If you’re craving a savory-sweet twist on a classic brunch, you have to try Chicken and Pancakes. This recipe pairs juicy, crispy-coated chicken bites with fluffy buttermilk pancakes, all drizzled with golden honey. It’s pure comfort food magic that’s both playful and deeply satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Fluffy Combo: The irresistible crunch of golden chicken atop pillowy pancakes is truly a match made in brunch heaven.
- Effortlessly Easy: With frozen pancakes and a no-fuss chicken coating, you’ll have an impressive meal on the table fast—no complicated steps required.
- Perfect for Sharing: This Chicken and Pancakes recipe serves a crowd, making it ideal for family brunch, gatherings, or meal prepping leftovers.
- Sweet Meets Savory: The drizzle of honey ties it all together, giving you that sweet finish that leaves everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the things I adore about Chicken and Pancakes is how simple and straightforward the ingredient list is—nothing fancy, just a handful of kitchen staples that each play a crucial part in nailing those perfect layers of flavor and texture. Every item here counts!
- Baking Mix (like Bisquick): The star of our crispy coating, it gives the chicken that crunchy, flavorful shell and keeps prep super simple.
- Black Pepper: A touch of warmth and spice to enhance that classic savory flavor in every bite.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even frying, they stay juicy inside the golden crust.
- Vegetable Oil: Neutral in flavor and perfect for pan-frying the chicken until it’s gorgeously crisp.
- Kellogg’s Eggo Buttermilk Pancakes: Fluffy, tender, and ready in no time—these make building your Chicken and Pancakes stack a breeze.
- Skim Milk: Helps the coating adhere beautifully and keeps the chicken moist.
- Honey: A luscious drizzle for that sweet-savory finish everyone loves.
- Chives (optional): For a fresh, zippy garnish that adds a pop of color and mild oniony flavor.
Variations
The beauty of Chicken and Pancakes is how endlessly customizable it is. You can easily swap out ingredients or adjust the flavors to fit your dietary needs or most tempting cravings—get creative and make it your own!
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne or smoked paprika to the baking mix for a little heat in your chicken coating.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free baking mix and gluten-free pancakes so everyone can dig in without worry.
- Different Pancakes: Try whole wheat, blueberry, or even protein pancakes for a fun flavor twist.
- Savory Sauce Swap: Swap the honey for a drizzle of maple syrup, spicy hot honey, or a whisper of sriracha for unexpected flair.
How to Make Chicken and Pancakes
Step 1: Mix the Chicken Coating
Start by stirring together your baking mix and black pepper in a shallow dish. This blend becomes the light, crispy breading for the chicken and takes just a minute to mix up—simple but oh-so-important for that fried flavor we love.
Step 2: Dip and Coat the Chicken
Take your chicken pieces and dip them in the milk, coating thoroughly. Then immediately roll each piece in the baking mix-pepper mixture, gently pressing to ensure an even, light layer of crunch on all sides.
Step 3: Pan-Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add your coated chicken pieces and cook for 4–6 minutes, turning as needed, until the breading is golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked (juicy and 165°F inside). Work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding!
Step 4: Prepare Your Pancakes
While the chicken cooks, make your Eggo Buttermilk Pancakes according to the package directions. They’ll be warm, fluffy, and ready to become the base of your Chicken and Pancakes stack.
Step 5: Assemble and Finish
To serve, place three juicy chicken pieces on each pancake, then drizzle generously with honey. For a final flourish, sprinkle with chives if desired. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken and Pancakes
- Crisp Without Grease: Keep the oil at a steady medium heat—too hot and the coating will burn before the chicken cooks, too cool and it will soak up oil instead of crisping.
- Batch Cooking for Crunch: Fry chicken in small batches and avoid crowding the pan. This ensures every bite is golden and crispy, rather than steamed.
- Warm Pancake Perfection: Wrap prepared pancakes in foil and keep them warm in a low oven while you finish the chicken, so everything hits the plate hot and fresh.
- Honey Drizzle Upgrade: Warm honey lightly before drizzling—it flows easily and coats the chicken and pancakes evenly for a picture-perfect finish.
How to Serve Chicken and Pancakes
Garnishes
I love topping Chicken and Pancakes with a generous drizzle of honey and a scattering of fresh chives. The honey brings out the savory flavors, while chives add a pop of color and a gentle oniony note—totally optional, but absolutely lovely!
Side Dishes
Pair your dish with a light fruit salad for freshness or some crispy roasted potatoes for extra heartiness. A side of tangy coleslaw works wonders to balance the sweet and savory flavors on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack mini pancakes on a platter with chicken bites on top for brunch parties, or serve on skewers like savory-sweet kabobs! For a dramatic effect, layer everything tall and finish with an extra drizzle of warm honey right at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken and Pancakes should be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will keep its best texture for 2–3 days, while the pancakes remain soft and ready for a quick reheat.
Freezing
Both the chicken and pancakes freeze well! Let everything cool completely, then freeze in single layers with parchment between. Store in freezer bags or containers for up to two months.
Reheating
For best results, reheat chicken in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot and crispy again. Pancakes can be warmed in the toaster or microwave—then assemble and finish with fresh honey!
FAQs
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Can I use homemade pancakes instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade pancakes will taste delicious here. Just make sure they’re fluffy and thick enough to hold up to the juicy chicken and honey drizzle.
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Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Arrange coated chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, spray with a bit of oil, and bake at 425°F until golden and fully cooked, about 16-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Can I make Chicken and Pancakes ahead for a brunch party?
Absolutely—you can fry the chicken bites a day ahead and reheat them in the oven just before serving. Keep pancakes warm in a low oven, then assemble everything right before eating for the freshest taste.
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What’s the best way to keep fried chicken pieces crispy until serving?
Place cooked chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a low (200°F) oven. This keeps them crisp and warm while you finish the rest of the batch!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s playful, hearty, and positively crowd-pleasing, give Chicken and Pancakes a whirl. It holds a special place in my brunch rotation, and I hope it earns a spot in yours—there’s just nothing quite like seeing those plates come back clean!
PrintChicken and Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for Chicken and Pancakes that combines savory and sweet flavors for a unique meal experience. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Baking Mix:
- 4 1/2 cups (6 oz)
Pepper:
- 1 tsp
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast:
- 3 lb, cut into 1-inch pieces
Vegetable Oil:
- 1 1/2 cups (10 1/2 oz)
Kellogg’s Eggo Buttermilk Pancakes:
- 48 pancakes (1.85 lb)
Skim Milk:
- 3 cups (24 oz)
Honey:
- 1 1/2 cups (12 oz)
Chives (optional)
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, stir together baking mix and pepper. This will be the coating for the chicken.
- Dip chicken pieces in milk. Ensure each piece is coated.
- Roll chicken in the baking mix mixture, lightly coating all sides. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
- In a small nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. This will be used to fry the chicken.
- Add chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 4-6 minutes or until browned and fully cooked. Turn the chicken as needed for even cooking.
- Meanwhile, prepare Kellogg’s Eggo Buttermilk pancakes according to package directions. Follow the instructions on the package.
- Top each pancake with 3 chicken pieces. Arrange the chicken on the pancakes.
- Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chives, if desired. Add a touch of sweetness and garnish with chives for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding your favorite herbs or spices to the chicken coating.
- For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat pancakes and reduce the amount of honey used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake with chicken
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg