Tex-Mex Chicken and Waffles

  Chicken & Turkey

While visiting Texas I bought a small bottle of jalapeno pepper jelly, which inspired me to try this recipe. It's like a kicked up Southern classic, and the syrup can be used as a dipping sauce for the chicken.

Tex-Mex Chicken and Waffles

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TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. + marinating Cook: 20 min.
YIELD: 4 servings (3/4 cup syrup).

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

  • JALAPENO SYRUP:
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped green pepper
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and quartered
  • 3 tablespoons cider vinegar

  • COATING:
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 cup canola oil

  • WAFFLES:
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • Optional toppings: salsa, sliced avocados and fresh cilantro

Instructions

  • 1. Flatten each chicken breast to 1/4-in. thickness. Place in a shallow bowl or dish. Add buttermilk and hot pepper sauce; turn chicken to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
  • 2. In a small saucepan, combine all syrup ingredients; bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat; simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; steep for 1 hour. Strain and discard peppers. Cover and refrigerate syrup until serving.
  • 3. In a large shallow dish, mix the flour, cornmeal and seasonings. Drain chicken, discarding marinade. Add chicken to flour mixture, one piece at a time, and turn to coat. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken; cook until no longer pink, 3-4 minutes on each side. Drain; keep warm.
  • 4. In a large bowl, combine the first six waffle ingredients. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, oil and egg until blended. Add to flour mixture; stir just until moistened. Stir in cheese.
  • 5. Bake in a preheated waffle maker according to manufacturer's directions until golden brown. Serve with chicken, warmed syrup and, if desired, toppings.

Nutrition Facts

1 waffle with 1 chicken breast half and 3 tablespoons syrup: 845 calories, 35g fat (5g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 1246mg sodium, 98g carbohydrate (54g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein.

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