  I like to use pickle juice.
  • Single coat the chicken with seasoned flour.  I don't feel a great need to double coat, so I don't.
  • Shallow fry in a cast iron pot or pan.  Must be cast iron.  Period.
  • Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack.  Because all fried foods should be drained on a wire rack.

In my opinion, these four simple rules produce the best fried chicken; however, you really shouldn't listen to me.  I'll just let the pic down below do the talking.

Fried boneless spicy chicken breast with hot maple sauce and pickles on top

So head on down to Nashville for the original or try my version of this Hot Chicken recipe! Also, make an extra batch of the Jalapeño Bacon Cheddar Waffles to eat later.  Don't forget to PIN the recipe for later too!

Hot Chicken and Jalapeño Bacon Cheddar Waffle

This Hot Chicken and Jalapeño Bacon Cheddar Waffle recipe is a unique twist on the Nashville classic with a spicy cheesy waffle topped with a sweet-fiery maple sauce.
5 from 9 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Breakfast, Entree, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 963kcal
Author: Karrie | Tasty Ever After

Ingredients

FOR THE CHICKEN:

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts , pounded out to an even thickness
  • ½ cup pickle juice
  • 1 large egg , beaten
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper hot sauce
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • vegetable or peanut oil for frying the chicken

FOR THE MAPLE HOT SAUCE:

  • 1 cup maple syrup
  • 3-4 tablespoon cayenne pepper hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

FOR THE WAFFLES:

  • 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 egg , beaten
  • 1 to 1 ¼ cup milk
  • 4 tablespoon butter , melted
  • 1 cup sharp cheese , shredded
  • ¼ cup bacon (about 4 slices), cooked and crumbled
  • 3 tablespoon fresh or pickled jalapeño , minced

Optional garnish: sliced pickles

    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    FOR THE CHICKEN:

    • Marinate the chicken breasts in the pickle juice in the refrigerator in a covered container for 4 hours.
    • After marinating the chicken, remove container from refrigerator and allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Set up a breading station with two shallow dishes. In one dish, combine the beaten egg, whole milk, and hot sauce. In the other dish, combine the flour and salt.
    • Remove the chicken from the pickle juice and dip into the egg-milk mixture first, then dip into the flour mixture.
    • Pour 2-3 inches of oil into a large cast iron pot or pan and heat the oil to 350F/176C degrees over medium-high heat. Fry each chicken breast for about 8 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature registers 165F/74C degrees. Drain on a wire rack over a sheet pan.

    FOR THE MAPLE HOT SAUCE:

    • In a small pan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup with the cayenne pepper hot sauce, cayenne powder, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Reduce to low and keep warm.

    FOR THE WAFFLES:

    • Pre-heat the waffle iron to the desired waffle setting (I used a soft waffle setting at 4.5)
    • Whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix together the egg, milk, and melted butter until well combined. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and mix together just until the batter comes together. Fold the cheese, cooked bacon, and jalapeños into the batter.
    • Lightly grease the waffle iron, if needed, and cook per the iron's directions. Mine took about 3-4 minutes.
    • To assemble the dish, place one waffle on a plate, one fried chicken breast on top of the waffle, and pour a ¼ cup of the maple hot sauce over it all.
      Grab a big fork and knife and dig in!

    Recipe Notes & Tips:

    • Extra waffles can be refrigerated for 1-2 days and frozen for up to 1-2 months.
    Nutrition Facts
    Hot Chicken and Jalapeño Bacon Cheddar Waffle
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 963 Calories from Fat 324
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 36g55%
    Saturated Fat 17g85%
    Cholesterol 218mg73%
    Sodium 2351mg98%
    Potassium 779mg22%
    Carbohydrates 115g38%
    Fiber 2g8%
    Sugar 51g57%
    Protein 42g84%
    Vitamin A 1700IU34%
    Vitamin C 9.6mg12%
    Calcium 410mg41%
    Iron 5.3mg29%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today!Mention @tastyeverafter or tag #tastyeverafter

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     ©  Tasty Ever After  All images and content are copyright protected, so please do not copy or claim my work as your own.  Please do not use any images or republish this recipe without prior permission.  If you want to reference this recipe, link directly back to this post.  Thank you.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ryan Hunter

      August 12, 2018 at 8:39 pm

      5 stars
      Forgot to rate

      Reply
    2. Ryan Hunter

      August 12, 2018 at 8:38 pm

      I just made this recipe and it was incredible. I normally don't comment on recipe sites but this is definitely worth making. I doubled the recipe and it fed 8 hungry people with just a little left over. The waffles were good but the flavors of the bacon, and jalapenos were kinda lost among the chicken and maple syrup. I may leave them out next time just to save some time and money.

