Chicken & Pancakes from IHOP features crispy, golden fried chicken paired with fluffy buttermilk pancakes, drizzled with warm maple syrup for a savory and sweet classic comfort meal.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Pancake griddle or non-stick skillet
- Spatula
- Ladle
- Plate or serving platter
- Syrup warmer or microwave-safe container
- Sifter (for dry ingredients)
- Wire rack (for draining fried chicken)
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Buttermilk
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Maple syrup
- Unsalted butter
- Milk
- Granulated sugar
- Baking soda
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
Boneless skinless chicken breasts should be marinated in buttermilk to ensure tender and juicy fried chicken. Use a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch in your breading to achieve extra crispiness when fried. Measuring your spices precisely, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, is key to replicating IHOP's signature flavor. Be sure to prepare pancakes with buttermilk, baking powder, and baking soda for that fluffy texture. Your Chicken & Pancakes copycat meal from IHOP will deliver the perfect balance of savory fried chicken and sweet maple syrup-drizzled pancakes.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut chicken breasts into portions.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk buttermilk and eggs together.
- In another bowl, sift together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk mixture, then dredge evenly in seasoned flour mixture.
- Place coated chicken on wire rack.
- Fry chicken pieces in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through; drain on wire rack.
- Preheat pancake griddle or skillet over medium heat; lightly grease with butter.
- In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar for pancakes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry pancake ingredients; stir until just mixed (batter should have some lumps).
- Ladle pancake batter onto hot griddle; cook until bubbles form and edges are set.
- Flip pancakes and cook until golden on both sides.
- Stack pancakes on a serving plate.
- Top with fried chicken pieces.
- Warm maple syrup in syrup warmer or microwave-safe container.
- Drizzle warm syrup over chicken and pancakes.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Chicken & Pancakes from IHOP copycat menu offers a deliciously crispy fried chicken matched with light buttermilk pancakes, all enhanced by warm maple syrup. If boneless skinless chicken breasts are unavailable, thighs can be used as a juicier alternative without compromising flavor. Buttermilk can be substituted with a mixture of milk and lemon juice or vinegar to replicate its acidity and tenderness effect on the chicken. When frying, maintaining oil temperature around 350degF is crucial to achieve a crisp coating while ensuring the chicken cooks thoroughly. Your syrup can be warmed gently on a stovetop or in a microwave-safe container to provide a smooth, pourable finish.
Tips
Make sure the vegetable oil in your deep fryer is consistently maintained at 350degF (175degC) to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a crispy golden crust. When preparing the pancake batter, avoid overmixing; lumps are desired to keep the pancakes light and fluffy. Use a wire rack to drain excess oil from the fried chicken, preventing sogginess and maintaining crispiness. Warm your maple syrup before serving to enhance its flavor and create a perfect balance of sweet and savory in each bite.
Nutritions
Chicken & Pancakes from IHOP provide a mix of protein from crispy fried chicken and carbohydrates from fluffy buttermilk pancakes, making it a calorie-dense meal that supports energy needs. The dish includes fat from frying oil and butter, with added sugars contributed by warm maple syrup, which may increase the overall sugar content. Spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper add flavor without extra calories while buttermilk enhances the nutrient profile with calcium and vitamins. You should enjoy this comforting meal in moderation, especially if monitoring fat and sugar intake is important for your dietary goals.
Storage
Store leftover chicken and pancakes in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate them promptly within two hours of cooking and consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal taste and safety. Reheat your chicken in a preheated oven at 350degF to preserve crispiness, and warm pancakes gently on a skillet or microwave before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap boneless skinless chicken breasts with thighs for juicier, more flavorful fried chicken. Instead of deep frying, try oven-baking coated chicken pieces at 425degF (220degC) on a wire rack for a healthier option that still yields crispy results. For the pancakes, consider adding a tablespoon of cinnamon or substituting some buttermilk with Greek yogurt to boost tanginess and moisture. If you prefer a different sweetener, honey or agave syrup can replace maple syrup without overpowering your dish's balance.
Allergies
Chicken & Pancakes from IHOP contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy (buttermilk, butter, and milk), and wheat (all-purpose flour), which may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The dish also includes spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, which can occasionally cause allergies or intolerances. If you have known allergies to any of these ingredients, it is best to avoid this meal or consult with the restaurant for possible modifications.
Why this recipe?
IHOP's Chicken & Pancakes menu combines crispy, flavorful fried chicken with fluffy, buttery pancakes, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet that appeals to diverse taste preferences. The dish features a signature blend of seasoned spices on the chicken and a rich pancake batter made from buttermilk, ensuring a satisfying texture and mouthwatering taste. Making a copycat version allows you to customize ingredients and portions to suit your dietary needs while enjoying the comfort and indulgence of this iconic IHOP favorite at home. Your homemade Chicken & Pancakes can replicate this unique flavor pairing, offering a rewarding cooking experience and a delicious meal.