Crispy Chicken and Waffles Recipe: Sweet-Savory Brunch Magic

Southern chicken and waffles blend crispy, golden-brown poultry with fluffy, warm waffles in a classic comfort dish.

Maple syrup drizzles like liquid gold across the plate, creating an irresistible combination.

Culinary traditions from the deep south inspire this mouthwatering meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Crisp chicken skin meets soft waffle texture, promising a delightful contrast in every single bite.

Generations have perfected this incredible recipe, passing down secret techniques from kitchen to kitchen.

Regional flavors dance together, bringing comfort and joy to your dining experience.

Chicken and Waffles Recipe Benefits

• Quick Comfort Classic: Southern-inspired dish that delivers a perfect balance of savory fried chicken and sweet, fluffy waffles in one mouthwatering meal.
• Master Easy Technique: Simple step-by-step process allows home cooks of all skill levels to create restaurant-quality chicken and waffles with minimal cooking expertise.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Combines kid-friendly flavors with a fun presentation that gets everyone excited about mealtime, making it ideal for weekend brunches or casual family gatherings.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Versatile recipe lets you play with spice levels, seasonings, and syrup choices, ensuring each bite can be tailored to individual taste preferences.

Ingredients for Chicken and Waffles Recipe

• Chicken: A juicy protein that serves as the star of this classic Southern comfort dish.
• Buttermilk: A tangy marinade that helps tenderize and add flavor to the chicken.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder: A classic spice mix that provides depth and warmth to the chicken's coating.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary breading ingredient that creates a crispy exterior for the fried chicken.

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Sugar: Key dry ingredients that provide structure and sweetness to the waffles.
• Eggs, Milk, Butter: Wet ingredients that bind the waffle batter and create a rich, tender texture.

• Maple Syrup: A sweet, classic accompaniment that adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the chicken and waffles.

Step-by-Step Chicken and Waffles Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Marinade

Grab a large bowl and pour buttermilk inside.

Add your favorite spices to create a zesty flavor profile.

Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade, ensuring every inch gets coated.

Cover and refrigerate for several hours to let the flavors deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating

Mix flour with a blend of seasonings in a shallow dish.

Remove chicken from buttermilk marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.

Carefully dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick perfectly.

Step 3: Fry Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven until it reaches the right temperature.

Carefully lower chicken pieces into the hot oil, cooking until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the inside reaches a safe internal temperature.

Place fried chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.

Step 4: Whip Up Fluffy Waffles

Combine waffle batter ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking until smooth with no major lumps.

Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease the surface.

Pour batter into the iron, cooking until the waffles develop a crisp exterior and soft interior with perfect golden-brown color.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Place a freshly cooked waffle on a plate.

Top with a piece of crispy fried chicken.

Drizzle with warm maple syrup for that classic sweet and savory combination.

Serve immediately while everything is hot and crispy.

Helpful Tips for Chicken and Waffles Recipe

• Add hot sauce or pickle juice to the buttermilk for extra tangy, flavorful chicken that stays incredibly juicy.
• Mix cornstarch with seasoned flour to create an extra crispy, light exterior that won't get soggy.
• Maintain oil at 350°F for golden, evenly cooked chicken without burning the coating.
• Let waffle batter rest for 5-10 minutes to develop better flavor and create a lighter, airier texture.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free buttermilk for a celiac-friendly version.

Variations for Chicken and Waffles Recipe

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free buttermilk and baking mix for waffles.
• Spicy Southern Kick: Add cayenne and hot sauce to chicken marinade for extra heat. Top with Nashville-style hot chicken seasoning.
• Healthier Baked Option: Coat chicken in panko breadcrumbs and bake at 425°F instead of frying. Use whole wheat flour for waffle batter to increase nutritional value.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or seitan. Marinate plant-based protein in similar spices and follow same breading and cooking method.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Waffles

• Southern Brunch Delight: Pair with creamy coleslaw and pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast to the rich chicken and sweet waffles.
• Hearty Breakfast Feast: Add scrambled eggs and crispy bacon on the side to create a complete morning meal that satisfies big appetites.
• Elevated Presentation: Drizzle extra maple syrup in an artistic pattern and sprinkle chopped chives or green onions for a gourmet touch that impresses guests.
• Sweet Heat Twist: Serve with a small dish of hot honey or spicy maple sauce for those who love an extra kick of flavor alongside the classic chicken and waffles combo.

Storage Advice for Chicken and Waffles Recipe

• Store leftover chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days to maintain crispiness.
• Warm crispy chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crunchiness, avoiding microwave to prevent sogginess.
• Toast waffles in a toaster or oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until they regain their original crisp texture.
• Wrap chicken and waffles individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for up to 1 month, thawing in refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• Why buttermilk for marinating chicken?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat softer and more flavorful while adding a slight tangy taste to the dish.

• What type of flour works best for dredging?

All-purpose flour mixed with seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and salt creates a crispy, well-seasoned coating that enhances the chicken’s flavor and texture.

• How do I know when the chicken is perfectly fried?

The chicken is ready when it reaches a golden-brown color and the internal temperature hits 165°F, ensuring it’s fully cooked and crispy on the outside.

Chicken And Waffles Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines through this classic Chicken and Waffles dish, blending crispy golden chicken with fluffy buttermilk waffles. Savory meets sweet in a soul-satisfying meal that brings comfort and joy to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 eggs

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) pepper

Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (optional for serving)

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Instructions

1. Immerse chicken pieces in a tangy buttermilk bath infused with aromatic spices, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Create a seasoned flour mixture with robust spices, ensuring a well-coated, textured exterior for the chicken.
3. Heat oil to 350°F in a deep skillet or Dutch oven, preparing for precise frying technique.
4. Carefully dredge marinated chicken through seasoned flour, shaking off excess coating for an even, crisp layer.
5. Gently lower chicken into hot oil, frying each piece for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring crispy exterior and juicy interior.
6. While chicken fries, prepare waffle batter, whisking ingredients until smooth and free of lumps.
7. Preheat waffle iron to medium-high heat, lightly greasing surfaces to prevent sticking.
8. Pour batter into waffle iron, cooking until edges are crisp and golden, typically 3-4 minutes.
9. Transfer freshly fried chicken onto warm, golden waffles, creating a perfect textural contrast.
10. Drizzle with pure maple syrup or your preferred accompaniment, serving immediately for maximum flavor and crispness.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor infusion and tender meat.
• Use a combination of cayenne, paprika, and garlic powder in the flour dredging mix for extra kick.
• Let fried chicken rest on a wire rack to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy bottom.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or rice flour and use gluten-free waffle mix.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg