Chicken and waffles, a classic dish beloved by many, gets a keto-friendly makeover with this recipe. This article explores how to create a satisfying and guilt-free version of this iconic comfort food, using "chaffles" (cheese-based waffles) and crispy, seasoned chicken.
What are Chaffles?
Chaffles have recently gained immense popularity as a low-carb and keto-approved alternative to traditional waffles. These flourless creations use cheese as a base, providing structure and richness. Mozzarella cheese, with its mild flavor, is often used as it blends seamlessly with other ingredients, acting as a binder and increasing the fat content.
Keto Buffalo Chicken Chaffles: A Savory Delight
For those who enjoy a bit of spice, Keto Buffalo Chicken Chaffles offer the ultimate savory experience. This recipe combines the satisfying crunch of a chaffle with the zesty kick of buffalo chicken.
Ingredients
- Almond flour
- Baking powder
- Eggs
- Hot sauce
- Shredded cheese
- Shredded chicken
- Low-carb non-stick spray
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk the baking powder into the almond flour and set aside.
- Preheat a waffle maker to medium/high heat and spray generously with low carb non-stick spray. A Dash Mini Waffle Maker is often recommended for its convenient size.
- In a large bowl, add eggs and beat until frothy.
- Add hot sauce and beat until well combined.
- Add the flour mixture to the eggs and mix until just combined.
- Add shredded cheeses and mix until well combined.
- Fold in shredded chicken.
- Add chaffle batter to the preheated waffle maker and cook until browning on the outside.
The spice level can be adjusted by using a milder hot sauce.
Keto Fried Chicken and Waffles: A Sweet and Savory Harmony
This recipe offers a low-carb twist on the classic chicken and waffles pairing, using almond flour waffles and crispy, seasoned chicken breast.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Ingredients for the Chicken
- Chicken breasts or tenderloins
- Almond flour
- Crushed pork rinds (plain or spicy)
- Egg
- Spices and seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper)
- Sour cream
- Vinegar
- Parmesan cheese
- Grapeseed oil or olive oil
Instructions for the Chicken
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, mix sour cream, vinegar, poultry seasoning, garlic, freshly ground black pepper, and salt to taste. Add the chicken, cover with cling film, and marinate in the fridge for at least two hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F/220°C. Line a rimmed baking tray with aluminum foil and place a rack over it. Brush with olive oil or cooking oil of choice.
- Prepare the coatings: In bowl 1, place almond flour (or more crushed pork rinds). In bowl 2, whisk egg with sour cream. In bowl 3, mix thoroughly crushed pork rinds, Parmesan cheese, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, freshly ground black pepper, cayenne, and salt to taste.
- Coat the chicken: Dip chicken pieces one at a time in almond flour, followed by egg, followed by the pork rinds mixture. Place on the prepared baking tray.
- Roast the chicken for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.
Ingredients for the Waffles
- Eggs
- Shredded cheese (mozzarella)
- Almond flour
- Baking soda
- Confectioners’ Swerve (or other keto-friendly sweetener)
- Vanilla extract
Instructions for the Waffles
- Combine the eggs, shredded cheese, almond flour, and baking soda together. Whisk hard for at least 2 minutes to ensure a cohesive and well-mixed batter.
- Preheat the waffle iron and spray with a baking spray.
- Carefully add the batter to the hot waffle maker, being careful not to overfill.
- Cook time and waffle size will vary depending on the specific waffle maker.
Tips and Considerations
- Sweetener: Swerve sweetener is a popular choice as it contains no calories and does not impact blood sugar levels.
- Pork Rinds: When using pork rinds, be mindful of their sodium content and adjust the amount of salt used accordingly.
- Waffle Maker: Any waffle maker can be used, but a mini waffle maker is often recommended.
- Flexibility: Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Alternative Flours: It is generally not recommended to substitute almond flour with other flours in these recipes.
- Crispiness: Brushing the chicken with melted butter before baking helps to ensure a crispy breading.
- Marinade: Marinating the chicken in sour cream helps to keep it moist and tender.
Serving and Storing
Chaffles are best served fresh. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions
- Lunch: Quick and easy to cook up for a tasty lunch.
- Dinner: Pair with a salad or veggie side dish for a complete meal.
- Snack: Enjoy a couple of chaffles as a snack.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat chicken and waffles, preheat the oven to 300°F. Place the waffles on a baking sheet and the chicken on another. Cover the chicken with aluminum foil to prevent it from overcooking or drying out. Heat in the oven until both the waffles and chicken are warmed through.
Topping Ideas
Get creative with toppings! Consider sugar-free syrup, berries, whipped cream, or even a savory sauce.
Health and Dietary Considerations
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally grain and gluten-free.
- Low-Carb/Keto: This recipe is designed to be low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for ketogenic diets.
Additional Keto Recipes
Explore other keto-friendly recipes such as Keto Shrimp and Grits and Air Fryer Apples for more delicious and satisfying options.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto