Award-Winning Healthy Chicken Waffle Sandwich: Sweet, Savory & Spicy Breakfast Perfection
Almost 25 years ago, long before the phenomenon of Chicken and Waffle Sandwiches took over the culinary world, I purchased my very first waffle maker at a local garage sale. I distinctly remember the kind woman who sold it to me for a mere $5.00, mentioning she had received it as a wedding gift 15 years prior. While countless garage sale treasures have passed through my hands over the years, that particular exchange remains vivid in my memory, perhaps because this humble, yet incredibly durable, appliance still holds a cherished spot in my kitchen today.
Indeed, I still own that very same little waffle iron! And it was with this trusty, vintage machine that I crafted this award-winning Healthy Chicken Waffle Sandwich recipe. This unique breakfast waffle sandwich offers a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, making it a truly versatile meal. It’s perfectly suited for a leisurely breakfast, a hearty brunch, or even a fun “breakfast for dinner” experience. For those busy mornings when time is of the essence, you can easily substitute homemade waffles with quality store-bought alternatives, ensuring that this delicious chicken and waffle creation is always within reach.
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Over the past two and a half decades, my family of two waffle enthusiasts has grown to four, and our shared love for homemade waffles has only deepened. I’ve often daydreamed about upgrading to a shiny, new four-iron waffle maker to keep up with the demand. When I shared this little fantasy with my daughter, she charmingly captured my wish with a thoughtful drawing, which perfectly encapsulates the simple joys and slight yearning associated with our waffle-making ritual. It’s a sweet reminder of how food brings us closer.
In my younger, “starving student” days, garage sales were a thrilling adventure. The excitement of the hunt, the satisfaction of unearthing unique treasures, and the sheer necessity of finding affordable items made every weekend excursion a quest. Fast forward to today, and my priorities have shifted. Rather than accumulating more, I find myself seeking to declutter. This realization led me to host my own garage sale a few years ago, an experience that, I must admit, was far from enjoyable.
In fact, it felt like more than six hours of my life I will never get back.
At least the kids had a good time, finding amusement in the chaos.
To be honest, my garage sale was rather pathetic. I hadn’t hoarded enough interesting items over the years to truly justify the effort, making it the kind of sale I would have bypassed in my prime treasure-hunting days. Perhaps the arduous experience was simply the universe’s way of punishing me for such a lackluster attempt! Regardless, the lesson learned reinforced my appreciation for things that truly last and offer enduring value, like my trusty old waffle maker.
Anyway, despite my desire, I still don’t have that shiny new four-iron waffle maker. And as I mentioned, this incredible award-winning Healthy Chicken Waffle Sandwich recipe was lovingly prepared using that dependable two-iron classic. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need the latest gadgets to create culinary masterpieces.
My old waffle maker may be battered, stained, and missing a piece of plastic, but its performance remains unparalleled. It consistently churns out truly fantastic homemade waffles, perfectly golden and crispy every time. This enduring quality is what made it possible to win a cooking contest with this recipe, proving that sometimes, the simplest tools yield the best results.
Why This Healthy Chicken Waffle Sandwich Stands Out
This isn’t just any chicken and waffles recipe; it’s a carefully crafted, healthier version that distinguishes itself in several ways. Instead of traditional fried chicken, we use lean, low-fat chicken breakfast strips, significantly reducing the fat content without sacrificing flavor. The unique combination of sweet strawberries, savory chicken, and a zesty hint of red chili dip creates an exciting flavor profile that’s both comforting and adventurous. It’s this innovative twist that helped it win the 2015 Maple Lodge Farms Family Recipe Challenge! Its versatility as a breakfast, brunch, or even dinner option, along with the convenience of using store-bought waffles when you’re short on time, makes it a truly exceptional dish for any occasion.
