A Family Tradition with Big Flavor
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the scent of crispy, golden fried chicken wafting through the house. Growing up, Sunday mornings in my grandmother’s Southern kitchen meant one thing: big breakfasts that could feed the soul. She believed breakfast wasn’t just the most important meal of the day — it was an event. Her big chicken breakfast spread was legendary in our family, and today I’m thrilled to bring a slice of that to your table.
This easy big chicken breakfast menu celebrates American Southern comfort food with a mix of hearty dishes that are rich in tradition, full of flavor, and perfect for serving 1 to 4 hungry folks. Whether it’s biscuits and gravy in winter or a crisp chicken and waffle plate in summer, there’s something here for every season.
Table of Contents
Why a Big Chicken Breakfast?
Chicken might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind for breakfast, but it should be. It’s versatile, high in protein, and absolutely delicious when paired with breakfast classics. This menu includes variations with and without eggs, healthy spins, and comforting favorites — all built around the star of the show: big, juicy chicken.
Big Chicken Breakfast Menu Overview
Here’s a curated easy big chicken breakfast menu to mix and match:
1. Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles
- A golden classic: crispy chicken atop fluffy buttermilk waffles, drizzled with maple syrup.
2. Chicken and Biscuit Sliders
- Buttermilk biscuits sandwiching mini fried chicken cutlets, layered with honey butter or spicy aioli.
3. Chicken Hash with Sweet Potatoes (Egg-Free)
- A hearty skillet mix of shredded rotisserie chicken, diced sweet potatoes, and sautéed onions.
4. Chicken Sausage Scramble (Healthy)
- Lean chicken sausage cooked with peppers, spinach, and egg whites for a lighter option.
5. Chicken Gravy over Buttermilk Biscuits
- Comfort on a plate: shredded chicken simmered in creamy gravy, poured over fresh biscuits.
6. Cinnamon Roll Chicken Sandwich (Fall/Winter Special)
- Warm cinnamon rolls sliced and filled with crispy chicken, for a bold sweet-meets-savory bite.
Featured Recipe: Southern Fried Chicken & Waffles
Let’s take a closer look at the crown jewel of the big chicken breakfast world.
Ingredients (Serves 2–4)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups milk
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Butter
- Optional: hot honey or powdered sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Place chicken in a bowl with buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Step 2: Prepare the Waffle Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
- In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients; do not overmix.
- Let rest for 10 minutes while you fry the chicken.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat 1–2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F.
- Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Remove chicken from marinade and dredge in flour mix.
- Fry until golden and internal temp hits 165°F, about 6–8 mins per side.
- Drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Cook the Waffles
- Heat waffle iron and lightly grease.
- Pour batter and cook until golden brown.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Place hot waffles on a plate.
- Top with crispy chicken, a pat of butter, and drizzle with maple syrup or hot honey.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add cayenne to your flour mix for heat.
- Going healthy? Swap chicken thighs for baked chicken tenders or use air fryer.
- Egg-free: Try the sweet potato chicken hash or a veggie-loaded chicken wrap.
Answering Popular Questions
🍗 Fried chicken breakfast recipes?
Try classics like chicken & waffles or a fried chicken biscuit sandwich. Crispy, juicy, and satisfying.
🍽️ Chicken breakfast recipes without eggs?
Yes! Think chicken hash, savory oatmeal with pulled chicken, or chicken and grits.
🥗 Chicken breakfast recipes healthy?
Grilled chicken with avocado toast, chicken quinoa bowls, or a chicken sausage veggie scramble.
🍳 Simple chicken breakfast recipes?
Toss rotisserie chicken into a breakfast wrap, toast, or rice bowl — quick and protein-packed.
Make it a Feast – Pairings & Add-ons
- Sides: Grits, fruit salad, hash browns, or baked beans.
- Drinks: Sweet tea, orange juice, or Southern-style coffee.
- Fall/Winter Bonus: Warm cinnamon rolls or spiced apple compote on the side.
More Chicken Breakfast Inspiration
Don’t stop here! Check out these related recipes:
- Chicken & Shrimp Recipes That’ll Rock Your Taste Buds
- Chicken Breakfast Recipes: Nutritious Ways to Start Your Day
Wrap-Up: Big Flavor, Bigger Comfort
There’s something so special about sitting down to a big chicken breakfast — it’s more than just a meal, it’s a Southern tradition that fills hearts and stomachs alike. Whether you’re going all-out with fried chicken and waffles or keeping it light with a healthy chicken scramble, these dishes bring people together.
Try one, try them all — and make sure to share your twist on the big chicken breakfast in the comments!