If you’ve ever wondered how to breathe new life into a classic comfort dish, this Chicken and Pancakes with Honey Drizzle Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the crunchy, perfectly seasoned chicken pairs with soft, fluffy pancakes, all brought together by a sweet drizzle of honey. It’s not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to make, which is a total win for busy weeknights or casual weekend brunches.
When I first tried this combo, I was hooked instantly. The contrast between the savory chicken and the sweet honey drizzle makes every bite exciting. You’ll find that whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or just yourself, this Chicken and Pancakes with Honey Drizzle Recipe quickly becomes a crowd favorite — bonus, it’s super kid-friendly too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Harmony: The sweet honey drizzle beautifully balances the savory seasoned chicken and buttery pancakes.
- Quick & Easy Prep: Using a simple baking mix coating makes the chicken crispy without fuss or complicated steps.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with all ages, making mealtime a breeze and delightful for everyone.
- Versatile Serving: Works great for breakfast, brunch, or even a laid-back dinner option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work in harmony to give you that signature crispy chicken with soft pancakes, and the honey adds that perfect hint of sweetness. Pro tip: grab a good-quality baking mix and fresh honey to really elevate the dish.
- Baking Mix: The base for your crispy chicken coating; using a good quality mix helps achieve that golden crunch.
- Pepper: A simple seasoning to bring out the chicken’s natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and are easy to eat with the pancakes.
- Vegetable Oil: Perfect for frying the chicken to a crispy finish without burning.
- Kellogg’s Eggo Buttermilk Pancakes: I love these for convenience and their perfectly fluffy texture, but homemade pancakes work too.
- Skim Milk: Used for dipping the chicken to help the baking mix stick beautifully.
- Honey: The star drizzle that adds sweetness and rounds out the flavors wonderfully.
- Chives (optional): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color that makes the dish feel special.
Variations
I love mixing things up a bit with this Chicken and Pancakes with Honey Drizzle Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment to make it your own — that’s the beauty of this dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the baking mix for a subtle heat that my family can’t get enough of.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap the baking mix for gluten-free flour or a gluten-free mix to keep it crispy and safe for all.
- Herbal Twist: Finely chop fresh rosemary or thyme into the baking mix for an earthy herbal note I recently fell in love with.
- Maple Syrup Swap: Sometimes I drizzle maple syrup instead of honey for a rich, deep sweetness variation.
How to Make Chicken and Pancakes with Honey Drizzle Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken Coating
Start by combining your baking mix and pepper in a shallow dish. This simple blend is the secret to getting that irresistible crispy coating on your chicken. I like to take my time here, making sure the mix is evenly peppered — this little detail really amps up the flavor.
Step 2: Dip and Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the skim milk first — this wet layer helps the baking mix stick perfectly. Then, roll the chicken in the baking mix mixture until it’s lightly but completely coated. I made the mistake once of not coating evenly, and it resulted in uneven crisping, so don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Crispy Perfection
Heat your vegetable oil over medium heat in a small nonstick skillet. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for about 4-6 minutes. Turn them gently to brown all sides evenly, checking the internal temperature reaches 165 °F. This step ensures juicy chicken with a golden crust — a non-negotiable in my book!
Step 4: Prepare the Pancakes
While the chicken cooks, pop those Kellogg’s Eggo Buttermilk pancakes in the toaster or follow the package directions for a perfect fluff. Nothing beats the smell of warm pancakes filling the kitchen — it’s the ultimate comfort vibe.
Step 5: Assemble and Drizzle
Place three chicken pieces on each pancake, then generously drizzle honey on top. If you’re feeling fancy (or just want that fresh pop of flavor), sprinkle some chopped chives. I always add this last touch for color and a mild onion kick that brightens the whole dish.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken and Pancakes with Honey Drizzle Recipe
- Even Coating Matters: Patience when rolling chicken ensures you don’t patch-coat, which can lead to uneven frying.
- Oil Temperature Check: Medium heat keeps oil hot enough to crisp but gentle enough to cook chicken through without burning the coating.
