I’ve always loved the contrast of sweet and savory, so when I dreamed up this dish—spicy BBQ Chicken stacked on Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles with a smoky maple glaze—I knew it would be a knockout.
Imagine tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce, layered over cornbread waffles studded with jalapeño heat, all finished with a sticky-sweet drizzle.
It’s Southern comfort food with a summer festival twist, and it’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
These Spicy BBQ Chicken & Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles combine the smoky goodness of cooked shredded chicken tossed in barbecue sauce with the delightful kick of jalapeños.
Perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these waffles will transform your breakfast into a flavor-packed feast.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm waffle infused with yellow cornmeal and finely diced jalapeño, topped with shredded cheddar cheese that melts beautifully.
The hint of cayenne pepper adds just the right amount of heat, making each bite an explosion of savory goodness.
These waffles are not just a meal; they are an experience.
Here’s Why You’ll Love My Spicy BBQ Chicken & Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles
This dish is the perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and savory. The smoky-sweet glaze balances the heat from the jalapeños in the waffles, while the BBQ chicken adds a rich, tangy flavor that ties it all together.
Whether you’re serving brunch, lunch, or dinner, this dish feels indulgent but approachable. Plus, it looks fantastic on a plate—Instagram-worthy!
A Flavorful Twist on Classic Waffles
Transforming your brunch experience starts with an enticing stack of cornbread waffles. These waffles stand out thanks to their golden hue and slightly sweet flavor profile, which is achieved by incorporating a touch of sugar.
The blend of yellow cornmeal and all-purpose flour results in a delightful texture, while the richness of buttermilk and melted unsalted butter ensures each waffle remains moist and delicious.
To elevate the flavor, the recipe includes a hint of cayenne pepper, providing just enough kick to tantalize the taste buds.
Topped with shredded cheddar cheese that melts beautifully, these waffles truly redefine a classic dish.
Key Ingredients That Make a Difference
The heart of this recipe lies in its quality ingredients. Starting with cooked, shredded chicken, each bite bursts with savory goodness, enhanced by a generous drizzle of barbecue sauce.
Incorporating finely diced jalapeño adds not only spiciness but also a vibrant color that contrasts beautifully with the golden waffles.
The combination of eggs and buttermilk creates a fluffy texture that is simply irresistible.
Every aspect of this recipe, from the baking powder that helps the waffles rise to the melted unsalted butter that ensures moisture, plays a critical role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
The Perfect Cooking Method
To achieve those perfect crispy edges and fluffy interiors, the cooking method is just as important as the ingredients.
Preheating the waffle iron to the manufacturer’s specifications is crucial for optimal results.
The batter, made from a careful mix of yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cayenne pepper, and the wet ingredients, should be poured into the preheated iron without hesitation.
Watching the waffles turn golden brown is a rewarding sight.
Once they’re ready, serve them hot to keep that delicious texture intact. Each waffle should be drizzled with extra barbecue sauce for a burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These waffles are a meal on their own, but you can round them out with a crisp coleslaw, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted corn on the cob.
Creating a mouthwatering brunch scene is simple with these waffles. Stack them high and top with the pulled spicy BBQ chicken, letting the warmth of the waffles melt the shredded cheddar cheese delicately placed on top. You could also add an egg on top.
For those who dare to add more heat, sprinkle additional finely diced jalapeños over the finished dish.
A side bowl of barbecue sauce and jalapeño slices can offer guests the chance to customize their experience.
For drinks, try sweet tea, a smoky mezcal margarita, or a glass of chilled rosé.
This dish not only satisfies hunger but also impresses guests with its vibrant presentation and flavor combinations.
Why This Dish is a Must-Try
These spicy BBQ chicken and jalapeño cornbread waffles aren’t just a meal; they’re an experience waiting to happen.
The harmonious blend of textures and flavors, from the crispy waffles to the tender chicken, creates a satisfying dish that will keep you coming back for more.
Perfectly suited for brunch gatherings or a cozy breakfast at home, this recipe offers a modern twist on a beloved classic.
Embrace the joy of cooking and treat yourself and your loved ones to this culinary delight.
Tips for the Best Spicy BBQ Chicken & Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles
- Use buttermilk in the waffle batter for extra tenderness and a slight tang.
. - Mix the jalapeños into the batter just before cooking so they stay fresh.
. - Make the waffles ahead and keep them warm in the oven at 200°F while you prep the rest.
. - Shred rotisserie chicken and mix with warmed BBQ sauce to save time.
Spicy BBQ Chicken & Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles
Course: Brunch, Lunch, or DinnerCuisine: Southern / FusionDifficulty: Moderate4
servings20
minutes20
minutes640
kcal
These waffles are beautifully golden and slightly sweet, thanks to a touch of sugar, complemented by the richness of buttermilk and eggs. The combination of all-purpose flour with cornmeal gives a wonderful texture, while the melted unsalted butter ensures that each waffle is moist and delicious.
Ingredients
- For the BBQ Chicken
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
One-half cup barbecue sauce
One-fourth teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- For the Jalapeño Cornbread Waffles
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
One-half teaspoon salt
1 and one-fourth cups of buttermilk
2 large eggs
One-fourth cup unsalted butter, melted
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for richness)
- For the Smoky Maple Glaze
One-third cup of maple syrup
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
One-fourth teaspoon chili powder
Pinch of salt
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken
- In a small pot, combine shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and cayenne. Heat over medium-low until warmed through, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside.
- Make the Waffle Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Add wet to dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in jalapeños and cheddar, if using.
- Cook the Waffles
- Heat a waffle iron and lightly grease it. Pour batter into the waffle maker and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, about 4–5 minutes or until golden and crisp. Keep warm in the oven.
- Make the Smoky Maple Glaze
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine maple syrup, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Warm gently and stir until blended, 2–3 minutes.
- Assemble the Dish
- Place one waffle on each plate. Top with a generous scoop of BBQ chicken. Drizzle with smoky maple glaze and garnish with sliced jalapeño or fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately!
Notes
- Want extra crunch? Add crushed fried onions or slaw on top.
- Try using chipotle in adobo instead of cayenne for a deeper smoky kick.
- These also work great as sliders on mini waffles for party platters!
Storage & Reheating
- Store components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
. - Reheat waffles in a toaster or 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
. - Reheat chicken on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.
. - Maple glaze can be rewarmed gently on the stove.
