Name: Butter Roasted Chicken with Grit Waffles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs); 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 lemon, halved; Fresh rosemary (optional); 1 cup stone-ground grits; 4 cups water; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Butter Roasted Chicken with Grit Waffles is a true fusion of textures and flavors. The chicken is roasted to perfection with butter, resulting in a crispy, golden skin and juicy, tender meat. The grits, typically a Southern staple, are transformed into a waffle, creating a crispy, golden exterior and a creamy, cheesy interior. Together, these two components create a balanced dish that is both hearty and comforting, with a deliciously unique twist. The combination of rich butter-roasted chicken and savory grits waffles creates a perfect balance of flavors that will leave you craving more.

Ingredients

For the Butter Roasted Chicken:

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lemon, halved
Fresh rosemary (optional)

For the Grit Waffles:

1 cup stone-ground grits
4 cups water
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Butter Roasted Chicken:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it on a roasting rack set inside a baking pan.
Rub the melted butter all over the chicken, ensuring the skin is well-coated.
Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken.
Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the halved lemon and, if desired, fresh rosemary.
Roast the chicken in the oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

For the Grit Waffles:

In a large saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the grits, reduce the heat to low, and simmer while stirring occasionally for about 15-20 minutes or until thickened.
Once the grits are cooked, remove from heat and stir in the butter, garlic powder, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Slowly add this mixture to the grits, stirring to combine.
Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it.
Pour the grits batter onto the waffle iron, using a ladle to spread it evenly.
Close the waffle iron and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the waffles from the iron and keep warm.

Assembling the Dish:

Serve the roasted chicken alongside the grit waffles.
Garnish with fresh herbs or chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Variations

Spicy Roasted Chicken: Add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the chicken seasoning for a spicy kick.
Cheesy Grits Waffles: Add more cheese to the grits mixture for a richer, more indulgent waffle.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken: For an extra layer of flavor, wrap the chicken in bacon before roasting.
Herbed Gravy: Serve with a rich herb gravy made with the pan drippings from the roasted chicken.
Vegan Option: Substitute the chicken for a plant-based protein and use dairy-free butter and cheese in the waffle batter.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:

Store leftover chicken and waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and waffles separately. The chicken will stay good for up to 3 months, and the waffles for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

To reheat the chicken, place it in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
To reheat the waffles, pop them in a toaster or a waffle iron for a few minutes to crisp them up again.

FAQs

How can I make sure the chicken stays juicy?

To keep the chicken juicy, ensure you don’t overcook it. Roast it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken, but the cooking time will be shorter, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

How do I prevent the grits waffles from being too soggy?

Make sure the grits mixture is thick before adding it to the waffle iron. Also, let the waffles cook until they are crispy and golden brown.

Can I use instant grits instead of stone-ground grits?

Stone-ground grits are preferred for their texture and flavor, but instant grits can be used as a substitute if needed. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio according to the package instructions.

How can I make the grits waffles fluffier?

To make the grits waffles fluffier, add a bit more milk to the batter and ensure you don’t overmix after adding the eggs.

Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

You can prep the chicken by seasoning it the night before and refrigerating it until you’re ready to roast. However, it’s best to roast it fresh for optimal flavor.

How do I know when the grits are done cooking?

The grits are done when they have thickened and are tender with no grit-like texture remaining. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes for stone-ground grits.

What kind of waffle iron should I use for this recipe?

Any standard waffle iron will work, but make sure it’s preheated and lightly greased to avoid the batter sticking.

Can I serve this dish with a sauce?

Yes! A creamy herb sauce or even a simple gravy would pair wonderfully with the chicken and waffles.

What can I serve with Butter Roasted Chicken with Grit Waffles?

A fresh salad, sautéed greens, or a fruit compote would complement this dish beautifully.

Conclusion

Butter Roasted Chicken with Grit Waffles is a Southern-inspired dish that brings together two classic comfort foods in a deliciously satisfying way. The crispy, buttery chicken paired with the savory, cheesy grit waffles creates a meal that’s hearty and flavorful. Whether for a cozy dinner or a special brunch, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the rich textures and bold flavors, and don’t forget to experiment with different variations to make it your own!

Butter Roasted Chicken with Grit Waffles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients