Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A fun and colorful twist on the classic chicken and waffles
The red velvet waffles are light, fluffy, and just slightly sweet, balancing perfectly with the savory fried chicken
Perfect for special occasions, brunch, or a fun family dinner
Easy to make, with a delicious combination of textures—crispy chicken and soft waffles
Can be customized with toppings like syrup, cream cheese drizzle, or whipped cream for added richness

Ingredients

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

For the Red Velvet Waffles:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons red food coloring
1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)

For the Fried Chicken:

4 chicken thighs or breasts (boneless and skinless)
1 ½ cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Cream Cheese Drizzle (optional):

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

For the Fried Chicken:

Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Season the chicken with salt and pepper and place it in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
Prepare the flour mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Coat the chicken: After marinating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
Fry the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F), fry the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

For the Red Velvet Waffles:

Preheat the waffle iron: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to preheat your waffle iron.
Make the waffle batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently to combine. If you’re adding chocolate chips, fold them in now. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the waffles tough.
Cook the waffles: Lightly grease your waffle iron and pour the batter into the iron. Cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden and crispy. Repeat until all the waffles are cooked.

For the Cream Cheese Drizzle (optional):

Make the drizzle: In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Adjust the consistency: If the drizzle is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.

To Serve:

Place a red velvet waffle on each plate. Top with a piece of fried chicken.
Drizzle with cream cheese drizzle, maple syrup, or dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Serves 4
Prep time: 15-20 minutes (for marinating the chicken)
Cook time: 25-30 minutes (for both waffles and chicken)

Variations

Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne to the waffle batter or sprinkle chili flakes on the fried chicken for an extra spicy kick.
Fruit topping: Top with fresh berries or a fruit compote like strawberry or raspberry for added sweetness and freshness.
Vegan version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and substitute the chicken with crispy tofu or plant-based chicken nuggets for a vegan-friendly option.
Different coatings for chicken: Instead of the traditional flour mixture, try a panko breadcrumb coating for an extra crispy texture.

Storage/reheating

Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat the chicken in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes to retain its crispiness.
Waffles can be stored in the fridge or freezer. Reheat waffles in a toaster or oven for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and waffles separately ahead of time. Store the chicken in the fridge and reheat it when ready to serve. You can also make the waffles and store them in the fridge or freezer, reheating them when needed.

Can I use a different type of chicken?

Yes! You can use chicken breasts, tenders, or even chicken wings instead of thighs. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the cut of chicken.

Can I make the waffles without red food coloring?

Yes, you can make the waffles without the food coloring if you prefer. The waffles will still have the delicious red velvet flavor without the vibrant red color.

Can I skip the cream cheese drizzle?

Absolutely! The dish is delicious on its own with maple syrup, or you can use whipped cream or even a sweet glaze if you prefer.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) on a meat thermometer. The coating should also be golden brown and crispy.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken is a show-stopping dish that combines rich, fluffy waffles with crispy, savory chicken. The indulgent cream cheese drizzle adds the perfect finishing touch, making this the ultimate brunch or dinner treat. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a fun weekend meal, this dish will definitely impress and satisfy everyone at the table!

Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken

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Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken is a decadent twist on the classic chicken and waffles. Featuring fluffy red velvet waffles topped with crispy fried chicken, it’s a colorful and indulgent dish perfect for brunch, dinner, or any special occasion.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Brunch, Dinner
Method: Frying, Waffle Iron
Cuisine: American

Instructions

For the Fried Chicken:

1. Marinate the chicken in a buttermilk and hot sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
2. Prepare the flour mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the marinated chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
4. Fry the chicken in hot vegetable oil (350°F) for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
For the Red Velvet Waffles:
1. Preheat the waffle iron and prepare the waffle batter by mixing flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Combine wet ingredients (buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and red food coloring) and mix into the dry ingredients.
3. Cook the waffles according to the waffle iron’s instructions until golden and crispy.
For the Cream Cheese Drizzle:
1. Whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
To Serve:
1. Place a red velvet waffle on each plate and top with a piece of fried chicken.
2. Drizzle with cream cheese drizzle, maple syrup, or dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

You can make the waffles and chicken separately ahead of time and reheat before serving.
For a spicy version, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the waffles or chicken.
For a vegan version, substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, and use crispy tofu or plant-based chicken for the fried chicken.
Feel free to use different toppings such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a sweet glaze.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 waffle with chicken
Calories: 500
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 100mg