Chicken and waffles is a delicious menu item that mixes both sweet and savory foods into a dish that lies somewhere between breakfast and lunch. This upscale version of the popular meal turns the popular flavors into a healthier gourmet meal with waffle-crusted chicken cutlets topped with a spicy maple sauce.
The recipe begins by repurposing frozen waffles and turning them into a crust to coat the chicken. The waffles are toasted, torn up and tossed into a food processor along with eggs, seasoning and spicy hot sauce. The crust is then coated on chicken pieces before being baked, rather than fried. The dish is served with a maple-infused dressing topped with pepper flakes and thyme for a healthier alternative.
This recipe showcases how consumers are re-purposing pre-made diner dishes as ingredients to use in new recipes that are healthier and more upscale.
Waffle-Crusted Chicken Cutlets
This Healthy Alternative to Chicken and Waffles is More Gourmet
Trend Themes
1. Healthier Gourmet Meals - The trend of transforming classic dishes into gourmet, healthier alternatives by using innovative ingredients and cooking techniques.
2. Repurposing Pre-made Ingredients - The trend of reusing and transforming pre-made dishes or ingredients to create new recipes that are more upscale and in line with current dietary preferences.
3. Creative Food Crusts - The trend of using unconventional ingredients or food items as crusts to add texture, flavor, and creativity to dishes.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - The food and beverage industry can explore opportunities to create innovative, gourmet products by repurposing pre-made dishes and using creative food crusts.
2. Frozen Food - The frozen food industry can capitalize on the trend of repurposing frozen waffles and other pre-made dishes as ingredients in gourmet recipes.
3. Fast Casual Dining - The fast casual dining industry can incorporate healthier and more gourmet options, such as waffle-crusted chicken cutlets, into their menus to attract health-conscious consumers.