Whether you're serving a picky toddler or trying to hit your keto macros, this chicken parmesan waffle is a win. Packed with protein, cheesy comfort, and a crispy waffle exterior, it’s an unexpectedly fun way to repurpose leftover chicken or sneak in extra nutrition. Plus, it’s totally forkable for little hands—and fancy enough to impress the adults.
Think of it as your favorite chicken parm, minus the carb overload and messy layering. You get golden brown, savory crunch with every bite, and a dose of nostalgia that feels just right for both lunchboxes and meal prep containers.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you’re off to the races:
That’s it! No breading, no frying, no oven—just a waffle iron and a craving for something both kid-approved and keto-friendly.
Absolutely. Rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken works great—just be sure it’s shredded finely so it binds well with the cheese and egg.
Yes! Make a batch, let them cool, and store in a zip-top bag. Reheat in the toaster or air fryer for best texture.
Marinara is classic, but ranch, pesto, or even a touch of garlic butter are great options—especially if your kid isn’t into red sauce.
Totally. Finely grated zucchini or cauliflower can be mixed in—just squeeze out the moisture first so it doesn’t get soggy.
Once your toddler is confidently eating finger foods (usually around 12–18 months), this is a great high-protein, easy-to-hold option.
Yep, it is what it is: chicken as a waffle. Chicken. Waffles. Chicken waffles. Handheld. Bite-friendly. Waffle-y. All of the flavors are there; they’re just packaged in a way that’s friendly to kiddos. Give it a try–you’ll be surprised how much you like it yourself.
As silly and/or horrifying as it may initially sound, if your little one is the sort who likes a little waffle with his/her syrup–and that’s most–it’s not a terrible idea to side with a bit of maple the first few times you make it. Also note: this is not a light bite, so keep the remaining elements on the plate light: a soft vegetable and/or fruits, a not terribly dense starch (i.e., rice or quinoa), etc.
so far as you bind the ingredients with an egg and add some breadcrumbs to get a crust on the exterior, you could waffle pretty much any protein or vegetable dish. Look for some of our takes--panjeon! spanakopita! grilled cheese!--soon.
Brad (the Dad) is the founder and Chief Recipe Officer of New Dad's Kitchen. His own cooking/feeding journey started humbly during his son's infancy, preparing and managing his son's bottle intake in order to support his wife; it has since blossomed into a full-on passion to feed his child and family delicious and healthy meals that can satisfy both a toddler and his very tired parents.
