If there’s one dish I could happily eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s Chicken and Waffles. This iconic Southern comfort food brings together crispy, juicy fried chicken and pillowy golden waffles, drizzled in sweet maple syrup or a kick of hot honey—a perfect harmony of savory, sweet, crunchy, and fluffy in every single bite. Whether you’re planning an indulgent weekend brunch or looking for something unexpected to treat your friends and family, Chicken and Waffles is a complete crowd-pleaser that never, ever disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken and Waffles comes from a handful of simple ingredients that each play a starring role. Don’t skip or skimp—these basics are all about building layers of flavor and turning a humble meal into something unforgettable.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Juicy, tender cuts like thighs add extra flavor, but breasts work beautifully if you prefer white meat.
- Buttermilk: This acidic marinade is a classic for tenderizing chicken and giving it a subtle tang.
- Hot sauce (optional): Just a splash adds a gentle heat and depth to the marinade without overwhelming the palate.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for your chicken’s crisp, golden crust and your fluffy waffle batter.
- Cornstarch: Lightens the breading on the chicken, guaranteeing an extra crunchy bite.
- Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper: This spice blend delivers a classic Southern flavor with smoky, savory notes.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for achieving a deep, golden fry—with a neutral taste that won’t overshadow the chicken.
- Sugar: Gives your waffles a hint of sweetness, perfectly balancing the savory chicken.
- Baking powder: Your secret weapon for tall, fluffy waffles with a tender crumb.
- Eggs: Bind the waffle batter and create structure—don’t skip fresh eggs for the best texture!
- Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to your waffles (whole milk is best, but 2 percent will do in a pinch).
- Vegetable oil or melted butter: Both are great for richness, but melted butter brings extra flavor to the waffles.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness and aroma of the waffles for that bakery-style touch.
- Optional toppings (maple syrup, hot honey, butter, powdered sugar): Personalize every bite—drizzle, dollop, or dust to your heart’s content.
How to Make Chicken and Waffles
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by giving your chicken a luxurious soak in buttermilk (and hot sauce, if using). At least 30 minutes will work in a pinch, but if you plan ahead and marinate overnight, you’ll be rewarded with the juiciest, most flavorful chicken you can imagine. This marinade not only tenderizes but infuses that subtle tang which makes the fried chicken in Chicken and Waffles so special.
Step 2: Dredge and Fry the Chicken
Whisk together flour, cornstarch, and that magical blend of spices. Remove your marinated chicken, let the excess buttermilk drip off, and dredge each piece generously—pressing so the coating adheres well. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C) and carefully fry each piece until it’s deeply golden and perfectly crisp, about 6 to 8 minutes per side. Rest the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to stay crispy while you make the waffles.
Step 3: Make the Waffle Batter
Preheat your waffle iron so it’s good and hot. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another, combine your eggs, milk, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they come together—don’t overmix! A few lumps are just fine and promise tender, fluffy waffles.
Step 4: Cook the Waffles
Ladle your batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You’re looking for golden brown, crispy outsides with soft, airy interiors. Keep waffles warm in a low oven or serve straight from the iron for that irresistible steamy crispness.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Here’s the best part: top each waffle with a generous piece of hot, crispy chicken. Now you get to play—pour on the maple syrup, drizzle with hot honey, add a pat of butter or dust with powdered sugar. There you have it: classic Chicken and Waffles ready to wow everyone at your table.
How to Serve Chicken and Waffles
Garnishes
The finishing touches are what turn homemade Chicken and Waffles into a restaurant-worthy plate. Use warm maple syrup for sweetness, hot honey for a spicy-sweet twist, a generous pat of butter to melt into every crevice, or a shower of powdered sugar for a pretty, brunch-y vibe. Add a sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
Pairing is all about balance. Lighten things up with a simple fruit salad, crisp coleslaw, or even a mixed greens salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. If you love breakfast-for-dinner, creamy scrambled eggs or roasted potatoes also complement Chicken and Waffles beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn regular Chicken and Waffles into a showstopper by skewering bite-sized squares of waffle and pieces of fried chicken on cocktail sticks for a fun party appetizer. If you’re cooking for a family brunch, serve everything platter-style and let everyone build their own towers—with all the sauces and toppings on the side for mixing and matching.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you luckily find yourself with leftover Chicken and Waffles, store the chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers. The chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, while waffles are best enjoyed within 2 days for peak texture.
Freezing
Both the fried chicken and the waffles freeze surprisingly well. Arrange chicken pieces or waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 1 month. Just be sure the chicken is fully cooled before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Reheating
Reheat chicken in a hot oven (about 375°F) on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes to restore all that crispy magic. Waffles can go straight from freezer to toaster or oven—just heat until hot and golden. Avoid the microwave for chicken if you can, as it softens the crust.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for Chicken and Waffles?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks bring even more flavor, though you’ll need to adjust the frying time to make sure they’re cooked through. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe.
What’s the best way to get super crispy chicken?
The secret is in the dredge—a mix of flour and cornstarch, plus letting the breaded chicken sit for a few minutes before frying. Fry in hot oil and be sure not to crowd the pan, which can drop the oil temperature and affect crispiness.
Can I make this Chicken and Waffles recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour in both the chicken coating and waffles for your favorite gluten-free blend. Just be sure to use one that also contains xanthan gum for best texture, and always check your baking powder and spices to make sure they’re gluten-free.
What are fun waffle variations to try?
Mix it up with savory waffle add-ins like chopped chives, cheddar cheese, or even a sprinkle of black pepper. For sweet tooths, try adding a bit of cinnamon or a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter—delicious with the chicken!
Can I make Chicken and Waffles ahead for a crowd?
Definitely! Fry the chicken and make the waffles in advance, then keep them warm in a 200°F oven on wire racks (so air circulates) until serving. This makes it easy to serve a group a piping hot, fresh-tasting feast all at once.
Final Thoughts
Chicken and Waffles truly brings the best of both savory and sweet worlds together and has a magical way of turning any meal into a true celebration. Gather your favorite people, whip up a batch, and see just how unforgettable this classic can be—you might just find yourself making it again next weekend!
Print
Chicken and Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying and Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic Southern American comfort food with this recipe for Chicken and Waffles. Crispy fried chicken served atop fluffy, homemade waffles, it’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into portions)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
For the waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional toppings:
- maple syrup
- hot honey
- butter
- powdered sugar
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, marinate the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce (if using) for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Prepare the flour mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and spices.
- Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Dredge chicken in flour mixture and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make the waffles: Preheat a waffle iron. Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl. In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Cook waffles in the iron until golden and crisp.
- Serve: Serve hot fried chicken over waffles with your choice of toppings.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor if desired, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Waffles can be made ahead and reheated in a toaster or oven.
- For spicier chicken, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
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