The rich aroma of crispy fried chicken mingling with the sweet scent of golden waffles has a way of transforming any meal into a joyful celebration. This Chicken and Waffles recipe is your ticket to a comforting feast that effortlessly bridges the gap between breakfast and dinner, making it the ultimate indulgence for any time of day.
As I whisk together the buttermilk marinade, I can already feel the anticipation building—there’s something inherently nostalgic about this classic Southern dish. With succulent boneless chicken thighs coated in a perfectly seasoned crust and fluffy waffles just waiting to be topped, you’ll find that every bite is a delightful symphony of flavors.
Whether you’re looking to impress friends at brunch or simply treat yourself after a long day, this recipe boasts an irresistible combination of comfort food flavors that’s both familiar and wholly satisfying. Get ready to savor a dish that’s not just a meal but an experience worth sharing.
Why is this Chicken and Waffles Recipe a must-try?
Comforting Fusion: This recipe perfectly blends fluffy waffles and crispy fried chicken, offering an indulgent twist on a beloved classic.
Spicy Honey Butter: The sweet and spicy honey butter sauce elevates every bite, creating a flavor explosion that keeps you coming back for more.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Ideal for brunch gatherings or weeknight dinners, it’s sure to impress both family and friends alike.
Quick Prep Time: With just a few simple steps, you can have this delightful dish ready in no time, making it perfect for busy days!
Customizable Ingredients: Substitute chicken cuts or tweak the spice level to suit your personal taste, providing endless variations to keep your meal exciting!
Elevate your cooking game and explore more delicious options with our other comfort food recipes.
Chicken and Waffles Recipe Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – Tender and juicy, these are perfect for frying. Substitution: Chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
• Buttermilk – Adds moisture and tenderness; crucial for marinating chicken. Substitution: Use milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar to mimic buttermilk.
• Kosher Salt – Essential for brining, enhancing flavor beautifully. Note: Adjust to your personal taste preferences.
• Black Pepper – Offers basic seasoning to enhance the overall dish.
• Garlic Powder – Adds depth, perfectly complementing the chicken’s flavor.
• Hot Sauce (optional) – Infuses heat; adjust based on your spice preference.
• Cayenne Pepper – For an extra kick; use to taste.
For the Coating
• All-Purpose Flour – Creates a crispy golden coating while providing structure.
• Cornstarch – Enhances the crispiness of your fried chicken.
• Baking Powder – Helps the crust rise for a light texture.
• Paprika – Adds both flavor and a lovely color to the coating.
• Vegetable Oil – Essential for deep frying, ensuring that your chicken is wonderfully crispy.
For the Sweet Glaze
• Honey (or Maple Syrup) – A perfect sweet glaze for serving; adds delightful contrast. Substitution: Adjust sweetness based on your tastes.
• Unsalted Butter (melted) – Rich flavor for the honey butter sauce.
For Serving
• Fresh Thyme (for garnish) – Adds a herbal note and beautiful presentation to your dish.
With these ingredients, you’re setting up to create a Chicken and Waffles recipe that will enthrall your taste buds and capture the hearts of everyone you serve!
How to Make Chicken and Waffles
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Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper. Submerge the chicken thighs in this mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
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Prepare Coating: In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and transfer to a shallow dish for easy dredging.
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Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot, filling it about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F, keeping a thermometer handy to ensure the right frying temperature.
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Dredge Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Coat each piece in the flour mixture thoroughly, then for extra crispiness, dip it back into the buttermilk and re-coat with flour.
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Fry Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on a wire rack to keep it crispy.
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Make Sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, melted butter, cayenne, and a pinch of salt. Heat gently until simmering, stirring occasionally to combine into a luscious sauce.
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Prepare Waffles: While the chicken is frying, cook waffles in a waffle iron according to your favorite recipe until they are golden brown and fluffy. Allow to cool briefly on a wire rack.
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Assemble and Serve: On a plate, lay down a waffle and top it generously with the fried chicken. Drizzle with the sweet honey butter sauce and garnish with fresh thyme. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Optional: Sprinkle with extra cayenne for added heat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Chicken and Waffles Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with your chicken and waffles and make it your own with these exciting twists!
- Healthier Option: Bake the chicken at 400°F for a lower-calorie alternative, cooking for 25-30 minutes until crispy.
- Spicy Swap: Change up the hot sauce for a smoky chipotle version to amp up the heat and flavor.
- Flavored Waffles: Mix in chocolate chips, blueberries, or even spices like cinnamon to the waffle batter for a unique taste.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for the coating, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dish.
- Buttermilk Alternative: Use plant-based milk mixed with vinegar for a dairy-free buttermilk option in the marinade.
- Herb-Infused Glaze: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into your honey butter for a fragrant and herby twist.
- Crispy Cornflakes: For an added crunch, mix crushed cornflakes into the flour coating before dredging the chicken.
- Fruit Topping: Top your waffles with fresh strawberries or peaches for a burst of sweetness alongside the chicken.
There’s no limit to the delicious combinations you can explore—make sure to share your favorite tweaks!
Expert Tips for Chicken and Waffles Recipe
- Marination Magic: Allow the chicken to soak in the buttermilk mix for at least 4 hours—or overnight if possible—to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Perfect Frying: Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F. Too hot can cause burning; too low makes greasy chicken. Use a thermometer for accuracy!