      Reply
      • Karrie

        August 14, 2018 at 10:55 am

        Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and rate this recipe Ryan and very happy you all enjoyed it! I've made this once for a group of friends for brunch and they loved it too!

        Reply
    3. simonacallas

      November 09, 2015 at 11:27 pm

      5 stars
      My kids love chicken, waffles and spicy. I will prepare this dish for them, seem very tasty, thank you for the recipe

      Reply
      • Karrie@tastyeverafter

        November 11, 2015 at 2:33 pm

        That;s great that your kids love spicy! Please let me know what they think of the recipe (because you know kids will tell the honest truth)

        Reply
    4. Rachel @ Bakerita

      November 09, 2015 at 6:14 pm

      This looks AMAZING - I'm swooning over those savory waffles, and with that chicken?! Can't get better.

      Reply
      • Karrie@tastyeverafter

        November 11, 2015 at 2:32 pm

        Thank you Rachel and thanks for stopping by too

        Reply
    5. Katie Crenshaw

      November 09, 2015 at 7:29 am

      5 stars
      Watch out, we have just found our newest America's Top Chef!!! Karrie, this recipe sounds off the chain! It is so brilliant and different. I shamefully will admit I am horrible at frying things. The fryer and I just don't get along… So I wish I could hop over to your house and try this. The ingredient combinations are so creative!! I LOVE IT!! You really should submit this recipe to a recipe contest to Southern Living or Food Network. This one really looks like a winner! I am just in awe!! xoxo

      Reply
      • Karrie@tastyeverafter

        November 11, 2015 at 2:58 pm

        Oh Katie, you are too sweet! Wait, what? You are horrible at frying? Don't you live in the South? Girl, please don't tell anyone else this because they will throw you out of NC!! lol! I'll fry this or any other food for you whenever you want. xoxo

        Reply
    6. GiGi Eats

      November 07, 2015 at 2:30 pm

      5 stars
      Whoa baby! Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles in LA.... Has NOTHING on you!

      Reply
      • Karrie@tastyeverafter

        November 11, 2015 at 2:35 pm

        Haha! I wish Gigi xoxo

        Reply
    7. Thao @ In Good Flavor

      November 06, 2015 at 10:21 pm

      The single coated chicken looks incredibly crispy. The jalapeño, cheese, bacon waffle...Wow! And that kicked up maple syrup is the perfect topper for this insanely mouthwatering dish! You have really outdone yourself, Karrie!!

      Reply
      • Karrie@tastyeverafter

        November 11, 2015 at 2:42 pm

        You always have the sweetest things to say Thao. Thank you so much

        Reply
    8. Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop

      November 06, 2015 at 8:30 am

      Fried chicken is a guilty pleasure of mine....it just tastes so darned good! I will need to try your method. I've never quite understood the chicken and waffle combo. I tried it once..... just give me the fried chicken! Must be a southern thing! Or maybe I just need to try it again!

      Reply
      • Karrie@tastyeverafter

        November 11, 2015 at 2:43 pm

        Me too Kathy! Oh man, I could eat 2 whole chickens in one sitting if they were both fried

        Reply
    9. Beeta @ Mon Petit Four

      November 06, 2015 at 2:35 am

      Oh no you didn't, girl!!! I nearly just passed out from happiness, excitement, hunger, excessive drool, and desperation to recreate this. This is like the best of America, seriously. Everyone thinks we're all about KFC here and IHOP. UM NO! We are all about gourmet jalapeno bacon cheddar waffles and hot spicy chicken covered in hot maple sauce, yes ma'am. We're fancy and this dish just proves it!!! I swear, to be your neighbor.....Lawd, puhlease make our paths cross one day and when they do, puhlease make it so that you're whipping this up for dinner. UHmazing, Karrie...I die for realz. <3

      Reply
      • Karrie@tastyeverafter

        November 11, 2015 at 2:45 pm

        Don't pass out Beeta! lol! Fried chicken is the best of the good US of A. When you come visit the New England area, you will absolutely have to come over for a dinner or two or five

        Reply
    10. Dante

      November 06, 2015 at 12:41 am

      5 stars
      Hi Karrie.
      This is great.
      Would you allow me to post this in my web/blog?

      Reply
      • Karrie@tastyeverafter

        November 11, 2015 at 2:47 pm

        Thank you Dante and I'm honored you would like to post this on your website. Please feel free to use it and thanks again

        Reply
    11. Kathleen | Hapa Nom Nom

      November 06, 2015 at 12:22 am

      5 stars
      WOW! Seriously, wow! I just about fell out of my chair! First of all - total e.s.p., I was literally just thinking about chicken and waffles today. But you've taken it to a whole different level with this Tennessee hot chicken and bacon-cheddar waffles! Omg, why am I not eating this right now?! Phenomenal dish, Karrie!

