Chicken and Waffles Recipe
If you’re searching for the perfect blend of crispy, savory, and sweet comfort, look no further: Chicken and Waffles hits every note in the most irresistible way. This all-American classic combines juicy, golden fried chicken with fluffy homemade waffles, then ties it all together with a glistening drizzle of maple syrup and a pat of butter. Whether you’re making brunch feel special or hunting for a satisfying dinner, Chicken and Waffles promises more than just a meal—it delivers a memorable experience that’s equal parts soul food and celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing complicated here—just the right balance of staple ingredients coming together for a truly standout dish. Each element pulls its weight, contributing crispness, fluffiness, or pure flavor so everything sings in perfect harmony on the plate.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into halves or tenders) for tender, juicy bites every time.
- Buttermilk: This tangy classic helps tenderize the chicken and creates that crave-worthy crunchy crust.
- Hot sauce (optional): A dash brings a subtle kick to your marinade—customize it to suit your spice preference.
- All-purpose flour: Both the chicken’s coating and the waffles rely on flour for structure and flavor.
- Cornstarch: It’s the secret to a lighter, crispier fried chicken crust—don’t skip it!
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a gentle garlicky warmth.
- Paprika: Adds a pop of color and mellow pepper flavor to your crust.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the goodness in both chicken and waffles.
- Black pepper: Balances the seasonings with a bit of bite.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying thanks to its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
- Sugar: Just a touch in the waffle batter ensures they’re perfectly golden and slightly sweet.
- Baking powder: Guarantees your waffles will be beautifully fluffy and light.
- Eggs: Two large eggs help bind, rise, and enrich the waffle batter.
- Milk: Gently softens the waffles for the ideal interior texture.
- Melted butter: Delivers flavor and richness to every bite.
- Vanilla extract: A splash gives the waffles a lovely aroma and warmth.
- Maple syrup and butter (for serving): The finishing touch—simply classic and so good you’ll want extra.
How to Make Chicken and Waffles
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by whisking together the buttermilk and a dash of hot sauce in a large bowl. Add your chicken pieces, ensuring every bit is submerged and coated. This soak not only infuses flavor but makes the chicken incredibly tender—let it chill out in the fridge for at least an hour, though overnight is even better for maximum juiciness.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
While your chicken marinates, mix up the coating: blend the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a wide, shallow bowl. This powerful combo delivers both great taste and that signature crunch we all crave in fried chicken for chicken and waffles.
Step 3: Dredge and Coat the Chicken
Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Lift each piece from the buttermilk, shaking off any excess, then press it firmly into the flour mixture. Turn to coat every nook and cranny—don’t be shy! For extra crunch, dip back into the buttermilk and then the flour mixture a second time before frying.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated chicken pieces and fry for 5–7 minutes per side, or until beautifully golden and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate to keep things crispy and light.
Step 5: Make the Waffles
Preheat your waffle iron while you prepare the batter. In one bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another, beat the eggs and mix in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine wet with dry ingredients, stirring just until smooth—overmixing leads to denser waffles. Pour onto your hot waffle iron and cook until golden and perfectly crisped on the outside.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Now comes the best part! Pile your hot, crispy fried chicken on top of a fluffy waffle, add a pat of butter, and pour over a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup. Chicken and Waffles is all about that sweet-and-savory union—dig in right away while everything is still piping hot.
How to Serve Chicken and Waffles
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference. A sprinkle of fresh chives or parsley adds color and freshness, while cracked black pepper over the top wakes up all those savory flavors. For a touch more heat, shake on some cayenne or serve with a small bowl of spicy honey on the side.
Side Dishes
Chicken and Waffles shines as a main event, but it also loves a supporting cast. Try a simple slaw or pickled veggies to cut through the richness, or offer fresh fruit on the side for a light, bright counterpoint. Creamy grits or roasted potatoes round out the plate for a true Southern brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the classic stack! Cut chicken into bite-size pieces and skewer them with waffle wedges for a fun party or kids’ dish. Arrange everything slider-style using mini waffles, or create a buffet bar with toppings like flavored syrups, whipped honey butter, and candied pecans for everyone to customize their Chicken and Waffles exactly as they like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Chicken and Waffles, store the chicken and waffles separately to preserve their textures. Keep chicken pieces in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and store waffles wrapped in foil or a resealable bag—this way, they’ll reheat beautifully without turning soggy.
Freezing
Both chicken and waffles freeze surprisingly well. Lay cooked chicken pieces out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a zip-top bag. Stack waffles with parchment between layers and freeze in airtight containers. This makes it easy to grab just what you need and reheat straight from the freezer for future cravings.
Reheating
To revive the crunch and fluffiness, reheat chicken in a 375°F oven (or air fryer) until hot and crispy, usually 10-15 minutes. Warm waffles in a toaster or oven until golden and steamy inside. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to rob both components of their perfect textures.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs or drumsticks add even more flavor and juiciness, though you may need to adjust frying time slightly for bone-in cuts. The key is to cook until the chicken is fully done and the crust is golden and crisp.
What’s the best way to get super crispy fried chicken?
Double-dipping the chicken in the buttermilk and flour mixture gives you an extra-craggy crust. Also, make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F) and don’t overcrowd the pan, which drops the temperature and can lead to soggy results.
Can I make Chicken and Waffles gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for both the chicken coating and waffles. Double-check baking powder and cornstarch labels for gluten if needed, and you’re set for a gf-friendly feast.
What are some fun toppings besides maple syrup?
Try honey butter, fruit compote, spicy hot honey, or a sprinkle of crushed pecans. A little grated cheddar or crumbled bacon never hurts either! Chicken and Waffles are excellent for letting creativity shine on your plate.
Do I need a waffle iron, or can I make waffles another way?
A waffle iron gives you the best texture—crispy outside, fluffy inside—but if you don’t have one, use a grill pan to mimic those ridges or even make pancakes with the same batter. The spirit of Chicken and Waffles shines regardless!
Final Thoughts
Chicken and Waffles is more than a dish—it’s a reason to smile, gather, and indulge in a little sweet-and-savory magic. Whether this becomes your new brunch showstopper or a cozy weeknight treat, I hope you’ll give it a try and savor every delicious, crunchy, syrup-drenched bite!
Print
Chicken and Waffles Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles with this classic Chicken and Waffles recipe. This Southern comfort food dish is a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors that makes a delicious meal any time of day.
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into halves or tenders)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 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 3/4 cups milk
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- maple syrup and butter for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the fridge.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well. Fry chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat eggs, then add milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients just until smooth. Pour batter into waffle iron and cook until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve warm waffles topped with crispy chicken, butter, and maple syrup.
Notes
- You can use bone-in chicken if preferred, just adjust the cooking time.
- For extra crispiness, double dip the chicken in buttermilk and flour mixture.
- Serve with spicy honey or hot sauce for a kick.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying and Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast and 1 waffle
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
