Description
This Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles recipe combines crispy, flavorful fried chicken thighs with golden, fluffy waffles, topped off with a spicy-sweet jalapeno honey butter sauce. The dish merges savory and sweet elements perfectly, making it an indulgent and comforting meal perfect for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1-2 jalapenos, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce if using. Add the chicken thighs and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Flour Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper to create a well-seasoned coating mix.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven and heat to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying but not smoking.
- Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge them thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently so the flour adheres evenly.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken thighs into the hot oil. Fry for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked inside. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Waffles: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to form the base of the waffle batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients for Waffles: In another bowl, beat the eggs and combine them with milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine for tender waffles.
- Cook the Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with cooking spray. Pour batter onto the iron and cook according to manufacturer’s instructions for about 3-5 minutes until waffles are golden and crisp.
- Make Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the honey, chopped jalapenos, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Serve: Place a warm waffle on each plate, top with a piece of fried chicken, and drizzle generously with the jalapeno honey butter sauce. Serve immediately for best flavors and textures.
Notes
- For spicier chicken, add more hot sauce to the marinade or increase cayenne in the flour coating.
- Marinating chicken overnight improves flavor and tenderness significantly.
- Be careful when frying; maintain oil temperature to prevent greasiness or undercooked chicken.
- If you don’t have a waffle iron, thick pancakes can be a substitute.
- Remove jalapeno seeds to reduce heat in the honey butter sauce if desired.
