Chicken and Waffles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the best of both worlds: crispy, juicy fried chicken and perfectly golden waffles. It’s indulgent, filling, and packed with flavor. You’ll love how each bite offers a contrast between crunchy and soft, sweet and savory. It’s great for special occasions, weekend brunches, or anytime you want to impress guests with a dish that’s both fun and comforting.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken thighs or drumsticks (boneless or bone-in)
• Buttermilk
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the waffles:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Sugar
• Salt
• Eggs
• Milk or buttermilk
• Butter (melted)
• Vanilla extract

For serving (optional):

• Maple syrup
• Butter
• Hot sauce

Directions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, and optional spices. Add chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
2. Prepare the breading: In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
3. Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 8–12 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
4. Make the waffles: Preheat waffle iron. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Cook the waffles: Pour batter into the waffle iron and cook until golden brown and crisp. Repeat with remaining batter.
6. Assemble and serve: Place a piece of fried chicken over a waffle, top with butter, and drizzle with maple syrup or hot sauce as desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor)
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 50 minutes (including marinating)

Variations

• Spicy version: Add cayenne to both the chicken seasoning and waffle batter for extra heat.
• Sweet and savory twist: Mix honey or maple syrup into the waffle batter.
• Air fryer option: Fry chicken in the air fryer for a lighter version.
• Baked chicken: Bake breaded chicken in the oven at 400°F until crispy and fully cooked.
• Mini waffles: Make smaller waffles for sliders or party platters.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour in both the chicken breading and waffle batter.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze waffles and fried chicken separately. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.
Reheating:

• Waffles: Reheat in a toaster or oven at 350°F until warm and crisp.
• Chicken: Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10–15 minutes or in an air fryer until hot and crispy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs or drumsticks?

Yes, chicken breast can be used, but be careful not to overcook it as it tends to dry out faster.

What’s the best oil for frying chicken?

Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable, peanut, or canola oil for frying.

Can I make the waffles ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them in advance and reheat in a toaster or oven until crisp.

Do I need a waffle maker for this recipe?

Yes, a waffle maker is essential for achieving the traditional shape and texture.

Can I use pancake mix for the waffles?

In a pinch, yes, but homemade waffle batter delivers the best texture and flavor.

How do I keep fried chicken crispy?

Place fried chicken on a wire rack after frying to prevent it from getting soggy.

What sides go well with chicken and waffles?

Serve with fresh fruit, coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Can I use an air fryer instead of deep frying?

Yes, air frying is a great alternative. Coat chicken well and cook at 375°F until crispy.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! Most kids love both waffles and chicken, and you can tone down the spices.

What’s the best way to serve this dish?

Stack the waffle and chicken together, top with a pat of butter, and drizzle with maple syrup or hot sauce depending on your taste.

Conclusion

Chicken and waffles is a classic comfort food that brings together bold flavors and contrasting textures in a way few dishes can. Whether served for brunch, lunch, or dinner, it’s guaranteed to please. With crispy fried chicken, fluffy waffles, and your favorite toppings, this dish is a satisfying, crowd-pleasing favorite worth making again and again.

Chicken and Waffles

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Chicken and waffles is a soul food classic that pairs crispy fried chicken with fluffy golden waffles. The sweet and savory combination makes it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, especially when topped with maple syrup or hot sauce.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including marinating)
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Brunch
• Method: Frying and Waffle Iron
• Cuisine: Southern American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks (boneless or bone-in)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 eggs
• Vegetable oil for frying
• For the waffles:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk or buttermilk
• 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For serving (optional):
• Maple syrup
• Butter
• Hot sauce

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Add chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and remaining seasonings. Dredge the marinated chicken in this mixture, pressing to coat well.
3. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches for 8–12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
4. Preheat waffle iron. In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
5. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
6. Combine wet and dry ingredients and stir until smooth. Pour batter into waffle iron and cook until golden and crisp. Repeat with remaining batter.
7. To serve, place a piece of fried chicken on a waffle, top with butter, and drizzle with maple syrup or hot sauce as desired.

Notes

• For extra crispy chicken, let it rest for 10 minutes before frying after breading.
• Waffles can be made ahead and reheated in a toaster or oven.
• Use an air fryer for a lighter version of fried chicken.
• Add a bit of maple syrup to the waffle batter for a sweet twist.
• Store chicken and waffles separately to maintain texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken and waffle serving
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 170mg