      Reply
      • Karrie@tastyeverafter

        November 11, 2015 at 2:54 pm

        Thank you Kathleen! I'm glad we are on the same thinking wavelength

        Reply
    12. Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks

      November 05, 2015 at 10:22 pm

      Well, color me happy! That's one hot and spicy chicken and waffle business! Wow! Dude, I totally wish I could participate in this spiciness, but I'm just too big of a weenie. Total wimp over here. I'll tell you though, Chris would totally LOVE this hot chicken jalapeno bacon cheddar waffle! I'd make it for him! Because he deserves it for having to deal with me and that's just the way I roll!

      Reply
      • Karrie@tastyeverafter

        November 11, 2015 at 2:52 pm

        You know, I would never take you for being a wimp Rachelle. If you make them for Chris, leave out the jalapenos in the waffle and then you can eat the waffle with a plain fried chicken breast on top. Then everyone is happy. Oh yeah, be sure to put some of that NC BBQ on top too. BBQ on top of a cheese waffle is the best thing in life ever!

        Reply
    13. Sophie

      November 05, 2015 at 3:21 pm

      I'm vegetarian but I am CRAVING some sort of super spicy, deep-fried-y, cheesy carb + protein combination after reading this!! Eggs perhaps? I've never really done the savoury waffle thing, and I think by the time they became a thing in Toronto I was long gone. So question: is it overkill to put home fries on top of a waffle? Asking for a friend...

      Reply
      • Karrie@tastyeverafter

        November 10, 2015 at 5:26 pm

        Heck no that's not overkill! I was thinking you could leave out the bacon in the waffle and do a spicy sweet potato hash-like mixture (with some onions, mushrooms,and red peppers??) in place of the chicken, then put a poached or fried egg on top. I'm so doing that for a weekend veggie brunch...with mimosas (cause they are vegetarian and healthy due to the OJ)

        Reply
    14. Dawn

      November 05, 2015 at 1:47 pm

      This looks wicked! I remember the first time I had chicken & waffles was when hubby and I went to Vegas and I've been in love with it ever since!! We make it home regularly, but your recipe looks amaaaazing. I mean, can't go wrong! I smother mine in maple syrup & hot sauce. I could totally eat this for days straight. Love it and can't wait to try!

      Reply
      • Karrie@tastyeverafter

        November 10, 2015 at 5:21 pm

        Vegas sounds like the perfect place to have chicken & waffles for the first time! Ooooo, I hope you do try it because I gotta know what you think about it.

        Reply
    15. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary

      November 05, 2015 at 1:38 pm

      5 stars
      OMG, I have been waiting for MONTHS for this post, Karrie!!! I almost fell out of my chair when I got your newsletter and THESE hot chicken and waffles appeared! Like WHOA! ANNNND, like about time!!! You are forgiven for making me wait, because these look crazy delicious, girlfriend!! That waffle is EVERYTHING! You know I'm with ya 100% in the spicy love department, so a waffle with jalapeno, bacon and cheese is mind blowing! And that chicken though! Smack my a$$ and call me Sallly, because that chicken is crispy perfection! PINNED! Can't wait to make these! And you should totally turn this blog into a waffle blog, clearly you got mad waffle skillz. And mad chicken skillz for that matter. Cheers, buttercup! XO

      Reply
      • Karrie@tastyeverafter

        November 10, 2015 at 5:19 pm

        Thanks girl and this recipe has been a ridiculously long time coming. I could never get those pics the way I wanted then to look. Actually still can't but I put it up anyways! I love these waffles so much that I could eat them every day. Of course I would weigh 500 pounds but who cares!!

        Reply
    16. Gaila

      November 05, 2015 at 1:02 pm

      5 stars
      This combination is incredible a savory waffle topped off with hot fried chicken! Love this idea Karrie!! looks great

      Reply
      • Karrie@tastyeverafter

        November 10, 2015 at 5:16 pm

        Thanks Gaila! I can't get enough savory waffles now!

        Reply
    17. annie@ciaochowbambina

      November 05, 2015 at 3:39 am

      5 stars
      I literally just read an article about Prince's in Nashville that focused on none other than their hot chicken! I've been toying with the idea of making it for days now! Yours looks incredible! And your idea to top a savory waffle with a gorgeous piece of crispy chicken is brilliant!

      Reply
      • Karrie@tastyeverafter

        November 10, 2015 at 5:14 pm

        Thank you Annie and can't wait to see your recipe

        Reply

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