Chicken & Waffles

I’ve been talking about making Chicken and Waffles for quite some time now but having never experienced this southern breakfast staple I wasn’t exactly sure what I was missing out on. Sure I’d heard great things from foodie friends, but no one had quite prepared me for the life altering, taste explosion that this succulent, sweet & salty combo would deliver.

This phenomenal experience happened to take place on New Year’s day whilst having brunch at the newly opened 1500 South restaurant in Naples Bay Resort. I had no idea that the chef behind the restaurant is Art Smith, southern cuisine expert & chef to the stars! Smith has been a personal chef for celebrities like Oprah and has cooked for many heads of state including Obama and the King of Sweden! As soon as I looked up the menu for New Year’s Day brunch, my taste buds began tingling in anticipation. I mean just feast your eyes on this menu!

Of course the moment I saw “Chicken and Waffles” I knew I was in for a breakfast bonanza like no other. I don’t know how Chef Art gets those golden breadcrumbs so perfectly crispy and crunchy or that chicken so juicy and tender. All I can say is it was borderline orgasmic!

Having an insatiable sweet-tooth as I do, I couldn’t resist stealing some of the caramelized banana and bourbon maple syrup (meant as an accompaniment for the french toast) and drizzling a generous spoonful all over my already honey-dipped chicken. Pure gold ecstasy.

Since then, I’ve been a little apprehensive about inducing myself into a similarly euphoric, yet catatonic state! So I’ve held off trying to recreate this exact gourmet experience and opted for a healthier, more macro-friendly alternative. Instead, I whipped up a Superfood Waffle courtesy of Kodiak Cakes & grilled chicken that I’d marinated in taco seasoning and drizzled with a splash of honey. For toppings I heaped a tablespoon of Betsy’s Best Gourmet Peanut Butter and sprinkled unsweetened coconut chips on top. It was heavenly! A fantastic healthy option for those who want to enjoy a dose of comfort food without consuming all their fats and carbohydrates before 10am. Give it a try! You and your family will be in seventh heaven with Kodiak Cakes as your breakfast staple.