These Chicken and Sweet Potato Waffles are the ultimate fall comfort food. A savory twist on the Southern classic that brings crispy baked chicken together with tender, cheesy sweet potato fries.
This recipe came about one chilly weekend when I wanted a cozy dinner that felt indulgent but still had a fresh homemade touch. The spicy sweet potato waffles add warmth and depth, pairing perfectly with the oven-fried chicken for a meal that's both satisfying and fun.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet and spicy balance: the blend of cheddar cheese and spicy sweet potato fries adds jut the right kick of heat.
Comfort with Freshness: a drizzle of creamy cilantro lime sauce brightens the plate and keeps it from feeling heavy.
Baked, not fried: The chicken turns out crisp and golden in the oven, cutting back on oil without losing crunch.
Key Ingredients for Spicy Sweet Potato Waffles
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Alexia Spicy Sweet Potato Fries: a quick shortcut that adds both sweetness and spice to the waffles.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: adds richness and helps bind the waffle mixture together.
- Chicken tenders: tender and juicy, coated with panko and seasoned breadcrumbs for a light, crispy crust.
- Cilantro lime sauce: made with Greek yogurt, lime juice, and honey for a creamy, tangy topping that ties everything together.
Ingredient Substitution Ideas
- Swap the spicy sweet potato fries with plain sweet potato fries and add a pinch of cayenne.
- Use Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a milder or spicier flavor.
- Crushed cornflakes make a great gluten-free alternative to the bread crumbs and panko mixture.
Recipe Variations
- Buffalo style: toss baked chicken in buffalo sauce before serving.
- Breakfast style: add a fried egg on top and drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet, savory brunch.
- Tex-Mex twist: top with diced avocado, jalapeno, and extra cilantro lime sauce.
Tips for Perfect Cilantro Lime Sauce
- Use fresh lime juice: bottle juice can taste bitter; fresh adds brightness.
- Don't over blend: pulse until smooth but still flecked with bits of cilantro.
- Chill before serving: let the sauce rest 10 minutes for flavors to meld.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover waffles and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken and waffles in the toaster oven or air fryer to bring back their crispness.
Serve With...
Serve these Chicken and Sweet Potato Waffles with a side of Air Fryer Green Beans for the perfect cozy meal.
More Fall Comfort Dinners You'll Love
If you love hearty meals on chilly Fall days, try my Sheet Pan Chicken with Brussels Sprouts, Ham and Noodle Casserole, and Instant Pot Venison Stew with Sweet Potatoes.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Chicken and Sweet Potato Waffles with Cilantro Lime Sauce
Equipment
- Baking Sheet , or pizza sonte
- Food processor , or blender
- Cooking spray
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Ingredients
For the waffles:
- 10 ounces Alexia Spicy Sweet Potato Fries thawed (½ of a 20 ounce bag)
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 large egg white beaten
For the chicken:
- 1 pound chicken tenders each tender cut in half
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup panko
- ½ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 lime , juiced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- cooking spray
For the Cilantro Lime Sauce
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ½ cup non fat Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 lime , juiced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Prep fries by chopping them into smaller pieces and tossing in a large mixing bowl with the beaten egg and cheddar cheese. Set aside.
- Place breadcrumbs, panko, paprika, garlic powder, and chipotle chili powder in a small mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
- Place the egg, honey, and lime juice in another mixing bowl and whisk well.
- Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, then dip in breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat. Place on baking stone or cookie sheet. (If using cookie sheet, be sure to spray with non-stick cooking spray first). Spray top of chicken pieces with cooking spray.
- Bake chicken 10 minutes. Flip pieces over and bake 3-4 minutes more.
- While chicken is baking, add cilantro, lime juice, Greek yogurt, and honey to a food processor or blender. Process for 1 minute or less until gravy is well combined.
- Scoop ⅓ cup fry mixture onto a hot waffle iron that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Close lid and let cook 3-4 minutes, until lightly browned.
- Assemble meal by placing waffle on a plate, top with a piece or two of chicken and a spoonful of the Cilantro Lime Gravy.
Kristin @ Dizzy Busy and Hungry! says
What a fun dinner! My boys would love this!
Sara Welch says
I love the slideshow and cooking the fries in the waffle iron is genius! I'm totally going to try it.
Nora@SunnyDaysWithMyLoves says
Oh yum, these sound wonderful!
stephanie says
This looks like such a fun recipe! I love finding new but easy recipes that help me get out of that dinner rut! Thanks! #client
Carrie R says
Making the fries into waffles is genius! 🙂 Loving all the flavors happening here!
Sandra Shaffer says
I often rely on quick meals during my work week. The waffle fries sure are a fun idea. A little spice with a cool creamy cilantro lime gravy is a delicious combination!
Renee Paj says
Sounds like a delicious combination of flavors! Welcome spring!
Rachael says
this is perfect to throw together for a quick meal! love it! I've never had the whole waffle and chicken thing so I think I'll try it out using this recipe! thanks!