Chicken and waffles – the perfect combination of savory and sweet, crispy and fluffy, is a Southern-inspired comfort food that has taken the culinary world by storm. Whether you're serving it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, this dish never disappoints. In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know to make the ultimate chicken and waffles recipe at home. We’ll cover the ingredients, variations, step-by-step instructions, and even some pro tips for the perfect presentation. Read on to discover how to create a restaurant-worthy dish that will wow your friends and family!
What are Chicken and Waffles?
Chicken and waffles is a dish that pairs crispy fried chicken with golden, fluffy waffles, often topped with butter, syrup, and sometimes even hot sauce. This dish blends the richness of Southern fried chicken with the light sweetness of waffles, making it a popular choice for those who crave both sweet and savory flavors in one bite. The contrast of textures—the crunchy chicken and the airy waffles—creates an explosion of taste that is hard to resist.
Now that you know what this dish is all about, let's dive into the ingredients you'll need to make the best chicken and waffles you've ever tasted!
Ingredients List for Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make crispy, juicy fried chicken for your chicken and waffles dish:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if you prefer)
- 2 cups buttermilk (for marinating the chicken)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Vegetable oil or peanut oil (for frying)
For the Chicken Breading:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps create a crispier crust)
The combination of seasonings and buttermilk marinade gives the chicken its mouthwatering flavor and makes it tender and juicy on the inside while ensuring a crispy, golden exterior when fried. Panko breadcrumbs and cornstarch add extra crunch, giving the chicken the perfect texture to complement the soft waffles.
Ingredients List for Waffles
Now, let’s talk about the waffle part of this dish. A good waffle should be crispy on the outside but light and fluffy on the inside. Here are the ingredients you need to achieve that:
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups whole milk (or buttermilk for extra flavor)
- ½ cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings:
- Butter (to melt over the waffles)
- Maple syrup (for drizzling)
- Honey (optional, for a sweeter finish)
- Hot sauce (optional, if you like a spicy kick)
These simple ingredients will help you create waffles that are light and airy on the inside but slightly crisp on the outside, the perfect base for the savory fried chicken.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to change things up or have dietary preferences? Here are a few substitution and variation ideas to tailor this chicken and waffles recipe to your taste.
- Chicken Thighs Substitutions: You can use chicken breasts for a leaner option or even chicken tenders for a quicker meal. For a healthier alternative, try oven-baked or air-fried chicken instead of deep-frying.
- Buttermilk Alternatives: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can use Greek yogurt thinned with a bit of water or milk.
- Waffle Variations: Try adding cornmeal to your waffle batter for a Southern twist or mixing in cheddar cheese and chopped green onions for a savory waffle option. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour.
- Topping Options: In addition to the classic maple syrup and butter, consider trying spicy honey, fruit compotes, or even a syrup-butter-hot sauce blend for an elevated twist on the classic toppings.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down the steps to ensure you get the best results. Follow these instructions carefully, and you’ll have a dish that will impress everyone at the table!
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating your chicken thighs. In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge the chicken thighs in the buttermilk mixture, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Waffle Batter
While your chicken is marinating, prepare your waffle batter. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your waffles could turn out dense.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
When the chicken is done marinating, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and dredge it in the seasoned flour. For an extra crispy coating, dip the chicken back in the buttermilk, then in the panko breadcrumbs mixed with cornstarch.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat your oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for about 10-12 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Place the fried chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep it crispy.
Step 5: Cook the Waffles
While the chicken is frying, heat your waffle iron. Pour the waffle batter into the waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Keep the waffles warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 200°F).
How to Cook Chicken and Waffles: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Marinate chicken: Let the chicken sit in buttermilk for a minimum of 2 hours to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Prepare the waffle batter: Combine dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing them together to avoid overworking the batter.
- Bread the chicken: Use seasoned flour and panko breadcrumbs for a crisp, flavorful crust.
- Fry the chicken: Fry in hot oil, ensuring the chicken is crispy and cooked through.
- Cook the waffles: Use a hot waffle iron to ensure they are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
- Assemble and serve: Layer the chicken on top of the waffles, drizzle with maple syrup or hot sauce, and serve immediately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not marinating the chicken long enough: Skipping the buttermilk marination will result in less flavorful and tougher chicken.
- Overmixing the waffle batter: This can lead to tough, dense waffles instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Using cold oil: If the frying oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Not draining the chicken: Be sure to drain the fried chicken on a rack to maintain its crispiness.
Serving and Presentation Tips
The way you serve and present your chicken and waffles can take the dish to the next level. Consider the following ideas:
How to Serve Chicken and Waffles
- Stack it up: Serve one or two pieces of chicken on top of the waffles for a visually appealing dish.
- Serve family-style: Put a platter of waffles and fried chicken on the table and let everyone create their own plate.
- Drizzle sauce: Present with maple syrup, butter, and hot sauce on the side, or drizzle over the top for a visually appealing finish.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken and Waffles
- Garnish with herbs: Fresh parsley or green onions can add a pop of color to your dish.
- Add color with fruit: Serve with a side of fresh fruit like berries or orange slices to contrast the savory chicken.
- Use fun plates: A colorful or rustic plate can add to the charm of this Southern dish.
Chicken and Waffles Recipe Tips
- Keep your waffles warm: Cook waffles ahead of time and keep them in the oven so everything is hot and ready at once.
- Double dip the chicken: For extra-crispy chicken, dip it twice in the flour and panko mixture.
- Experiment with flavors: Try adding different spices to your waffle batter or chicken seasoning to put your own twist on the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can fry the chicken ahead of time and reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Q: Can I use frozen waffles?
A: While homemade waffles are best, frozen waffles can be a time-saving option. Just be sure to toast them until they are crispy.
Q: What type of syrup works best?
A: Maple syrup is the classic choice, but honey or spicy syrup also pairs well with chicken and waffles.
Conclusion
Chicken and waffles combine the best of both worlds—crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles—making it an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. With the right ingredients, techniques, and presentation, you can make this iconic dish in the comfort of your own home. Try it today and experience the sweet and savory magic that is chicken and waffles!
PrintChicken And Waffles Recipe
This Chicken and Waffles recipe combines crispy fried chicken with fluffy, golden waffles, making it the perfect sweet and savory comfort dish. Fried chicken seasoned to perfection and buttermilk waffles offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Breakfast
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk, salt, pepper, and paprika for at least 1 hour.
- Mix flour, garlic powder, and onion powder for dredging.
- Heat oil in a pan, coat chicken in flour mixture, and fry until golden brown (165°F internal temperature).
- For waffles, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter. Combine and cook batter in a waffle iron until golden brown.
- Serve the crispy chicken atop the waffles, optionally drizzled with maple syrup.
Notes
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Serve with hot sauce or honey butter for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with 1 waffle
- Calories: 640 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 890mg
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