There’s something truly magical about the combination of crispy fried chicken and fluffy, buttery waffles. This dish is the perfect balance of savory and sweet, crunchy and soft, making it a beloved Southern classic that has taken over brunch menus everywhere. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, this chicken and waffles recipe is guaranteed to impress.
But how did this unusual pairing come to be? Chicken and waffles originated in the United States, with roots in both Southern soul food and Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. The version we love today—crispy fried chicken atop golden waffles, drizzled with maple syrup—became a hit in Harlem in the 1930s, where jazz musicians and late-night diners popularized it as the ultimate comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, juicy chicken with a flavorful buttermilk marinade
- Light and fluffy waffles with just the right touch of sweetness
- Perfect for any meal—brunch, lunch, or dinner
- Easy to make at home with step-by-step instructions
With just a few simple ingredients and expert tips, you’ll be able to recreate this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. So grab your waffle iron, heat up that frying oil, and get ready for the best chicken and waffles recipe you’ve ever tried.
Ingredients for Chicken and Waffles
To make the perfect chicken and waffles, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples and a few key ingredients. This recipe includes a crispy buttermilk fried chicken and light, fluffy waffles with just the right touch of sweetness.
For the Fried Chicken
- Chicken thighs and drumsticks (or boneless breast strips)
- Buttermilk (for a tender and juicy texture)
- Eggs (to help the coating stick)
- All-purpose flour (for a crispy crust)
- Cornstarch (for an extra crunch)
- Salt and black pepper (to enhance the flavors)
- Smoked paprika (for a subtle smoky depth)
- Garlic powder and onion powder (for extra seasoning)
- Cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Baking powder (helps the coating crisp up)
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
For the Waffles
- All-purpose flour (for the perfect waffle texture)
- Baking powder and baking soda (to create light, fluffy waffles)
- Eggs (for structure and richness)
- Buttermilk (adds tanginess and keeps waffles moist)
- Melted butter (for a rich, buttery flavor)
- Sugar (a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors)
- Vanilla extract (adds depth and warmth)
Toppings & Garnishes
- Maple syrup (for a classic sweet finish)
- Butter (melted, for extra richness)
- Hot honey (for a sweet and spicy kick)
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)
This combination of ingredients ensures that every bite is crispy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced between savory and sweet.
How to Make Chicken and Waffles
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect crispy fried chicken and light, fluffy waffles.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, salt, black pepper, and a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, preferably overnight, for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- In a separate shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and an extra pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a thick, even coating.
- Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the coating stick better during frying.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook for 7 to 10 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer to a wire rack and let rest for a few minutes to maintain crispiness.
Step 4: Make the Waffle Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Cook the Waffles
- Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray.
- Pour the batter into the waffle iron, using the manufacturer’s recommended amount.
- Close the lid and cook until golden brown and crisp. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
- Place a warm waffle on a plate, top with crispy fried chicken, and drizzle generously with maple syrup or hot honey.
- Add a pat of butter on top and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips for the Best Chicken and Waffles
Making perfect chicken and waffles at home is easy with the right techniques. Here are some expert tips to ensure your dish turns out crispy, fluffy, and full of flavor.
1. Use Cornstarch for Extra Crispy Chicken
Adding cornstarch to the flour mixture creates a lighter, crunchier coating. This technique helps the fried chicken stay crispy for longer.
2. Let the Chicken Rest After Coating
After dredging the chicken in the seasoned flour, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better and prevents it from falling off during cooking.
3. Keep the Oil Temperature Consistent
Maintain a frying temperature of 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
4. Don’t Overmix the Waffle Batter
Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the waffles dense instead of light and fluffy. Stir the batter just until combined, leaving a few small lumps.
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5. Keep Waffles Warm Without Getting Soggy
Place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a 200°F (95°C) oven while frying the chicken. This keeps them warm and crispy without drying them out.
