Chicken and Waffles Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food experience, it’s hard to beat the sweet and savory harmony of Chicken and Waffles. This Southern American classic unites crispy fried chicken with golden, fluffy waffles, creating a delightful medley of textures and flavors in every single bite. Whether you’re looking to jazz up brunch or surprise guests with a fun dinner, this dish delivers pure satisfaction and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Chicken and Waffles plays a key part in building irresistible flavor and perfect texture. From the juicy chicken to the tender waffles and bold seasonings, these kitchen staples work together for a dish that feels both special and honestly simple to make at home.

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose boneless, skinless cuts for juicy meat that cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully.
• Buttermilk: The secret marinade that keeps chicken flavorful and tender, infusing every bite with tangy richness.
• Hot sauce: Adds a subtle kick to the marinade, waking up the chicken’s flavor profile without overpowering it.
• All-purpose flour (for chicken and waffles): Acts as the backbone for both crispy fried chicken and the waffles’ light texture.
• Cornstarch: Merges with flour to create a shatteringly crisp chicken coating.
• Paprika: Lends warmth and a touch of color to the chicken’s crust.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: These pantry staples layer savory notes in the breading.
• Salt: Brings out all the existing flavors, crucial for both chicken and waffles.
• Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and rounds out the spice blend.
• Vegetable oil: For frying the chicken and ensuring it’s golden and crisp throughout.
• Sugar: Sweetens the waffle batter, enhancing its brunch appeal.
• Baking powder: Creates waffles that are tall, airy, and perfectly tender.
• Eggs: Bind and lift the waffle batter, making the texture just right.
• Milk: Provides moisture to both the waffle batter and gives it a lovely crumb.
• Vegetable oil or melted butter (for waffles): Keeps the waffles rich and soft with a crisp outside.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a delicate aroma to the waffles.
• Butter and maple syrup (for serving): The classic finishing touch for Chicken and Waffles, melting over the top for total indulgence.

How to Make Chicken and Waffles

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Kick off your Chicken and Waffles adventure by bathing your chicken thighs or breasts in a tangy mix of buttermilk and hot sauce. This not only infuses the meat with flavor but starts tenderizing it for the most succulent fried chicken ever. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight if you want maximum flavor penetration).

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

Mix together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. This blend guarantees the chicken turns out ultra-crispy, layered with deep savory flavors. Don’t skip pressing the chicken into the mixture — a generous coating means a beautiful, crunchy bite.

Step 3: Dredge and Fry the Chicken

Take the marinated chicken from its tangy bath and dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour blend. Preheat your deep skillet or fryer with vegetable oil to 350°F, then fry chicken in batches, 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and irresistible. Let the chicken drain on paper towels to stay crispy.

Step 4: Make the Waffles

While the chicken rests, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in one bowl, and in another, combine eggs with milk, oil or melted butter, and vanilla. Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry — don’t overmix! Cook the batter in your preheated waffle iron until the waffles are puffed, golden, and ready for their starring role.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Pile the crispy fried chicken atop your freshly cooked waffles. Add a pat of butter and drizzle generously with maple syrup. The hot chicken, fluffy waffles, and sweet syrup combine for the perfect Chicken and Waffles bite you won’t soon forget.

How to Serve Chicken and Waffles

Garnishes

Freshly chopped chives or parsley deliver a splash of color and hint of freshness, while extra pats of butter and a sprinkle of powdered sugar take things over the top. For a true Southern touch, try a spicy maple syrup or a dollop of honey butter on your Chicken and Waffles.

Side Dishes

A crisp, refreshing coleslaw or a light citrusy salad balances out the richness on your plate. If you want to lean into the brunch vibe, fresh fruit or a side of creamy grits pairs beautifully with Chicken and Waffles, keeping things light yet satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation to the next level by serving Chicken and Waffles in stacked layers, using mini-waffles for appetizers, or arranging everything on a wooden board for a fun, sharable spread. For a breakfast sandwich twist, tuck a piece of chicken between two waffle halves with a splash of hot honey.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Store your chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers. Chicken stays best when laid out in a single layer, while waffles should be wrapped to prevent drying out. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing

Both components freeze like a dream! Freeze chicken pieces and waffles on a baking sheet before transferring them to freezer bags; this stops them from sticking. They’ll stay tasty for up to one month.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet and heat in a 375°F oven until hot and crisp. Waffles re-crisp beautifully in a toaster or oven. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to steal the crunch!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs are juicier and tend to stay tender, chicken breasts also work well in Chicken and Waffles. Just keep an eye on your fry time to prevent them from drying out.

How can I make the chicken spicier?

For more heat, simply add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce to the flour dredge or the marinade. Spicy maple syrup is another delicious way to amp up the kick!

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No buttermilk? No problem! You can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk. Let it sit for five minutes, and you’re good to go.

Can I make this Chicken and Waffles recipe gluten free?

Swap the all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free blend for both the chicken and waffles. Just be sure your baking powder and cornstarch are certified gluten free for extra peace of mind.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken crisp until serving?

To keep your fried chicken at its crispiest, let it rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels while you finish frying the rest or making the waffles. A warm oven (around 200°F) can help hold both chicken and waffles until it’s time to serve.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never experienced the magical combo of crispy, juicy, sweet, and savory, Chicken and Waffles is the kind of meal that can turn any day into a celebration. Gather your favorite people, whip up a batch, and get ready to make some seriously happy memories around the table.

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