🥘 Ingredients for Your Healthy Waffle Sandwich
To create this award-winning spicy chicken waffle sandwich, you’ll need a thoughtful blend of fresh and flavorful ingredients, ensuring both health and indulgence. The homemade waffles feature a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a wholesome texture, brightened by orange juice and zest. The sandwich fixings include lean chicken strips, vibrant fresh strawberries, a light whipped cream, and a distinctive sweet and spicy sauce using reduced-sugar strawberry jam and red chili dip. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- whole wheat flour
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt
- white sugar
- milk * I use 1%
- orange *the juice and zest
- vegetable oil
- eggs
- maple syrup * I use low-sugar
- breakfast chicken strips -original flavor * I used Halal chicken strips for the contest, but any lean chicken or turkey bacon can be substituted for a healthy twist
- fresh strawberries
- whipped cream
- strawberry jam * I use reduced sugar
- red chili dip/spread
🌡️ Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Your Chicken Waffle Sandwiches
One of the many advantages of this chicken and waffle sandwich recipe is its excellent make-ahead potential, making it perfect for meal prepping or busy schedules. Both the waffles and the chicken strips can be prepared in advance. For optimal freshness, you can refrigerate them for a day or two in airtight containers. If you’re looking to extend their shelf life, freezing is an excellent option, as waffles tend to stay fresher when frozen rather than refrigerated for longer periods. To freeze waffles, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together. The chicken strips can be stored similarly. Any leftover components of the assembled sandwich – the sauce, strawberries, chicken, and waffles – should be stored separately in individual airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain their texture and flavor.
This Healthy Chicken Waffle Sandwich is truly a family-friendly recipe, thanks to its flexibility and make-ahead capabilities. I often double the waffle recipe, freezing the extra portions. On hectic weekday mornings, these frozen waffles can simply be popped into the toaster for a quick warm-up, turning golden and crispy in minutes. The same convenient method applies to the breakfast chicken strips. You can even enjoy this delicious sandwich on the go – just use a little less of the whipped cream mixture to keep it neat! And if you’re ever truly pressed for time, don’t hesitate to use quality store-bought frozen waffles as a convenient substitute. It’s all about making healthy, delicious meals accessible.
👪 Adjusting Your Chicken Waffle Sandwich Serving Size
This recipe yields four delicious chicken waffle sandwiches, perfect for a family meal or a few satisfying servings. However, you have the flexibility to easily adjust the recipe to suit your needs. By simply clicking on the blue serving number in the recipe card below and selecting your desired number of servings, the ingredient quantities will automatically adjust. This feature makes it incredibly convenient to half, double, or even triple the recipe, whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd.
📖 Creative Variations & Easy Substitutions for Your Waffle Sandwich
This versatile Healthy Chicken Waffle Sandwich recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these simple variations and substitutions:
- Waffles: While our homemade recipe yields superior results, if you’re truly short on time, opting for quality store-bought frozen waffles is a perfectly acceptable and convenient alternative. Just toast them until golden and crisp.
- Chicken Strips: The recipe calls for breakfast chicken strips, but you can easily substitute them with turkey bacon for a different flavor profile or even cooked chicken breast strips or fillets for a heartier, leaner option. Ensure whatever protein you choose is seasoned well.
- Jam: Strawberry jam adds a classic sweetness, but feel free to experiment with other berry jams. Raspberry or a mixed berry jam would offer a delightful tartness and vibrant flavor.
- Spice Level: The red chili dip/spread provides a unique “zip” that balances the sweet and savory elements. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili dip or omit it entirely. For those who love a fiery kick, feel free to add more to taste, or substitute it with your favorite hot sauce like sriracha or a smoky chipotle sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: For a delicious low-carb version of this breakfast waffle sandwich, replace the traditional waffles with Chaffles (cheese waffles). They offer a savory base that pairs wonderfully with the chicken and strawberry toppings.
🎥🍓 Essential Skill: Video Guide on How to Hull Strawberries
For those new to preparing fresh strawberries, hulling them efficiently is a simple trick that makes a big difference. If you’re unsure how to properly hull a strawberry, ensure you check out this helpful video: How to hull a strawberry. It’s a quick tip that will make your prep even smoother.