6. Add a Sweet and Spicy Twist
For extra flavor, drizzle the finished dish with hot honey or a mix of maple syrup and a pinch of cayenne pepper. The balance of sweet heat complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making the best chicken and waffles at home.
1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! While frying gives the crispiest results, you can bake the chicken for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also spray the chicken with oil for extra crispiness.
2. Do you put syrup on the chicken in chicken and waffles?
Yes! One of the best parts of this dish is the combination of crispy, savory chicken with sweet maple syrup. The syrup enhances the contrast of flavors, making each bite incredibly satisfying. You can also try hot honey for a sweet and spicy twist.
3. What do you eat chicken and waffles with?
Chicken and waffles are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with:
- Coleslaw for a refreshing crunch
- Cheese grits for a true Southern-style meal
- Fried eggs for a heartier breakfast
- Gravy instead of syrup for a savory variation
4. Do chicken and waffles taste good together?
Absolutely! The contrast between crispy, salty fried chicken and soft, slightly sweet waffles is what makes this dish so popular. The combination of textures and flavors creates the perfect balance of comfort food indulgence.
5. What cut of chicken is used in chicken and waffles?
Traditionally, bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks are used for maximum juiciness and flavor. However, boneless chicken breast or tenders are great alternatives, especially if you prefer a quicker cooking time.
6. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For crispy reheated chicken, warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or use an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Waffles can be reheated in a toaster or oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make both soggy.
7. Can I make the waffles ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cooked waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat them in a toaster or oven to restore crispiness.
More Southern-Inspired Recipes to Try
If you love this chicken and waffles recipe, here are some more comforting and delicious dishes to explore:
1. Cream of Mushroom Chicken Crockpot
Looking for a rich and creamy chicken dish? This cream of mushroom chicken crockpot recipe is packed with savory flavors and perfect for a cozy dinner.
2. Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta
If you enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken, try these garlic butter chicken bites served over parmesan pasta. A quick and easy meal that’s full of flavor!
3. Southern-Style Smothered Chicken and Rice
This smothered chicken and rice recipe features tender, juicy chicken in a flavorful gravy served over fluffy rice. A true Southern comfort meal.
These dishes pair beautifully with chicken and waffles, making them great choices for a Southern-inspired meal!
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken thighs and drumsticks or boneless breast strips
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Oil for frying vegetable or peanut oil
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 eggs
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings:
- Maple syrup
- Butter
- Hot honey optional
- Fresh herbs optional
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Instructions
For the Fried Chicken:
- In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Add the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
- In a separate dish, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and additional salt and pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip off. Coat each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly for a thick, even coating. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 7-10 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer to a wire rack and let rest before serving.
- For the Waffles:6. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.7. In another bowl, beat eggs, then add buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.8. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, stirring gently. Do not overmix.9. Preheat the waffle iron and lightly grease it. Pour batter into the waffle iron and cook until golden brown and crisp.
- To Serve:10. Place waffles on a plate, top with crispy fried chicken, and drizzle with maple syrup. Add butter and hot honey if desired.
Nutrition
Conclusion & Final Notes
This chicken and waffles recipe is the perfect blend of crispy, savory fried chicken and light, fluffy waffles, making it a true Southern comfort classic. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, breakfast, or even dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its combination of crunchy, juicy, and sweet flavors.
Key Takeaways:
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for extra tenderness.
- Use cornstarch in the coating for maximum crispiness.
- Keep waffles warm in the oven to maintain their fluffy texture.
- Drizzle with maple syrup or hot honey for the ultimate sweet-savory experience.
If you love this recipe, be sure to check out other Southern-inspired dishes like:
- Oven-Baked Chicken and Rice
- Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta
- Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
We’d Love to Hear From You!
Tried this chicken and waffles recipe? Let us know how it turned out in the comments! Did you add your own twist? Tag us on Pinterest or Instagram with your delicious creations.
Enjoy your homemade chicken and waffles and happy cooking!