Irresistible Chicken and Waffles Recipe for Sweet-Savory Bliss

Southern comfort meets culinary magic in this delectable chicken and waffles recipe that combines crispy golden chicken with fluffy, buttery waffles.

Generations of food enthusiasts have celebrated this classic dish that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors.

Crunchy seasoned chicken rests atop warm, golden waffles, creating a mouthwatering combination that tantalizes every taste bud.

The secret lies in the perfectly seasoned buttermilk-marinated chicken and the light, airy waffle batter.

Each bite promises a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that will transport you to a cozy Southern kitchen.

A drizzle of maple syrup adds the final touch of indulgence to this irresistible meal.

Chicken & Waffle Essentials For Brunch

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy meat that provides a rich flavor and succulent texture for the classic chicken and waffles dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary ingredient that creates the structure and base for light and crispy waffles.
• Baking Powder: Helps the waffles rise and become fluffy with a soft interior.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory chicken.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of both the chicken and waffles.
• Buttermilk, Eggs: Provide moisture, richness, and help bind the waffle ingredients together.
• Vegetable Oil, Butter: Contribute to the golden brown color and add richness to the waffles.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, aromatic flavor to the waffle batter.

• Cornstarch, All-Purpose Flour: Create a crispy, crunchy exterior for the fried chicken.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Add depth and complexity to the chicken's seasoning.

Crispy Chicken, Fluffy Waffles – How To Make It

Step 1: Marinate The Chicken

Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk, adding paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Let the chicken soak in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to develop rich, deep flavors and ensure tender meat.

Step 2: Prepare Seasoned Flour Mixture

Combine flour, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and additional salt in a large bowl.

Mix thoroughly to create a well-seasoned coating that will give the chicken a crispy, flavorful exterior.

Step 3: Coat And Dredge Chicken

Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.

Dredge each piece completely in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating that will create a crunchy crust.

Step 4: Heat Frying Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven.

Heat the oil to 350°F, using a cooking thermometer to ensure the perfect temperature for crispy, golden-brown chicken without burning.

Step 5: Fry Chicken To Perfection

Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil.

Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the exterior is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Mix Waffle Batter

Whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.

In a separate bowl, combine eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 7: Cook Crispy Waffles

Preheat waffle iron and lightly grease with cooking spray.

Pour batter into the iron, cooking until waffles are golden brown and crisp.

Remove and keep warm in a low-temperature oven.

Step 8: Serve And Garnish

Place a crispy waffle on a plate, top with fried chicken.

Drizzle with warm maple syrup and sprinkle with chopped chives or parsley for a fresh touch.

Serve immediately while everything is hot and crispy.

Chicken & Waffles: Pro Kitchen Tips

• Soak chicken in buttermilk overnight to tenderize and infuse deep, tangy taste into the meat.
• Add cornstarch to your waffle batter for extra crispy edges and a light, fluffy interior.
• Adjust hot sauce levels in the chicken coating to match your heat preference, from mild to fiery.
• Double-dredge the chicken in seasoned flour for an incredibly crunchy, golden-brown exterior that stays crisp.
• Keep waffles warm in a low-temperature oven while frying chicken to ensure everything is hot and fresh when plating.

Switch It Up: New Takes On Chicken & Waffles

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy chicken and fluffy waffle texture.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace buttermilk with coconut milk and use egg substitute to create a lactose-free chicken and waffles experience.
• Spicy Southern Style: Inject extra heat by adding cayenne pepper to the chicken breading and mixing hot sauce into the waffle batter for a bold, zesty kick.
• Healthier Remix: Use skinless chicken breasts, whole wheat flour, and bake instead of fry to reduce calories while keeping the classic flavor profile intact.

Plating Brunch Like A Pro

• Brunch Bliss Plate: Arrange golden waffles as a base, top with crispy seasoned chicken, and drizzle with pure maple syrup for a classic Southern-style presentation.
• Sweet and Savory Combo: Serve alongside a small mixed green salad with a light honey mustard dressing to balance the rich flavors of the chicken and waffles.
• Hearty Breakfast Feast: Pair with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, and a side of fresh berries to create a complete and satisfying morning meal that will keep everyone full and happy.
• Sharing Platter Style: Create a communal platter with chicken pieces scattered over waffles, garnished with chopped chives or green onions, allowing guests to dig in and enjoy family-style.

Waffle Leftovers – Save That Crunch

• Store leftover chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain their crispy texture.
• Wrap individual portions of chicken and waffles in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. They'll keep well for up to 1 month.
• Revive crispy chicken by placing it on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Warm waffles separately in the oven or toaster to prevent sogginess.
• While quick, microwaving can make chicken rubbery and waffles soft. If using, heat in short 30-second bursts and add a paper towel to absorb moisture.

FAQs

• What's the secret to crispy chicken for this recipe?

Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 2 hours before coating. This helps tenderize the meat and creates a crisp, flavorful exterior when fried.

• Can I use a different type of flour for breading?

All-purpose flour works best, but you can substitute with self-rising flour for extra crunch. Avoid using cake or pastry flour, as they won’t provide the same crispy texture.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and white and juicy on the inside.

Chicken And Waffles: Sweet Meets Savory

• Satisfy Southern Comfort: Dive into a classic dish that brings together crispy, juicy fried chicken and golden, fluffy waffles for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for weekend brunches, family gatherings, or when you're craving a hearty meal that appeals to both kids and adults with its irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors.
• Quick and Impressive Cooking: Elevate your home cooking with a restaurant-worthy dish that's surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring basic kitchen skills and common ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Experiment with different seasonings, dipping sauces, and toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours, allowing for endless creativity in the kitchen.

Chicken And Waffles Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets culinary artistry in this Chicken and Waffles masterpiece, blending crispy buttermilk-marinated chicken with golden, fluffy waffles. Rich flavors and contrasting textures invite you to savor a classic dish that celebrates comfort and indulgence.

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Ingredients

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Chicken:

• 4 boneless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce

Breading and Seasoning:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Waffle Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs (separated)
• 1.75 cups milk
• 0.5 cup butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Serving Ingredients:

• Butter (softened)
• Maple syrup
• Hot sauce (optional)
• Powdered sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator to enhance flavor and tenderness.
2. Combine flour, cayenne, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow dish for coating the chicken.
3. Remove chicken from buttermilk marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F, ensuring the oil is deep enough to fully submerge chicken pieces.
5. Carefully lower breaded chicken into hot oil and fry until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
6. Remove fried chicken and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
7. Prepare waffle batter by mixing dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, sugar, salt) separately from wet ingredients (eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla).
8. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently, stirring until just incorporated to avoid overmixing.
9. Preheat waffle iron to medium-high heat and lightly grease with cooking spray or melted butter.
10. Pour batter into waffle iron, cooking until crisp and golden brown, typically 3-4 minutes.
11. Plate crispy waffles and top with fried chicken pieces.
12. Drizzle warm maple syrup over the chicken and waffles, serving immediately for the best texture and temperature.

Notes

• Marinate chicken in buttermilk overnight for deeper flavor and more tender meat, ensuring juiciness and improved texture.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for extra crispy exterior when frying chicken, distributing heat evenly and creating perfect golden-brown crust.
• Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to breading mix for those who enjoy a spicy kick, allowing customizable heat levels for different taste preferences.
• Separate egg whites when making waffles to achieve lighter, fluffier texture by whipping them separately before folding into batter.

• Prep Time: 4 hours
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 825 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg