If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that perfectly balances crispy, juicy chicken with fluffy, buttery waffles, you’re in for a treat with this Chicken and Waffles Recipe. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate—combining savory, spicy chicken with sweet, tender waffles and a drizzle of maple syrup. Whether you’re serving brunch for friends or want a show-stopping dinner, this recipe delivers layers of flavor and texture that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into how you can make this classic Southern favorite right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken and Waffles Recipe lies in simple, everyday ingredients that work in harmony to bring out bold flavors and the perfect crispy and tender contrast. Each item plays a crucial role, from seasoning the chicken to making waffles light and fluffy.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: These provide juicy, tender meat that crisps up beautifully when fried.
- Buttermilk: Acts as a marinade to tenderize the chicken and infuse subtle tanginess.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential to bring out the flavors in both the chicken and waffles.
- Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper: A perfectly balanced spice blend adds warmth, depth, and just a touch of heat.
- All-purpose flour and cornstarch: Combine for a light, crispy chicken coating.
- Baking powder: Helps create a crisp crust on the chicken and leavens the waffle batter for fluffiness.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for frying the chicken to golden perfection.
- Flour, sugar, baking soda: Make the waffles sweet and tender.
- Eggs and melted butter: Provide richness and moisture, resulting in delicious waffles.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle aromatic sweetness to the waffles.
- Maple syrup: The classic finishing touch that complements salty chicken with sweetness.
- Butter: For added richness on your waffles and chicken.
- Hot sauce (optional): Great for those who like a spicy kick.
How to Make Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing buttermilk with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. This marinade not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with layers of flavor that are essential to the dish’s distinctive taste. Add the chicken pieces and let them soak up all this goodness for at least one hour, though overnight marinating will give you the best depth of flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. This dry mixture forms the crispy outer crust that complements the tender chicken inside perfectly. The addition of cornstarch ensures extra crunchiness, while baking powder adds lightness to the coating.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. Let the coated chicken rest for five minutes—this step helps the crust set up nicely before frying, so it doesn’t fall off in the hot oil.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Cooking time depends on thickness, but the goal is a crunchy crust with juicy chicken inside. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil and keep the pieces crisp.
Step 5: Make the Waffles
Preheat your waffle iron while preparing the batter. In one bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another, combine buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring just until combined for tender, fluffy waffles without overworking the batter.
Step 6: Cook the Waffles
Pour the batter into your preheated waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s directions until the waffles are golden brown and crisp on the outside but tender on the inside. This creates the perfect base to support the crispy chicken without getting soggy.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Place a warm waffle on each plate and top generously with a piece of fried chicken. Drizzle with maple syrup as you like, add a pat of butter on top, and for an optional savory-spicy twist, a few drops of hot sauce. This is the classic combination that makes the Chicken and Waffles Recipe so unforgettable.
How to Serve Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes highlight the dish’s flavors beautifully. Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley can add a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of powdered sugar makes the waffles feel extra special, and a drizzle of warm maple syrup is the must-have finishing touch that brings a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Side Dishes
If you want to expand your meal, go for light, fresh sides that won’t overwhelm the hearty main dish. Crisp coleslaw with a tangy dressing provides delightful texture contrast. A side of sautéed greens or a simple salad brightens the plate, while classic roasted sweet potatoes add subtle earthiness and sweetness that pairs well with the chicken and waffles.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn this classic into an eye-catching feast. Try stacking mini waffles with chicken bites in a tower for fun finger-food style servings. Or, serve with a small ramekin of syrup and hot sauce on the side, letting guests customize their perfect bite. For a brunch event, arrange pieces on a large wooden board garnished with fresh fruit and herbs for a communal, inviting look that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their textures. The chicken should be eaten within 3 days for the best taste and safety, while waffles can last a bit longer if properly sealed.
Freezing
If you want to save some for another time, freeze the fried chicken on a baking sheet first to prevent pieces from sticking, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Waffles freeze well stacked with parchment paper between each piece. This way, you can enjoy this Chicken and Waffles Recipe anytime with minimal fuss.
Reheating
For the best crunch when reheating, warm the chicken in a preheated oven or air fryer rather than a microwave to revive that crispy exterior. Reheat waffles in a toaster or oven to bring back their fluffy texture. Avoid microwaving as much as possible to keep these classic flavors and textures in perfect harmony.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely, chicken breasts work fine in this recipe. They tend to be leaner and can dry out if overcooked, so keep an eye on frying time to maintain juicy results. Thighs, however, offer a more forgiving, flavorful choice.
Do I have to marinate the chicken overnight?
Marinating overnight is ideal for maximum flavor and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, even one hour of marinating makes a noticeable difference compared to skipping this step altogether.
What kind of waffles work best with this recipe?
The waffles here are slightly sweet and fluffy with a crisp outside, which balances nicely with the savory chicken. Classic buttermilk waffles are perfect, but you could experiment with cornmeal or whole wheat for different textures and flavors.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting regular flour and cornstarch with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends and ensuring all your baking powders and spices are gluten-free, you can enjoy this dish without gluten worries.
Is the hot sauce necessary?
Not at all! Hot sauce is optional and just adds a spicy kick if you like it. The dish is delicious on its own with the sweet maple syrup and savory chicken, but a little heat can create a wonderful flavor contrast.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have all the secrets to making this incredible Chicken and Waffles Recipe, I hope you feel inspired to give it a try. It’s a dish that feels special but is surprisingly easy to prepare, with comforting flavors that win hearts every time. Whether it becomes your go-to brunch or a weekend treat, this combination of crispy chicken and fluffy waffles is pure joy on a plate. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Chicken and Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A classic soul food dish featuring crispy fried chicken paired with fluffy, lightly sweetened waffles. This recipe combines savory spiced chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk and coated with a crispy flour crust, fried to golden perfection. Served atop warm waffles and drizzled with maple syrup, it creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors for a delicious brunch or comfort meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Chicken Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Waffles
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving
- Maple syrup
- Butter
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken thighs and ensure they are well submerged. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will create a crispy, flavorful crust on the chicken.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour and cornstarch mixture, pressing firmly so the coating sticks evenly. Allow the coated chicken to rest for 5 minutes to help the crust set.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil and fry for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Cook the Waffles: Pour the batter onto your preheated waffle iron and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy, following the appliance’s recommended timing.
- Assemble and Serve: Place a freshly cooked waffle on each plate, top with a piece of the crispy fried chicken, and generously drizzle with maple syrup. Add a dollop of butter or a splash of hot sauce, if desired, to enhance the flavor. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain oil temperature for perfect frying.
- Do not overmix waffle batter to keep waffles light and fluffy.
- Sweet or spicy hot sauce can complement the dish well as an optional topping.
- Leftover chicken and waffles can be reheated in an oven to maintain crispiness.