🍽 Essential Equipment for Perfect Waffle Sandwiches
The star of this Healthy Chicken Waffle Sandwich recipe, beyond the ingredients, is undoubtedly the waffle maker. While my trusty old two-iron has served me well, for truly impressive and fluffy waffles, I highly recommend a Belgian waffle maker. (This is actually the model I plan on buying once my current one finally gives out!). Belgian waffle makers create deeper pockets, perfect for holding all the delicious toppings and sauce of our chicken waffle sandwich. However, a regular waffle maker will also work beautifully; simply adjust cooking times as needed. And as always, if you’re in a pinch, store-bought waffles are always an option!
I suppose by now, I could have easily splurged on that shiny new waffle maker. Perhaps one day I will, when my vintage model finally retires. But for now, why introduce more “stuff” that inevitably leads to the arduous task of getting rid of other things? We all remember how that garage sale went! My enduring waffle maker is a cherished tool, reminding me that durability and sentimental value often outweigh the allure of the new.
If you’re seeking wholesome and unique waffle recipes, this award-winning Healthy Chicken Waffle Sandwich is an absolute must-try. Its sweet, savory, and subtly spicy notes will redefine your breakfast, brunch, or dinner experience. And for all you waffle lovers out there, don’t miss my decadent Belgian Chocolate Waffles recipe – another fantastic way to enjoy this beloved breakfast staple!
⭐ Reviews
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🧇 Healthy Chicken Waffle Sandwich Recipe
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Ingredients
Waffles
- ¾ cup whole wheat flour
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
- 1 cup reduced fat milk 1%
- 1 medium sized orange – the juice and zest
- 4 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 egg yolks well beaten
- 2 egg whites
- ¼ cup maple syrup no sugar added
Sandwich Fixin’s:
- 1 375 gram pkg. Zabiha Halal Breakfast chicken strips -original flavour *Any chicken or turkey bacon can be substituted for a healthier option
- 2 cups hulled and sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 cup whipped cream preferably light
- ½ cup Strawberry reduced sugar jam raspberry or mixed berry can be substituted for varied flavor
- 2 tablespoon red chili dip/spread
Instructions
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Cook the breakfast chicken strips (such as Zabiha Halal) on the stovetop according to package directions, typically for about 5 minutes, until fully cooked through and lightly browned. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are well mixed.
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In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk and vegetable oil with the well-beaten egg yolks. Then, stir in the maple syrup, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. Pour these wet ingredients into the large bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently, just until the mixture is blended. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough waffles.
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In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff, but not dry, peaks. Carefully fold these beaten egg whites into the waffle batter. This step will make your waffles extra light and fluffy.
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Preheat your waffle iron. Once hot, pour the waffle batter onto the iron and cook until the waffles are lightly golden brown and crispy. This recipe typically yields 8 individual waffles.
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Once the waffles have cooled down, you can lightly toast them in a toaster to achieve your desired level of crispness, adding a delightful texture to your sandwich.
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Prepare the sauce for chicken waffles: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the strawberry jam, whipped cream (preferably light), and red chili dip/spread until smooth and well combined.
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Assemble Your Sandwiches: Take one toasted waffle and spread a generous amount of the strawberry jam mixture on its inside surface. Layer with the cooked breakfast chicken strips, followed by a portion of the freshly sliced strawberries. Spread the jam mixture on the inside of a second waffle and gently place it on top of the sandwich (jam-side down). Repeat this process for the remaining 3 sandwiches. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
🍳 More Healthy & Delicious Breakfast Recipes to Try
If you loved this healthy chicken waffle sandwich, explore more wholesome and flavorful breakfast ideas from my collection:
- PB&J Pancake Breakfast Sandwich
- Healthy Mediterranean Breakfast Burritos
- Healthy Carrot Loaf
- Sheet Pan Pumpkin Pie Pancakes
- Easy Sheet Pan Huevos Rancheros