Chicken and waffles is a delightful combination of savory and sweet, blending crispy, juicy fried chicken with fluffy, golden waffles. This Southern classic has become a brunch staple and a crowd-pleasing comfort food. Whether enjoyed with a drizzle of maple syrup or a side of hot sauce, this dish offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Combines sweet and savory flavors in a satisfying meal.
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and seasonings.
- A comforting dish thatโs easy to prepare and a hit with the whole family.
- Great for entertaining or treating yourself to something special.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken thighs or breasts
- Buttermilk
- All-purpose flour
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- Eggs
- Milk
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- Waffle batter ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, milk, butter)
- Oil for frying
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk with a dash of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Heat the Oil: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Bread the Chicken: Mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and seasonings in a bowl. Remove chicken from the buttermilk and coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and fully cooked, about 12-15 minutes depending on the size of the pieces. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Waffles: Prepare your waffle batter and cook in a preheated waffle iron according to the manufacturerโs instructions until golden and crisp.
- Assemble: Serve fried chicken on top of waffles. Drizzle with maple syrup or add a side of hot sauce as desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Chicken and Waffles: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture and drizzle with spicy honey for a kick.
- Buttermilk Waffles: Swap milk for buttermilk in the waffle batter for extra tanginess.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the chicken coating and waffle batter.
- Cheesy Waffles: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the waffle batter for a savory twist.
- Vegan Option: Replace chicken with crispy fried tofu and use a plant-based waffle batter.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers. Chicken will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, and waffles can be stored for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken in a 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) oven for about 10 minutes to retain its crispiness. Warm waffles in a toaster or oven until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work just as well, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
2. How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can bake the chicken instead of frying and use whole-grain waffles to lighten up the dish.
3. What oil is best for frying?
Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are excellent choices for frying chicken.
4. Can I make the waffle batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
5. Is there a dairy-free option?
Substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar and use a dairy-free waffle recipe.
6. Can I freeze leftover chicken and waffles?
Yes, freeze the chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
7. How do I prevent the chicken from getting soggy?
Allow the chicken to cool on a wire rack instead of paper towels after frying.
8. What toppings go well with chicken and waffles?
Maple syrup, honey butter, hot sauce, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit are great options.
9. Can I use a pancake mix for the waffles?
Yes, pancake mix can work as a quick alternative, though the texture may differ slightly.
10. How do I keep waffles crispy?
Serve them immediately or keep them warm in a 200ยฐF (90ยฐC) oven on a wire rack to maintain crispness.
Conclusion
Chicken and waffles is a delightful dish that brings together the best of savory and sweet flavors. With its crispy fried chicken, fluffy waffles, and customizable toppings, itโs a versatile and satisfying meal. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy experimenting with variations and sharing this delicious classic with friends and family!
Print
Chicken and Waffles
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Dish
- Method: Frying, Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Description
This classic dish combines crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles, creating a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for brunch, dinner, or any time you want a comforting treat, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs (or 4 bone-in drumsticks)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 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
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Butter (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Fried Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken pieces and let them marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
- In another bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and dredge in the flour mixture, coating evenly. Shake off excess flour.
- Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 6โ8 minutes per side. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Prepare the Waffles:
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturerโs instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturerโs instructions until golden and crisp.
Assemble:
- Place a waffle on a plate, top with a piece of fried chicken, and drizzle generously with maple syrup.
- Add a pat of butter on top, if desired.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in the buttermilk and flour mixture.
- Serve with hot sauce or honey for an additional flavor twist.
- To keep chicken warm and crispy, place it on a baking sheet in a 200ยฐF (93ยฐC) oven while cooking in batches.
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