Chicken and waffles are the ultimate combination of crispy, juicy fried chicken and fluffy, golden waffles, creating the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This Southern-inspired dish is a comfort food favorite that’s great for brunch, lunch, or even dinner. The best part? You can drizzle it with warm maple syrup, honey, or hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or craving something special for dinner, this Chicken and Waffles recipe will hit the spot. Read on to learn how to make this delicious dish, along with tips, substitutions, and serving ideas to customize it to your liking!
What is Chicken and Waffles?
Chicken and Waffles is a popular dish that brings together two classic favorites—crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles. The chicken is typically seasoned, battered, and fried until golden and crispy, while the waffles are light, tender, and slightly sweet. It’s a versatile meal that’s served with a variety of toppings like butter, syrup, honey, and even hot sauce, allowing you to enjoy a combination of sweet and savory flavors in every bite. Chicken and waffles can be served as a hearty breakfast, brunch, or dinner dish, making it a beloved staple in both Southern and soul food cuisines.
Ingredients List for Chicken and Waffles
Here’s everything you’ll need to make Chicken and Waffles:
For the Fried Chicken:
- Chicken thighs or chicken breasts – 4 pieces (bone-in or boneless)
Thighs are juicier, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option. - Buttermilk – 2 cups
Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds tangy flavor. - All-purpose flour – 2 cups
Used to coat the chicken for that perfect crispy exterior. - Cornstarch – ¼ cup
Cornstarch helps make the fried chicken extra crispy. - Paprika – 1 teaspoon
Adds color and a hint of smoky flavor. - Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
For seasoning the flour mixture. - Onion powder – 1 teaspoon
Adds savory depth to the chicken. - Cayenne pepper (optional) – ½ teaspoon
Adds a little heat. Adjust based on your spice preference. - Salt and black pepper – to taste
Seasoning for the chicken and flour mixture. - Vegetable oil (for frying) – enough for deep frying
Use an oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil.
For the Waffles:
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
The base of the waffle batter. - Baking powder – 1 tablespoon
Helps the waffles rise and stay light and fluffy. - Sugar – 2 tablespoons
Adds a touch of sweetness to the waffles. - Salt – ½ teaspoon
Balances the sweetness of the waffles. - Eggs – 2 large
Helps bind the batter and adds richness. - Milk – 1 ¾ cups
Provides moisture for the waffle batter. - Unsalted butter (melted) – ½ cup
Adds flavor and helps create a crispy, golden exterior on the waffles. - Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Adds a subtle, sweet flavor to the waffles.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to make adjustments to suit your preferences. Here are a few substitution ideas and variations:
- Chicken Cuts:
You can use chicken drumsticks, wings, or even boneless chicken tenders instead of thighs or breasts. Just adjust the frying time accordingly. - Buttermilk Substitute:
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. - Waffle Batter Variations:
For a lighter waffle, use half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour. You can also add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the batter to make the waffles extra crispy. - Spice Level:
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade if you like your chicken spicier. For a milder version, omit the cayenne pepper. - Gluten-Free Option:
Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for both the chicken coating and the waffles to make this dish gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Chicken and Waffles:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken:
In a large bowl, pour the buttermilk over the chicken thighs or breasts. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for maximum tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Waffle Batter
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. - Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs and stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. - Combine:
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Set the batter aside.
Step 3: Coat and Fry the Chicken
- Heat the Oil:
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). - Prepare the Flour Mixture:
In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. - Coat the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to create an even coating. - Fry the Chicken:
Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry the chicken for 7-10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Step 4: Cook the Waffles
- Preheat the Waffle Iron:
While the chicken is frying, preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. - Cook the Waffles:
Pour the waffle batter into the preheated waffle iron, using about ½ cup of batter per waffle (depending on the size of your waffle maker). Cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp, about 3-5 minutes per waffle. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Step 5: Serve
- Assemble the Chicken and Waffles:
Place a waffle on each plate, then top with a piece of fried chicken. Drizzle with warm maple syrup, honey, or hot sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. - Serve Immediately:
Serve the Chicken and Waffles hot, and enjoy the delicious combination of crispy chicken and fluffy waffles!
How to Cook Chicken and Waffles: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Marinate the Chicken:
Start by marinating the chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour to tenderize it and add flavor. - Prepare the Waffle Batter:
Whisk together the dry and wet ingredients for the waffle batter and set it aside. - Fry the Chicken:
Coat the chicken in a seasoned flour mixture and fry until golden brown and crispy. - Cook the Waffles:
Pour the waffle batter into a preheated waffle iron and cook until golden and crispy. - Serve with Syrup or Hot Sauce:
Drizzle with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, honey, or hot sauce, and enjoy the sweet-and-savory goodness!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan:
When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and crispy chicken. - Overmixing the Waffle Batter:
Overmixing the waffle batter can result in dense, tough waffles. Mix the ingredients until just combined to keep the waffles light and fluffy. - Not Using a Meat Thermometer:
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. - Not Preheating the Oil:
Make sure the oil is fully heated to 350°F before frying the chicken. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the coating will burn before the chicken is cooked through.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Chicken and Waffles is a hearty dish that pairs well with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some serving ideas:
- With Warm Maple Syrup:
Drizzle warm maple syrup or honey over the chicken and waffles for a sweet finish. - With Hot Sauce or Honey Butter:
For a spicier twist, serve with a drizzle of hot sauce or honey butter for an extra layer of flavor. - With Sides:
Serve chicken and waffles with sides like creamy coleslaw, sautéed greens, or mac and cheese for a complete Southern-inspired meal.
How to Serve Chicken and Waffles
- Serve with Syrup or Honey:
Drizzle the chicken and waffles with warm syrup, honey, or even a spicy maple glaze for the ultimate sweet-and-savory combo. - Top with Butter and Fresh Herbs:
Add a dollop of butter on top of the waffles and garnish with fresh parsley or chives for extra flavor. - As a Brunch Feast:
Serve chicken and waffles as part of a larger brunch spread with scrambled eggs, fruit salad, and mimosas for a special occasion.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken and Waffles
- Stacked Presentation:
Stack the waffles and chicken for a visually appealing, restaurant-style presentation. Top with a drizzle of syrup and fresh herbs. - Serve on a Large Platter:
For a family-style meal, serve the fried chicken and waffles on a large platter with syrup, butter, and hot sauce on the side. - Garnish with Fresh Herbs:
Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and flavor.
Chicken and Waffles Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead:
You can prepare the waffle batter and marinate the chicken the night before. Just cook the chicken and waffles fresh when ready to serve. - Reheat Leftovers:
Reheat leftover fried chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore its crispy texture. Waffles can be reheated in a toaster or oven to maintain crispiness. - Use a Deep Fry Thermometer:
To ensure perfectly fried chicken, use a deep fry thermometer to maintain the oil at the right temperature (around 350°F).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes! You can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through. - Can I make the waffles ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the waffles ahead of time and keep them warm in a 200°F oven until ready to serve. Alternatively, freeze cooked waffles and reheat them in a toaster. - What toppings go well with chicken and waffles?
Classic toppings include maple syrup, honey, butter, and hot sauce. You can also try a drizzle of gravy, honey butter, or even fruit compote for something different. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep it crispy. Waffles can be stored in the fridge or freezer and reheated in a toaster or oven.
Conclusion
There you have it—a delicious Chicken and Waffles recipe that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. This sweet-and-savory combination of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you serve it with maple syrup, hot sauce, or honey butter, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy! Enjoy!
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Chicken and Waffles Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This classic Chicken and Waffles recipe features crispy fried chicken paired with fluffy, golden waffles, creating a delicious contrast of savory and sweet. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, this Southern-inspired dish is a comfort food favorite. Drizzle with maple syrup for a perfect balance of flavors, or add hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups milk
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
For the Fried Chicken:
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
- Fry the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until golden and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and drain on paper towels.
For the Waffles:
- Preheat your waffle iron.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, then add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Cook waffles according to your waffle iron’s instructions until golden and crisp.
To Serve:
- Place a piece of fried chicken on top of a warm waffle.
- Drizzle with maple syrup and serve hot. For an extra flavor kick, add hot sauce if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, bake the chicken instead of frying. You can also experiment with different waffle toppings like honey butter or fresh fruit.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Frying, Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle with 1 chicken piece
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 850mg
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