The Cozy Chicken and Waffles Recipe Everyone Adores

Soul-satisfying chicken and waffles capture the essence of comfort food that bridges Southern culinary traditions with unexpected flavor combinations.

Crispy fried chicken meets fluffy golden waffles in a dance of textures that delights every sense.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this remarkable dish as a weekend brunch favorite.

Maple syrup drizzled over perfectly seasoned chicken creates a sweet and savory symphony on your plate.

Bold spices and a crunchy coating make this recipe stand out from standard breakfast offerings.

You’ll fall in love with how simple ingredients can create such a memorable meal.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that promises to become your new weekend obsession.

FAQs

• What makes the buttermilk marinade special?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat more juicy and flavorful while adding a subtle tangy taste that enhances the overall seasoning.

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

The chicken is ready when it turns a deep golden brown color and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, which ensures it’s fully cooked and crispy on the outside.

• Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the waffle batter up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then give it a quick stir before cooking to ensure even consistency.

Chicken & Waffles, A Sweet-Savory Delight

• Savor Southern Comfort: Experience the ultimate comfort food that blends crispy fried chicken with fluffy golden waffles, delivering a mouthwatering combination of sweet and savory flavors.
• Master Crowd-Pleasing Technique: Perfect for family gatherings, weekend brunches, or casual dinner parties where guests will be impressed by your culinary skills and delicious homemade creation.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily personalize the dish by experimenting with different seasoning blends in the flour coating or trying various maple syrup infusions to match your taste preferences.
• Elevate Home Cooking: Transform a classic Southern dish into a restaurant-quality meal that requires minimal professional cooking experience, making it accessible for home chefs of all skill levels.

Ingredients for Chicken & Waffles

• Chicken: A classic Southern-style protein that becomes crispy and flavorful when marinated and fried.
• Buttermilk: A tangy dairy product that helps tenderize the chicken and adds rich flavor to the marinade.

• All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder: A seasoned flour mixture that creates a crispy, flavorful exterior for the chicken when fried.

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Sugar, Salt: A base mix that provides structure and sweetness to the waffles.
• Eggs, Milk, Vegetable Oil: Wet ingredients that bind the waffle batter and create a tender, golden waffle.

• Maple Syrup: A classic sweet topping that complements the savory fried chicken and adds a traditional Southern breakfast flavor.

How to Cook Chicken & Waffles at Home

Step 1: Marinate Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder

Submerge chicken pieces completely in the seasoned buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Create Seasoned Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Cayenne pepper
• Dried thyme
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Cracked black pepper

Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Generously coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to help coating adhere.

Step 3: Fry Chicken To Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Carefully lower coated chicken pieces into hot oil.

Fry until exterior turns deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 10-12 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Craft Fluffy Waffles

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Sugar
• Salt

• Whole milk
• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract

Blend wet and dry mixtures until just combined. Pour batter into preheated waffle maker, cooking until crisp and golden.

Step 5: Assemble And Serve

Place warm, crispy waffles on plate. Top with freshly fried chicken.

Drizzle generously with pure maple syrup. Serve immediately while everything remains hot and crisp.

Tip for Crispy Chicken & Fluffy Waffles

• Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor and more tender meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to flour coating for extra spicy kick.
• For gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend in both chicken coating and waffle batter.
• Let fried chicken rest on wire rack to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.

Twist Ideas for Chicken & Waffles

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for chicken coating and waffle batter. Use gluten-free baking mix for waffles.
• Spicy Southern Style: Add cayenne pepper and hot sauce to buttermilk marinade. Incorporate chili powder into flour coating for extra kick.
• Healthier Baked Option: Oven-bake chicken instead of deep frying. Use whole wheat flour and add ground flaxseed to waffle batter for nutritional boost. Swap maple syrup with honey or agave.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or seitan. Marinate plant-based protein in buttermilk alternative and follow same breading process.

How to Serve Chicken & Waffles

• Southern Comfort Platter: Stack golden waffles as a base, top with crispy fried chicken, and drizzle generously with warm maple syrup for a classic Southern-style breakfast or brunch experience.
• Spicy Chicken Twist: Add hot sauce or sprinkle cayenne pepper over the chicken for a zesty kick that complements the sweet maple syrup and creates a bold flavor combination.
• Gourmet Brunch Presentation: Garnish the dish with fresh chopped chives, a light dusting of powdered sugar, and serve alongside a small side salad to balance the rich flavors and add visual appeal.
• Weekend Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare extra chicken and waffles for large gatherings, keeping them warm in the oven, and let guests build their own plates with various toppings like honey, hot sauce, or additional seasonings.

Keeping Chicken & Waffles Fresh

• Refrigerate leftover chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers to maintain crispiness.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping chicken and waffles apart to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for better preservation.

Crispy Chicken And Waffles Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade chicken and waffles blend Southern comfort with crispy golden perfection. Hearty flavors and contrasting textures promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with pure culinary joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 4 chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Frying Ingredient:

• 4 cups vegetable oil for frying

Waffles:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Submerge chicken pieces in a seasoned buttermilk bath, allowing flavors to penetrate for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator, ensuring thorough marination.
2. Remove chicken from buttermilk, gently shake off excess liquid, and generously coat each piece with a blend of seasoned flour, creating a crisp exterior.
3. Heat oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, carefully lowering marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil and frying until exterior turns deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. While chicken fries, prepare waffle batter by whisking dry and wet ingredients separately, then combining until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
5. Preheat waffle iron and pour batter, cooking until edges are crisp and golden, typically 3-4 minutes per waffle.
6. Drain fried chicken on wire rack or paper towels to maintain crispiness and remove excess oil.
7. Plate waffles and top with perfectly crisp chicken pieces, finishing with a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup for classic southern-style presentation.

Notes

• For ultra-tender chicken, ensure the buttermilk completely covers the meat and refrigerate during marinating to enhance flavor absorption.
• Double-dip the chicken in seasoned flour for an extra crispy, textured crust that locks in moisture and creates irresistible crunch.
• Maintain oil at 350°F when frying to guarantee evenly cooked, golden-brown chicken without burning the exterior or leaving the inside raw.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or cornstarch for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the same crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 4 hours
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg