Crispy, juicy chicken with soft, fluffy waffles and a drizzle of maple syrup—this paleo chicken and waffles recipe is a grain-free, dairy-free twist on a Southern classic. It’s high in protein, made with wholesome ingredients like almond flour, pecans, and pasture-raised eggs, and cooked entirely without seed oils.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
This recipe gives you that soul-food feel without the crash, bloat, or blood sugar spike. The chicken is coated in a simple nut-based breading and air fried until crisp. The waffles are made using Birch Benders Paleo Mix—super easy and grain-free. It’s the perfect balanced brunch that feels indulgent but is 100% clean.
Looking for another cozy paleo comfort recipe? You’ll love my hot honey peruvian chicken bowls with a herby green sauce—they’re crispy, spicy, and loaded with veggies.
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Ingredients
- Birch Benders Paleo Pancake & Waffle Mix – clean, grain-free base made from cassava, almond, and coconut flours
- Egg – helps bind the batter and makes the waffles fluffy
- Water – thins the mix for waffle batter consistency
- Coconut oil or avocado oil spray – helps prevent sticking
- Chicken breast – lean protein source
- Egg – helps the breading stick
- Pecans – nutty crunch and natural fat
- Almond flour – grain-free breading with crisp edges
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder – adds flavor
- 100% pure maple syrup – touch of natural sweetness to tie it all together
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make Paleo Chicken and Waffles
- Whisk together waffle mix, egg, and water.
- Add pecans to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped (not powdered). Mix with almond flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. Dip each chicken piece into whisked egg, then into the pecan-almond coating. Press gently so the coating sticks well.
- Spray air fryer basket with oil. Place coated chicken in a single layer. Air fry at 380°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway. Chicken should be golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Heat waffle iron, spray with oil, and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions until golden.
Protein Calculations (Per Serving Estimate)
- Chicken breast (4 oz): ~25g
- Egg in waffle + coating: ~6g
- Birch Benders Paleo Waffle (1 waffle): ~6g
Total protein per plate: ~37g
Recipe Alternatives
- Use turkey or chicken thighs instead of breast for juicier meat
- Try a different paleo waffle mix if you can’t find Birch Benders
- Skip maple syrup and drizzle with hot honey or coconut yogurt for a savory-sweet twist
- Bake the chicken instead of air frying (425°F for 20–25 min)
Storage & Meal Prep
Reheat chicken in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to maintain crispiness
Cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days
Waffles can be made ahead and frozen (toast to reheat)
Store maple syrup separately
Top Tip
Pulse the pecans finely in a food processor—too chunky and they’ll fall off, too fine and they’ll clump. You want small, even bits that coat well and crisp up.
FAQ
Absolutely—bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
It’s both! The chicken is garlicky and crunchy, while the waffles and maple syrup bring a touch of sweetness.
Yes—just make sure it’s grain-free and doesn’t contain dairy or refined sugar if you’re staying paleo.
Breakfast Ideas
📖 Recipe
Paleo Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Ingredients
For the Waffles:
- 1 cup Birch Benders Paleo Mix
- 1 egg
- ⅔ cup water or as directed on mix
- Avocado oil or coconut oil spray for waffle iron
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 egg whisked
- ½ cup raw pecans
- ¼ cup almond flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For Serving:
- 100 % pure maple syrup to drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
Make the Chicken Breading:
- Add pecans to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped (not powdered). Mix with almond flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl.
Bread the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken piece into whisked egg, then into the pecan-almond coating. Press gently so the coating sticks well.
Air Fry the Chicken:
- Spray air fryer basket with oil. Place coated chicken in a single layer. Air fry at 380°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway. Chicken should be golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
Make the Waffles:
- While chicken cooks, whisk together waffle mix, egg, and water. Heat waffle iron, spray with oil, and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions until golden.
Plate & Serve:
- Stack waffles on a plate, top with crispy chicken nuggets, and drizzle with maple syrup.
