Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique twist: A colorful, flavorful upgrade from classic chicken and waffles.
Perfectly balanced: Sweet red velvet waffles pair beautifully with savory fried chicken.
Impressive presentation: Stunning red waffles make this dish ideal for brunch gatherings or holidays.
Customizable: Choose baked, fried, or air-fried chicken.
Great for any meal: Serve it for brunch, dinner, or even a special occasion breakfast.

Ingredients

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

For the Red Velvet Waffles:

All-purpose flour
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Granulated sugar
Buttermilk
Large eggs
Melted butter or vegetable oil
Red food coloring
Vanilla extract

For the Fried Chicken:

Boneless chicken breasts or thighs (or bone-in pieces if preferred)
Buttermilk (for marinating)
All-purpose flour
Salt and pepper
Paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Optional Toppings:

Maple syrup
Honey butter
Whipped cream
Hot sauce

Directions

Marinate the chicken: Place chicken pieces in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
Prepare the waffle batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and red food coloring until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients just until incorporated—do not overmix.
Preheat the waffle iron: Lightly grease with oil or cooking spray.
Cook the waffles: Pour batter into the waffle iron and cook until crisp and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes per waffle. Keep warm in the oven at 200°F (95°C).
Prepare the chicken coating: In a shallow dish, mix flour with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne (if using).
Coat and fry the chicken:
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken until golden and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes per side for boneless; longer for bone-in).
- Drain on paper towels.
Assemble: Place one or two waffles on a plate, top with fried chicken, and drizzle with maple syrup or honey butter.
Serve immediately: Add optional toppings like whipped cream or hot sauce for extra flavor contrast.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 50–60 minutes

Variations

Spicy-Sweet Combo: Add cayenne to the chicken coating and drizzle with hot honey for a kick.
Air Fryer Version: Air fry chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Baked Chicken: Bake breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes for a lighter version.
Chocolate Lover’s Waffles: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness.
Savory Twist: Reduce sugar in the waffle batter and serve with a creamy gravy instead of syrup.
Mini Sliders: Use mini waffles and chicken tenders to make fun, handheld brunch sliders.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover waffles and chicken separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze waffles and cooked chicken separately for up to 2 months.
Reheat:
- Waffles: Toast in a toaster or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
- Chicken: Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Avoid microwaving to keep both components crisp.

FAQs

Can I use boxed red velvet cake mix for the waffles?

Yes, you can! Add an egg, a bit of buttermilk, and a tablespoon of oil to adjust the texture for waffle batter.

Do I need to use food coloring?

No, but the red color adds a fun, festive touch that makes the dish visually striking.

What kind of chicken works best?

Boneless thighs or tenders fry quickly and stay juicy, but bone-in chicken offers classic Southern flavor.

Can I make this recipe without buttermilk?

Yes. Substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes before using.

How do I make my waffles extra crispy?

Cook them a little longer in the waffle iron or place finished waffles on a wire rack in a warm oven to keep them crisp.

Can I make the waffles ahead of time?

Yes. Cook them, cool completely, and store in the fridge or freezer. Reheat in the toaster or oven before serving.

What syrup goes best with this recipe?

Classic maple syrup, honey butter, or even cream cheese glaze complement the cocoa flavor beautifully.

How can I make this dish spicy?

Add cayenne or hot sauce to the chicken marinade and top with spicy honey or chili flakes.

Can I use pre-made fried chicken?

Yes, reheated store-bought fried chicken saves time—just pair it with homemade waffles.

What drinks pair well with red velvet chicken and waffles?

Coffee, mimosas, or sweet iced tea balance the rich, savory-sweet flavors perfectly.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken is a bold, indulgent twist on a beloved classic. With its crispy fried chicken, tender cocoa-infused waffles, and sweet syrupy finish, this dish delivers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Ideal for brunch, holidays, or any special meal, it’s a show-stopping recipe that turns any morning—or evening—into a celebration.

Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken is a bold, Southern-inspired fusion of sweet red velvet waffles and crispy fried chicken. With rich cocoa notes, tender waffles, and golden, juicy chicken, it’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory—ideal for brunch, dinner, or a special occasion meal.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 50–60 minutes
Yield: Serves 4–6
Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Main Course
Method: Frying and Waffle Iron
Cuisine: Southern American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Marinate the chicken: Place chicken pieces in a bowl, cover with buttermilk, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Prepare the waffle batter: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in one bowl. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and red food coloring. Combine both mixtures until just incorporated.
Preheat the waffle iron and lightly grease with oil or cooking spray.
Cook the waffles: Pour batter into the waffle iron and cook 3–5 minutes until crisp and fluffy. Keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven.
Prepare the chicken coating: Combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne in a shallow dish.
Coat and fry the chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, and fry in 350°F (175°C) oil for 6–8 minutes per side (longer for bone-in pieces) until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Assemble: Place waffles on a plate, top with fried chicken, and drizzle with maple syrup or honey butter.
Serve immediately with whipped cream or hot sauce if desired.

Notes

Marinate the chicken overnight for extra tenderness and flavor.
Do not overmix waffle batter to keep it light and fluffy.
Keep cooked waffles warm in the oven while frying chicken.
Use a candy thermometer to monitor oil temperature for perfect frying.
Pair with maple syrup, hot honey, or cream cheese glaze for different flavor profiles.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (waffle + chicken piece)
Calories: 620
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 23g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 165mg