Sizzling Chicken and Waffles Recipe: Sweet & Savory Bliss

Crispy southern chicken nestled between golden waffles creates a mouthwatering fusion that promises pure comfort.

Plates across the country celebrate this delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors.

Every bite tells a story of culinary creativity and indulgence.

Maple syrup drizzled over perfectly seasoned chicken brings magic to your breakfast or brunch.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients can produce such an impressive dish.

Regional traditions blend seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies deep hunger.

You can easily recreate this classic southern treat and impress everyone gathered around your table.

Ingredients for Chicken and Waffles

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that serves as the star of this classic comfort dish.

• Buttermilk, Salt, Pepper, Paprika: A tangy and seasoned mixture that helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with rich flavors.

• Flour, Cornstarch: A crispy base that creates a golden and crunchy exterior for the chicken.
• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne: Spices that add depth and complexity to the chicken's coating.

• Flour, Baking Powder, Sugar, Salt: A blend that provides structure and subtle sweetness to the waffles.

• Eggs, Milk, Butter, Vanilla Extract: Ingredients that contribute moisture, richness, and a delicate flavor to the waffle batter.

• Oil: Used for frying the chicken to achieve a crispy and golden brown exterior.

How to Make Chicken and Waffles

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Let the chicken soak for minimum one hour, preferably overnight in refrigerator for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Create Seasoned Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend thoroughly to ensure even seasoning distribution.

Step 3: Prepare Frying Station

Heat vegetable oil in large cast-iron skillet or deep fryer until temperature reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Coat Chicken Pieces

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

Generously coat each piece in seasoned flour mixture, pressing coating gently to help it adhere.

Step 5: Fry Golden Chicken

Carefully place coated chicken into hot oil.

Fry each piece for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning.

Chicken should develop beautiful golden-brown exterior and reach internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 6: Drain Crispy Chicken

Transfer fried chicken onto paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Keep warm while preparing waffles.

Step 7: Prepare Waffle Batter

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt

• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract

Step 8: Mix Waffle Batter

Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain fluffy texture.

Step 9: Cook Waffles

Preheat waffle iron.

Pour batter into center of iron, close, and cook until waffles turn golden and crisp.

Cooking time varies by waffle iron model.

Step 10: Serve And Enjoy

Place crispy chicken atop fluffy waffles.

Drizzle with maple syrup or honey for classic Southern comfort meal.

Tips for Crispy Chicken and Waffles

• Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness, allowing the buttermilk to break down proteins and infuse delicious seasonings.
• Customize flour mixture with extra cayenne or smoked paprika for a personalized heat level that matches your taste preferences.
• Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent 350F oil temperature, preventing soggy or burnt chicken during frying.
• Avoid overmixing batter to keep waffles light and fluffy, stopping when ingredients are just combined to prevent tough texture.
• Let fried chicken rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil and maintain crispy exterior while keeping meat juicy inside.

Creative Twists for Chicken and Waffles

• Gluten-Free Chicken and Waffles: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for the chicken coating and waffles, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the dish.
• Spicy Southern Remix: Add extra cayenne or hot sauce to the chicken marinade, creating a fiery kick that elevates the classic comfort food.
• Buttermilk-Free Option: Substitute buttermilk with coconut milk or regular milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for those with dairy restrictions, maintaining the tender chicken texture.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Use crushed pork rinds instead of flour for chicken coating, and create waffles using almond flour, cream cheese, and eggs to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the signature crispy profile.

Serving Ideas for Chicken and Waffles

• Southern Comfort Plate: Arrange golden crispy chicken atop fluffy waffles, drizzling warm maple syrup generously over the entire dish for classic southern-style indulgence.
• Gourmet Brunch Presentation: Garnish the chicken and waffles with fresh chopped chives, crumbled bacon bits, and a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the visual appeal and flavor complexity.
• Spicy Honey Twist: Create a quick spicy honey drizzle by mixing honey with hot sauce, then pour over the chicken to add a tangy kick that complements the crispy coating and sweet waffle base.
• Breakfast-Dinner Crossover: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, pickled jalapeños, and a small side salad to transform this dish into a hearty meal that works perfectly for breakfast or dinner.

How to Store Chicken and Waffles

• Store leftover chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days, while waffles maintain best quality for 2 days.
• Wrap chicken and waffles individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Chicken freezes well for up to 3 months, waffles for 1 month. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet, bake at 375F for 10-15 minutes. Ensure crispy exterior by avoiding microwave, which makes coating soggy.

FAQs

• Why buttermilk for marinating chicken?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, making it more juicy and flavorful. The acidity breaks down proteins, creating a softer texture and helping the seasoning penetrate deeper into the meat.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend in both chicken coating and waffle batter. Use cornstarch as it’s naturally gluten-free and helps create extra crispiness.

• How do I know the chicken is perfectly fried?

Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should reach 165F (74C). The outside should be golden brown and crispy, with no pink meat inside.

Crispy Chicken and Waffles That Delight

• Savor Complex Flavors: Enjoy a perfect blend of crispy, seasoned fried chicken with soft, sweet waffles that create an incredible taste explosion in every bite.
• Master Simple Technique: Learn a straightforward cooking method that requires basic kitchen skills, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Customize Your Comfort: Experiment with spice levels by adjusting cayenne pepper or adding personal seasoning twists to make the dish uniquely yours.
• Impress Brunch Lovers: Serve a crowd-pleasing meal that works brilliantly for weekend gatherings, family breakfasts, or casual get-togethers with friends.

Chicken And Waffles Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southern chicken and waffles blend crispy fried chicken with golden Belgian-style waffles, creating a beloved comfort dish. Savory meets sweet in this classic Southern delicacy that invites you to experience true culinary tradition.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)

Marinade and Coating:

• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Ingredient:

• 4 cups (32 fluid ounces / 946 milliliters) oil for frying

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Immerse chicken pieces in a tangy buttermilk bath seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika, allowing flavors to penetrate for a minimum of 60 minutes or ideally overnight.
2. Create a robust seasoning blend by combining flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel.
3. Prepare a deep skillet or fryer, heating oil to a precise 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying conditions.
4. Carefully transfer marinated chicken through the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coating.
5. Submerge coated chicken into hot oil, frying for 12-15 minutes until achieving a rich golden exterior and crispy texture, verifying internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Transfer fried chicken onto absorbent paper towels to drain excess oil, maintaining warmth.
7. Activate waffle iron for subsequent preparation.
8. Whisk dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl.
9. In a separate container, vigorously blend eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
10. Gently fold wet and dry ingredients together, mixing until just incorporated to maintain waffle tenderness.
11. Ladle batter into preheated waffle iron, cooking until surfaces turn golden and edges become delightfully crisp.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor absorption and tender meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165F without overcooking.
• Try gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Add a dash of hot sauce or honey to the buttermilk marinade for an extra flavor kick.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg