Chicken and waffles is a classic Southern dish that combines the savory crunch of fried chicken with the sweet fluffiness of waffles. This dish has gained popularity beyond its Southern roots, becoming a favorite comfort food enjoyed across the United States and around the world. The contrast of crispy, juicy chicken with warm, buttery waffles, often drizzled with syrup or hot sauce, creates a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, a special breakfast, or a unique dinner, this Ultimate Chicken and Waffles Recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make perfectly crispy fried chicken with a seasoned coating and golden, fluffy waffles. This dish balances savory and sweet, with an option to add a touch of heat if desired. With a few tips and tricks, you can recreate this restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients for Delicious Chicken and Waffles
For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 4 chicken drumsticks, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for added heat)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust based on heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 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
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Butter
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Delicious Chicken and Waffles
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken to ensure it’s flavorful and juicy. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Submerge the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture, making sure they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Coating
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the coating. In a large, shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour mixture will give the chicken its crispy, flavorful crust.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature to ensure it stays consistent for even frying.
Step 4: Coat and Fry the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks. Shake off any excess flour.
Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Waffles
While the chicken is frying, prepare the waffles. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then mix in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron, using the recommended amount for your specific model. Cook according to the waffle iron’s instructions until the waffles are golden brown and crisp. Keep the waffles warm in a low oven (200°F or 90°C) while you finish cooking the chicken.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
To serve, place a warm waffle on each plate and top with a piece of crispy fried chicken. Drizzle with maple syrup and add a pat of butter if desired. For a touch of heat, serve with hot sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs if you like, and enjoy this classic comfort food that combines the best of savory and sweet.
About the Main Ingredients
Chicken
Chicken thighs and drumsticks are ideal for this recipe due to their tender, juicy meat and flavorful skin. The bone-in, skin-on pieces provide extra flavor and a crispy texture when fried. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and creates a moist, flavorful result.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a key ingredient for marinating chicken. Its acidity helps to tenderize the meat, making it juicy and flavorful. The tangy flavor of buttermilk also enhances the overall taste of the fried chicken.
Flour and Seasonings
The seasoned flour mixture is essential for creating a crispy, flavorful coating on the chicken. The blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and herbs adds depth and complexity to the coating, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor.
Waffle Batter
The waffle batter is a simple combination of flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This mixture creates light, fluffy waffles with a slight sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory fried chicken. Its rich flavor enhances the overall dish, making it a classic choice for serving with waffles.
The Ultimate Chicken and Waffles Recipe brings together the crispy, savory goodness of fried chicken and the light, fluffy texture of waffles for a truly satisfying meal. This combination of flavors and textures is perfect for a special brunch or a comforting dinner. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home that’s sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy the delicious fusion of savory and sweet with this ultimate comfort food classic.
