Easy 5 Ingredient Chicken and Waffles Casserole Recipe
Chicken and waffles are a total comfort food combination that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. In this blog post, I’ll introduce you to a family friendly twist on this classic duo – the Chicken and Waffle Casserole. This mouthwatering recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy waffles, and a savory maple-infused egg mixture, all baked to perfection in a large casserole dish. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food in an easy-to-make dish the whole family will enjoy.
Why make a casserole?
The best time to make a casserole depends on your personal schedule and preferences. However, there are a few factors to consider:
- Convenience: Casseroles are often convenient because they can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until needed. If you have a busy schedule or want to have a meal prepared in advance, making a casserole can be a great option.
- Gathering or Potluck: Casseroles are popular dishes for gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners. If you’re hosting an event or attending one where a shared dish is expected, making a casserole can be a practical and crowd-pleasing choice.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Consider the availability of fresh seasonal ingredients. Casseroles can be versatile and incorporate ingredients that are abundant and in season, adding to the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
- Comfort and Coziness: Casseroles are often associated with comfort food and are perfect for colder months or when you’re craving a warm and hearty meal. They can provide a sense of comfort and nourishment.
- Special Occasions: Casseroles can also be a fitting choice for special occasions or holidays when you want to serve a dish that is both delicious and easy to prepare in larger quantities. What better way to prepare for overnight guests than preparing a casserole.
Ultimately, the best time to make a casserole is when it aligns with your schedule, meets your dietary preferences, and suits the occasion or season. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a casual gathering, or a cozy family dinner, casseroles offer versatility and convenience in preparing a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients for Chicken and Waffles Casserole:
For this chicken and waffles casserole recipe, these are the ingredients I use. It’s really this easy, just 5 things!
Frozen waffles- Cut up your waffles into large chunks (think 2-inch pieces). You can toast waffles beforehand or keep them frozen. Either way, they will cook when they’re in the oven. I love Kodiak Waffles. We have used blueberry waffles and the sweetness adds so much.
Frozen Chicken nuggets- I personally love the Bare Nuggets, but popcorn chicken also works really well here. Cut it up in 1-inch pieces.
Eggs- I like to use 14 eggs. It really adds so many nutrients to the casserole and holds it all together, quite literally. Just warning you, you will need a very large bowl!
Real maple syrup- Don’t skimp on the real stuff. Here’s a list of some of the best maple syrups (click here).
Instructions for Chicken and Waffles Casserole:
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Preheat Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (177 °C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter, whatever you have on hand.
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Layer the Casserole:
- Layer half of the cubed waffles in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Top the waffle layer with half of the slightly thawed chicken nuggets cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining waffle pieces and remaining chicken.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, maple syrup, large eggs, melted butter, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour egg mixture evenly over the layered waffles, chicken, and cheese in the baking dish.
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Bake the Casserole:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven in the middle oven rack and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set.
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Serve and Garnish:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of freshness.
- Try a drizzle of maple syrup over the top if desired, for an extra touch of sweetness.
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Enjoy:
- Slice the Chicken and Waffle Casserole into squares or rectangles and serve warm.
- This casserole is perfect as a main dish for brunch, lunch, or dinner. It also makes a fantastic potluck or party dish.
Variations and Tips:
- Feel free to add cooked bacon or diced ham for extra flavor and texture or replace chicken nuggets with chicken tenders or popcorn chicken.
- Experiment with topping it with cheeses like Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Swiss.
- Customize the casserole with your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dried herbs. Some have loved sliced scallions on top of the casserole.
- For a lighter version of this chicken and waffles casserole recipe, use whole wheat or gluten-free waffles, and reduce the amount of cheese and butter.
- Drizzle on some hot sauce on top for some heat or some brown sugar for extra sweetness. You can also try a spiced vanilla honey mixture!
- You can replace Kodiak waffles with Eggo waffles or try these homemade waffles (click here) made in your waffle iron.
To store chicken and waffles casserole, follow these guidelines to maintain its freshness and quality:
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Cool Down: Allow the casserole to cool down completely before storing. Leaving it at room temperature for no more than 2 hours is advisable to prevent bacterial growth.
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Portion and Wrap: Divide the remaining casserole into individual serving-sized portions, if desired. This will make it easier to reheat and serve later.
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Airtight Container: Place the casserole portions in airtight containers or freezer-safe resealable bags. Make sure the containers or bags are tightly sealed to prevent air exposure and freezer burn.
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Labeling: Label the containers or bags with the contents and the date of storage. This will help you keep track of the storage time and ensure you use the oldest portions first.
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Freezer Storage: Place the containers or bags in the freezer. Ensure they are placed on a flat surface to maintain their shape. If stacking is necessary, separate the layers with parchment paper or freezer-safe dividers to prevent sticking.
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Freezer Storage Duration: Chicken and waffles casserole can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. After that, the quality and texture may start to deteriorate. It’s recommended to consume them within this timeframe for the best taste and texture.
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Thawing and Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the stored casserole, remove the desired portion from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated to your desired temperature.
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Properly Reheated: Ensure the reheated casserole reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before consuming to ensure it is safe to eat.
By following these storage guidelines, you can safely store chicken and waffles casserole in the freezer and enjoy it at a later time without compromising its taste and texture.
Indulge in the comforting and flavorful combination of chicken and waffles with this Chicken and Waffle Casserole recipe. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy waffles, and a rich maple-infused sauce will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a special family meal, this casserole is sure to impress. Serve it up and savor the delightful harmony of sweet and savory flavors in every bite. Enjoy!

Chicken and Waffles Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 9X 13 in Casserole dish
Ingredients
- 1 bag (24 oz) Just Bare Frozen Chicken Nuggets You can substitute this with popcorn chicken or chicken tenders.
- 14 eggs
- 10 Frozen waffles I love Kodiak Waffles, but any kind works
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups whole or low-fat milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 degrees C)
- Slightly thaw chicken nuggets and chop into 1-2 inch pieces
- Chop waffles into 1-2 inch pieces (you can toast before chopping, but it's not necessary)
- Layer half of the cubed waffles to the casserole dish. Take half of the chopped chicken and layer on top of waffles. Repeat with remaining half of the waffles and again with the second half of the chicken.
- Whisk wet ingredients, eggs, maple syrup and milk in large mixing bowl and pour over the dry ingredients evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes (loosely cover with foil for the first 30 minutes)