- Coating Crunch: For a super crispy crust, double-dip the chicken—first in the buttermilk, then in the flour mix again.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with spices in your flour mixture. A dash of smoked paprika or cayenne can elevate your chicken and waffles recipe!
- Waffle Watch: Follow your waffle iron’s instructions closely; undercooked waffles won’t hold your chicken well, while overcooked might dry out!
Enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade chicken and waffles!
What to Serve with Chicken and Waffles?
Transform your delightful Chicken and Waffles into a memorable meal with these perfect pairings that balance flavors and textures.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness, adding a tangy balance to the savory chicken and fluffy waffles.
- Creamy Mac and Cheese: This classic side brings a comforting creaminess that pairs beautifully with the crispy texture of the chicken.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: Elevate the sweet experience with an extra drizzle of syrup, bringing out the perfect harmony of flavors.
- Savory Grits: Smooth and creamy grits add a Southern touch, complementing the dish’s crispy and hearty elements exquisitely.
For a lighter option, consider serving with:
- Mixed Green Salad: A vibrant salad with a zesty dressing can provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken and waffles.
- Fried Green Tomatoes: Crispy and tangy, these make for a nostalgic side dish that’s deeply rooted in Southern cuisine.
And for something sweet:
- Cinnamon Sugar Churros: A delightful finish to your meal, these sugary treats will leave everyone with a smile!
Each of these sides enhances the comforting essence of the Chicken and Waffles, making your meal even more enjoyable.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken and Waffles are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken thighs in the buttermilk mixture up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring they soak up maximum flavor. Additionally, you can prepare the dry coating and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep it fresh. To maintain the chicken’s crispy texture, fry it just before serving; follow the frying instructions directly after marinating. When ready to enjoy, simply cook the waffles in your waffle iron and assemble the dish with the fried chicken and honey butter sauce for a meal that’s just as delicious as the day you made it!
Storage Tips for Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Fridge: Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep waffles in a separate container lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Freezer: Both chicken and waffles freeze well. Wrap chicken tightly in foil or freezer bags; waffles can be placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Waffles can be toasted for a quick warm-up.
Leftover Sauce: Any extra spicy honey butter sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week—just reheat gently before serving.
Chicken and Waffles Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting chicken thighs?
Absolutely! When choosing boneless skinless chicken thighs, look for pieces that are plump and evenly colored without any dark spots or discoloration. The meat should feel firm and moist but not slimy. If you’re opting for larger thighs, make sure they’re not overly thick, as they’ll require longer cooking times to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
How long can I store leftover chicken and waffles?
Very! Leftover fried chicken can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As for the waffles, it’s a good idea to separate them with parchment paper before storing to prevent them from sticking together. When ready to enjoy, just reheat the chicken in the oven or a frying pan to restore its crispy finish!
Can I freeze chicken and waffles?
Absolutely, both components freeze well! To freeze chicken, wrap each piece individually in foil or freezer bags, ensuring they are airtight to prevent freezer burn. For waffles, place them in a freezer-safe bag, layering parchment paper between them to avoid sticking. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When it’s time to eat, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until crispy again. Toast the waffles to warm them up!
What if my fried chicken isn’t crispy?
Don’t worry! If your fried chicken turns out soggy, it could be due to a few reasons. First, make sure the oil is heated to the right temperature (350°F) before adding the chicken. If the oil is too cold, the coating will absorb more grease, causing sogginess. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this lowers the oil temperature. For extra crispiness, consider double-dipping the chicken in the buttermilk and flour mixture before frying!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Yes, definitely! If you’re serving this Chicken and Waffles recipe to guests with dietary restrictions, be mindful of the potential for gluten in the all-purpose flour. You can easily substitute with a gluten-free flour blend. For those with dairy allergies, try using non-dairy milk mixed with vinegar as a buttermilk alternative. Always check for hot sauce ingredients if you cater to varying spice preferences, as some brands contain gluten or other allergens.
How should I handle leftover spicy honey butter sauce?
Great question! Any leftover spicy honey butter sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just pour it into an airtight container, and when you’re ready to use it again, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. This delicious sauce is perfect for drizzling over pancakes or biscuits too!
Ultimate Chicken and Waffles Recipe with Spicy Honey Twist
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper. Submerge the chicken thighs in this mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and transfer to a shallow dish for easy dredging.
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot, filling it about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F, keeping a thermometer handy to ensure the right frying temperature.
- Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Coat each piece in the flour mixture thoroughly, then for extra crispiness, dip it back into the buttermilk and re-coat with flour.
- Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on a wire rack to keep it crispy.
- In a small saucepan, whisk together honey, melted butter, cayenne, and a pinch of salt. Heat gently until simmering, stirring occasionally to combine into a luscious sauce.
- While the chicken is frying, cook waffles in a waffle iron according to your favorite recipe until they are golden brown and fluffy. Allow to cool briefly on a wire rack.
- On a plate, lay down a waffle and top it generously with the fried chicken. Drizzle with the sweet honey butter sauce and garnish with fresh thyme. Serve immediately for the best experience.