Chicken and Waffles

A perfect blend of crispy, golden fried chicken and fluffy, buttery waffles, served with warm maple syrup for a sweet and savory Southern classic. This indulgent dish is a favorite for brunch, offering crunchy, juicy chicken paired with light, airy waffles in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The savory crunch of fried chicken pairs beautifully with the soft sweetness of waffles.
• Crispy and Juicy Chicken: A buttermilk marinade ensures tender chicken with a crispy, golden crust.
• Fluffy Homemade Waffles: Light and airy with just the right amount of sweetness.
• Great for Brunch or Dinner: A versatile dish that works for any time of day.
• Customizable Toppings: Enjoy with maple syrup, butter, or even hot sauce for an extra kick.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Fried Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Waffles:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Serving:

• Maple syrup
• Butter
• Hot sauce (optional)

Directions

Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Add the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) for maximum flavor.

Prepare the Coating:

3. In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Fry the Chicken:

4. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure a crispy coating.
6. Fry for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Make the Waffles:

8. Preheat a waffle iron.
9. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
10. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
11. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined (do not overmix).
12. Cook waffles in the waffle iron until golden brown.

Serve:

13. Top warm waffles with crispy fried chicken.
14. Drizzle with maple syrup, add butter, and serve with hot sauce (if desired).

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 680 kcal per serving

Variations

• Spicy Chicken: Add extra cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.
• Savory Waffles: Reduce the sugar and add shredded cheese or chopped herbs for a more savory touch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for both the waffles and chicken coating.
• Air Fryer Chicken: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Bacon-Infused Waffles: Add crispy bacon bits to the waffle batter for extra crunch.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Waffles can also be frozen and reheated in a toaster.
• Reheating: Warm chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or reheat in an air fryer. Toast waffles for best results.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes! Adjust frying time to 12-15 minutes per side for bone-in pieces.

2. What’s the secret to crispy fried chicken?

Using cornstarch in the coating and letting the battered chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying helps create a crispy crust.

3. Can I use pancake mix instead of making waffles from scratch?

Yes, but homemade waffles have a better texture and flavor.

4. How can I make waffles fluffier?

Use room temperature ingredients and don’t overmix the batter.

5. What’s the best oil for frying?

Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil work best for frying chicken.

6. Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.

7. What toppings go well with chicken and waffles?

Try whipped butter, honey, hot honey, or spicy maple syrup.

8. Can I make the waffle batter ahead of time?

Yes, store the batter in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Stir before using.

9. What should I serve with chicken and waffles?

Coleslaw, fruit salad, mac and cheese, or roasted potatoes pair well.

10. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Use almond milk and dairy-free butter in the waffles and chicken marinade.

Conclusion

Chicken and Waffles is the ultimate sweet and savory comfort food, combining crispy, juicy fried chicken with fluffy, golden waffles. Whether for brunch, dinner, or a special treat, this homemade version delivers bold flavors and perfect textures in every bite. Try it today and enjoy Southern-style goodness at home!