If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food mash-up that feels both indulgent and unforgettable, Chicken and Waffles has your cravings covered. Crispy, golden fried chicken nestled atop fluffy, buttery waffles, all drizzled with maple syrup or a kick of hot honey, is pure joy on a plate. Whether it’s a special brunch, a weeknight treat, or just an excuse to gather your favorite people around the table, this Southern-inspired classic is guaranteed to become a star in your culinary lineup.

Chicken and Waffles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken and Waffles lies in its simple ingredients, each playing a key role in the magic of this dish. No fancy tricks—just honest ingredients, a little patience, and a lot of flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why every component matters.

Chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs bring juicy tenderness, while breasts deliver a leaner bite—pick your team!
Buttermilk: This powerhouse locks in moisture, tenderizes, and infuses tangy flavor into the chicken.
Hot sauce (optional): A splash adds a sly hint of heat and extra depth to the marinade.
All-purpose flour (for dredging and waffles): The essential base for both the crunchy coating and the fluffy waffle batter.
Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper: This classic, simple spice mix packs in big flavor for perfectly seasoned chicken.
Vegetable oil: Neutral in flavor and high in smoke point, it’s made for crispy, golden frying.
Sugar: Just a touch enhances the natural sweetness of the waffles.
Baking powder: The secret to light, airy waffles with every bite.
Salt: A pinch sharpens flavors and balances out sweetness in both chicken and waffles.
Eggs: Essential for binding and fluffing up the waffles so they puff perfectly.
Milk: Along with buttermilk, it ensures a tender crumb and lovely color in your waffles.
Melted butter: Adds rich flavor and a crisp edge to your waffles.
Vanilla extract: This cozy, aromatic splash makes your waffles sing with subtle sweetness.
Butter, maple syrup, hot honey (for serving): The dreamy toppings for finishing your Chicken and Waffles feast.

How to Make Chicken and Waffles

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Get things started by bathing your chicken pieces in buttermilk and a dash of hot sauce if you’re after a gentle heat. Tuck the bowl in the fridge for at least an hour or, even better, overnight. This not only tenderizes the meat but also sets the stage for a bold, flavorful crunch once it’s fried.

Step 2: Season and Dredge

Whisk together a blend of flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. One by one, lift your marinated chicken pieces from their creamy bath and dredge them generously in your seasoned flour, pressing to coat each nook and cranny. This is your ticket to thick, shatteringly crisp crust.

Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Fill a deep skillet with about 2 inches of vegetable oil, heating it to 350°F. Fry the chicken in small batches, careful not to crowd the pan. Let each piece sizzle for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil and maintain that crave-worthy crunch.

Step 4: Mix the Waffle Batter

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry just until combined—don’t overmix, or you’ll lose that light, fluffy texture we love in classic waffles.

Step 5: Cook the Waffles

Preheat your waffle iron and lightly oil if needed. Pour on the batter and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions, usually until golden and crisp around the edges. If you’re making a crowd-sized batch, keep cooked waffles warm in a low oven while you finish the rest.

Step 6: Assemble the Chicken and Waffles

This is where the magic happens! Stack those warm, crispy waffles on a plate, top with a piece (or two) of fried chicken, and finish the masterpiece with soft pats of butter. Pour over maple syrup for pure nostalgia, or hot honey for a modern twist—and enjoy the union of savory, sweet, and spicy in every irresistible forkful.

How to Serve Chicken and Waffles

Garnishes

Elevate your Chicken and Waffles experience by adding a flourish of fresh herbs like chives or parsley, a few thinly sliced jalapeños for those who like a kick, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet finish. A scattering of microgreens or a sprinkle of flaky salt can make your plate restaurant-worthy in seconds.

Side Dishes

While Chicken and Waffles can easily stand alone, it pairs wonderfully with a side of creamy coleslaw, crisp pickles, or a mixed green salad to balance the richness. For a Southern-style brunch, try serving up cheesy grits, fruit salad, or roasted sweet potatoes alongside your main event.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, cut the waffles and chicken into bite-size pieces and skewer them for party-friendly Chicken and Waffles pops. Try using mini waffles for sliders, or create a build-your-own waffle bar with various toppings like candied pecans, whipped cream, and a trio of syrups. There’s no wrong way to show off your Chicken and Waffles skills!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover chicken and waffles to room temperature before storing. Place chicken and waffles in separate airtight containers to keep everything as crisp as possible. Refrigerate for up to 3 days and reheat before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze fried chicken and waffles to enjoy a quick meal anytime. Lay chicken pieces and waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep beautifully for about 2 months—just separate with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Reheating

Skip the microwave and reheat chicken and waffles in a 350°F oven until hot and crisp (about 10–15 minutes). You can also pop waffles in a toaster for that fresh-from-the-iron crunch. For chicken, a few minutes in an air fryer does wonders for reviving the coating’s crispness.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?

Absolutely! Bone-in pieces add wonderful flavor and juiciness. Just be sure to increase the frying time and check for doneness near the bone to make sure your chicken is fully cooked through.

What’s the best waffle iron to use for Chicken and Waffles?

Any standard waffle iron will do the trick. If you like thick, Belgian-style waffles, go for it—the nooks will catch even more syrup. Just follow your machine’s instructions for the crispiest results.

How do I keep waffles crispy while frying the chicken?

Keep finished waffles on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven. Space them out so the steam doesn’t make them soggy, and they’ll stay perfectly crisp until you’re ready to plate everything up.

Can I make Chicken and Waffles gluten-free?

Yes! Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for both the chicken coating and the waffle batter. Double-check all your ingredients to be sure they’re gluten-free, and prepare as usual.

Do I have to use maple syrup, or are there other sauces I can try?

Maple syrup is a classic, but don’t stop there—try hot honey, spicy syrup, sausage gravy, or even a generous dollop of herbed butter. Let your taste buds lead the way!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never experienced the joy that is homemade Chicken and Waffles, now’s your chance. This dish is pure happiness—simple to make, wildly comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. So round up your ingredients, call in your brunch squad, and make some memories over crispy chicken and fluffy waffles that everyone will love.

Chicken and Waffles Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes (not including marinating)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A classic comfort food favorite, Chicken and Waffles combine crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles for the perfect sweet and savory meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
vegetable oil for frying

For the waffles:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 3/4 cups milk
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For serving:

butter
maple syrup
optional hot honey

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Instructions

Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Marinate chicken pieces, then coat in seasoned flour.
Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet, fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the waffles: Whisk dry ingredients, mix wet ingredients, combine, and cook in waffle iron.
Serve: Stack waffles with fried chicken on top, and add butter, maple syrup, or hot honey.