- Honey Drizzle Timing: Drizzle honey just before serving to keep the pancakes from getting soggy — fresh and luscious every time.
- Batch Cooking: Fry chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can lower oil temperature and result in soggy crust.
How to Serve Chicken and Pancakes with Honey Drizzle Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle fresh chives or finely chopped green onions on top just before serving — they add a fresh pop of color and a subtle, tasty contrast to the sweet-salty combo. If you want a little extra zing, a tiny pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders here too.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this recipe are simple mixed greens dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a crisp cucumber salad. The fresh vegetables balance out the richness and keep the meal feeling bright and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun brunch party, I like to serve the pancakes stacked and topped with the chicken pieces like little towers, drizzled artistically with honey from a small pitcher. You can even offer extra honey and chives on the side so guests can customize their own — it’s a hit every time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cooked chicken and pancakes separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the chicken coating from getting soggy and the pancakes fresh longer. Ideally, consume within 2-3 days for best taste.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen cooked chicken pieces wrapped tightly in foil, then sealed in a freezer bag. Pancakes freeze well too when layered between parchment paper. Just pop them out for a quick reheat when you need a fuss-free meal.
Reheating
For best results, warm the chicken in a hot skillet or oven to bring back its crispiness. Pancakes reheat wonderfully in the toaster or a warm pan. Avoid the microwave unless you’re in a hurry — it can make the chicken coating a bit soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of chicken besides boneless skinless breasts?
Absolutely! While I prefer boneless skinless breasts for their lean quality and quick cooking, you can substitute with thighs for juicier meat — just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.
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Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Sure! Try baking the coated chicken pieces instead of frying them, or use an air fryer to reduce oil use while keeping that crispy texture.
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Can I make the pancakes from scratch instead of store-bought?
Definitely! Homemade pancakes work wonderfully here. Just make sure they’re fluffy and not too thick so they pair well with the chicken pieces.
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What’s the best honey to use for the drizzle?
I recommend a light, mild honey like clover or wildflower honey to complement without overpowering the dish. But honestly, any good-quality honey you love will work beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Pancakes with Honey Drizzle Recipe quickly became one of my favorite comfort meals because it’s easy, flavorful, and feels a little special without extra effort. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a relaxed weekend brunch, I’m confident you’ll enjoy making (and eating) it as much as my family does. Go ahead, give it a try—you might just find your new go-to recipe!
PrintChicken and Pancakes with Honey Drizzle Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and hearty meal combining crispy pan-fried chicken pieces with warm, fluffy buttermilk pancakes, drizzled with honey and optionally garnished with fresh chives. Perfect for brunch or a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken Coating
- 4 1/2 cups (6 oz) Baking Mix
- 1 tsp Pepper
Chicken
- 3 lb Boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 3 cups (24 oz) Skim Milk
- 1 1/2 cups (10 1/2 oz) Vegetable Oil
Pancakes and Topping
- 48 each (1.85 lb) Kellogg’s Eggo Buttermilk pancakes
- 1 1/2 cups (12 oz) Honey
- Chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish, stir together the baking mix and pepper until well combined.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the skim milk, then roll it in the baking mix mixture, ensuring each piece is lightly coated on all sides.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook for 4-6 minutes per batch, turning as needed to brown all sides and until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F and no pink meat remaining.
- Prepare Pancakes: While the chicken cooks, prepare the Kellogg’s Eggo Buttermilk pancakes following the package directions to heat and fluff them properly.
- Assemble and Serve: Top each warm pancake with three cooked chicken pieces. Drizzle generously with honey and sprinkle with chopped chives, if desired, for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safely cooked.
- You can substitute chives with green onions or parsley for garnish if preferred.
- Use vegetable oil with a high smoke point for best frying results.
- If preferred, bake the pancakes ahead of time and reheat before serving.
- This recipe yields 24 servings, making it ideal for large gatherings or meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 pancake with 3 pieces of chicken and honey)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg