Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe. Crispy, juicy fried chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy waffles for a delightful meal that combines savory and sweet flavors.
Author:nadia
Prep Time:25 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:55 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Frying, Waffle Iron
Cuisine:Southern American
Diet:Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
UnitsScale
For the fried chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (pounded to even thickness if needed)
1cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
1 1/2cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
vegetable oil for frying
For the waffles:
2cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 3/4cups milk
1/3cup vegetable oil or melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For serving:
Butter
Warm maple syrup
Hot sauce or honey (optional)
Instructions
Marinate the chicken: In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine the chicken with buttermilk and hot sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Make the waffle batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir just until combined. Let the batter rest while you fry the chicken.
Fry the chicken: Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a deep skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat to 350°F. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing to coat well. Fry for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
Cook the waffles: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour in the batter and cook until golden and crisp, about 3–5 minutes per waffle depending on your machine.
Assemble and serve: Place one waffle on each plate, top with a piece of hot fried chicken, and add a pat of butter. Drizzle generously with warm maple syrup and a dash of hot sauce or honey if desired.
Notes
Chicken thighs are juicier, but breasts work well too.
For extra crispy chicken, double dip in buttermilk and flour before frying.
Waffles can be made ahead and crisped in the oven before serving.