dairy-free Chicken & Waffles

Yes, I said dairy free! Is food even good without dairy?!?! The answer is YES.

I will go ahead and tell you many of my recipes are dairy-free because my mom has a dairy allergy, so I've learned along the way how to cook without milk, butter and cheese. I know what you're thinking, but it can still be so delicious!

Let's start with the chicken...

First, we put the chicken in the salt water brine for 4 hours.

Mix two eggs and whisk together with 1/2 cup of milk/almond milk in a bowl.

(You can do either sweetened or unsweetened almond milk based on preference. I really like everything a little sweet)

In another bowl, mix two cups of flour with salt and pepper.

First, dip the chicken in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, then go back for a dip into the flour. This ensures a good crispy texture.

Next, you will heat your peanut oil, and do your best to maintain a 350 degree temperature. You will cook your chicken, times will be varied based upon how you cook your chicken. We cut our chicken into strips and we cooked them for approximately 12-15 minutes, be sure to flip it halfway for an even texture. You want your chicken to have an internal temperature of 170.

Finally, let your chicken rest on a nice paper towel bed or a wire cooling rack for 5 minutes. The next part is where you abandon all of your diet goals and live your best life.... You can worry about it later, or not..

I'm about to share a lifestyle tip with you that I hope changes your life for the better, like it did for me. When we built this house John wanted a mini outdoor kitchen. He has a Traeger grill and loves to smoke meat for long hours.. I wanted him to have this man cave space, but I also send him out there for messy things (ex: fried foods, bacon). You don't have to have an outdoor kitchen to accomplish what I'm about to share.

I lay down saran wrap or foil and fry outside. If you even have a foldable table you can do this on an outdoor outlet. Call it a backyard party, and then your house won't smell like a diner and make you slide around your floors like you're ice skating. If you try this please tag me on instagram. It would make me so happy!

Now for the waffles. Good news.. I used a box mix. This makes life so easy. Even when using a box mix for waffles or pancakes, I still try to "spruce things up a bit," and put my own twist on things. I knew some of my guests would be adding spicy to their chicken, so I added the sweet to the waffles, and added a pinch of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg and a pinch of vanilla to my box mix. They were DIVINE!

This box mix gives you an option of vegetable or coconut oil I went with the coconut oil, and I used an almond milk instead of water.

Serve with fresh berries, scrambled eggs, and of course a mimosa...

Happy brunch y'all!

Cooking thermometer:

Electric skillet: