The Most Soul-Satisfying Chicken and Waffles Recipe Ever

Southern kitchens have perfected this delectable chicken and waffles combination that blends crispy textures with sweet and savory notes.

Comfort food reaches new heights when golden-brown fried chicken meets fluffy waffles fresh from the griddle.

Regional culinary traditions merge in this mouthwatering dish that promises pure satisfaction.

Crisp chicken skin contrasts beautifully with warm, butter-kissed waffles drizzled in maple syrup.

Regional chefs have long celebrated this unique pairing that originated in African American soul food culture.

Weekend brunch enthusiasts understand how this classic combination can elevate any morning meal.

Dare you to experience the ultimate comfort food that will revolutionize your breakfast routine?

Best Pairings For Chicken And Waffles

• Sip Sweet Southern Bourbon: Pair this classic dish with a smooth bourbon like Maker's Mark, which complements the crispy chicken's richness and cuts through the waffle's sweetness.
• Match Tangy Craft Beer: Choose a hoppy pale ale or wheat beer from a local brewery to balance the chicken's spicy breading and refresh your palate between bites.
• Contrast with Sparkling Lemonade: Create a zesty non-alcoholic option that provides a bright, citrusy counterpoint to the hearty chicken and dense waffles, cleansing your taste buds with each sip.
• Enhance with Maple Whiskey Cocktail: Blend maple syrup, whiskey, and a dash of bitters to echo the waffle's classic maple flavor while adding a sophisticated adult twist to this comfort food classic.

Tasty Variations Of Chicken And Waffles

• Southern Spice Boost: Enhance the flour mixture with smoked paprika, dried thyme, and a pinch of brown sugar for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Honey Drizzle Upgrade: Create a golden honey-hot sauce glaze to drizzle over the crispy chicken and waffles, adding a sweet and tangy finish.
• Herb-Infused Waffle Remix: Mix fresh chopped rosemary and chives directly into the waffle batter for an aromatic herbal kick that complements the savory chicken.
• Buttermilk Pickle Brine Alternative: Replace standard buttermilk marinade with tangy pickle juice for an extra zingy and tender chicken preparation method.

FAQs About Chicken And Waffles You’ll Love

• What makes this chicken marinade special?

The buttermilk and hot sauce combination tenderizes the chicken while adding incredible flavor depth, making the meat juicy and ensuring a more delicious final result.

• Can I adjust the spice level in the seasoned flour?

Absolutely! You can increase or decrease cayenne pepper to match your personal heat preference. Start with a small amount and gradually add more if you want extra spiciness.

• Why do I need to press the chicken into the flour mixture?

Pressing helps the seasoned flour adhere firmly to the chicken, creating a crispier, more even coating that will give you that perfect crunchy exterior when fried.

• Is buttermilk really necessary for this recipe?

Yes! Buttermilk helps break down chicken proteins, making the meat more tender and helping the flour mixture stick better, which results in a crispier texture compared to using regular milk.

Why Chicken And Waffles Is A Sweet-Savory Favorite

• Elevate Comfort Food: This chicken and waffles recipe transforms classic comfort cuisine into a gourmet experience with its perfectly spiced, crispy chicken and delectable flavor profile.
• Quick Marinating Magic: The buttermilk and hot sauce marinade tenderizes the chicken, ensuring juicy, flavorful meat that takes minimal prep time while delivering maximum taste impact.
• Customize Your Spice Level: With the option to add hot sauce and adjust cayenne pepper, home cooks can personalize the heat intensity to match their family's taste preferences, making it versatile for different palates.
• Foolproof Coating Technique: The seasoned flour mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika creates a foolproof method for achieving a golden, crispy exterior that guarantees restaurant-quality fried chicken at home.

All You Need For Chicken And Waffles

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy flavor, choose full-fat for best results.
• Hot Sauce: Provides optional heat and extra zest, adjust according to spice preference.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates crispy exterior for chicken, use fresh and sifted for smooth coating.
• Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth to seasoning blend.
• Onion Powder: Enhances overall flavor profile of chicken coating.
• Paprika: Provides subtle warmth and beautiful reddish color to flour mixture.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out chicken's natural flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds classic spicy undertone to seasoning.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces optional intense heat to coating.

• Chicken: Main protein of the dish, use bone-in or boneless pieces depending on preference, fresh and high-quality chicken recommended.

How To Make Chicken And Waffles At Home

Marinate The Chicken

Grab your favorite buttermilk and add a splash of hot sauce for extra kick. Submerge the chicken pieces completely in the tangy marinade. Let the chicken chill and absorb those delicious flavors in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or overnight if you want maximum taste explosion.

Prepare Crispy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Whisk these spices together until they’re perfectly blended, creating a magical coating that will make your chicken irresistibly crunchy.

Dredge The Chicken

Pull the chicken out of its marinade bath, letting excess liquid drip away. Carefully roll each piece through the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure every nook and cranny gets a generous coating. Make sure each piece is completely covered in the spicy, crispy layer that will transform into a golden, crunchy exterior when fried.

Pro Tips For Chicken And Waffles Success

• Boost Buttermilk Flavor: Add extra hot sauce or a splash of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for a more intense, zesty kick that penetrates the chicken deeply.
• Perfect Flour Coating Technique: Press the seasoned flour mixture firmly onto the chicken to create a thick, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and adds extra crunch.
• Maximize Marination Time: Let the chicken sit in buttermilk overnight for the most tender, juicy meat that's packed with flavor and softness.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper in the flour mixture to control the heat – reduce for mild, increase for a spicier chicken that packs a punch.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make this recipe accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.

How To Store Chicken And Waffles Without Hassle

• Refrigerate leftover chicken and waffles in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Separate the waffles from the chicken to prevent sogginess and maintain their crispy texture.
• Reheat chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to restore its crunchiness.
• Waffles can be quickly warmed in a toaster or toaster oven for the best results.
• Avoid microwaving, which can make the chicken rubbery and the waffles soft.
• For longer storage, freeze the chicken and waffles separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when reheating to maintain food safety.

Chicken And Waffles Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Southern chicken nestles perfectly atop golden Belgian waffles in this classic comfort dish. Rich maple syrup and perfectly seasoned meat create a soul-warming meal that brings pure culinary joy to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Breading:

• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Waffles:

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) milk
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Serving:

• Maple syrup or honey
• Butter (optional, for the waffles)
• Hot sauce (optional, for extra spice)

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Instructions

1. Pour buttermilk and hot sauce into a spacious mixing container, submerging chicken pieces completely to infuse deep, tangy flavors throughout the meat.
2. Seal the marinating container and refrigerate, allowing chicken to absorb the zesty liquid for a minimum of 60 minutes, with extended overnight marination producing optimal tenderness.
3. Craft a robust seasoning blend by thoroughly combining flour with aromatic garlic powder, pungent onion powder, vibrant paprika, mineral salt, freshly ground black pepper, and fiery cayenne pepper.
4. Extract chicken pieces from the buttermilk bath, carefully allowing excess liquid to cascade off each morsel, ensuring a clean coating surface.
5. Methodically dredge each chicken piece through the seasoned flour mixture, applying firm pressure to create a comprehensive, textured exterior that will transform into a crispy golden shell during cooking.
6. Gently pat and press the flour coating, guaranteeing maximum adherence and an even distribution of spices across the chicken’s surface.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, allowing buttermilk to tenderize meat and hot sauce to add subtle heat.
• Use a wire rack when dredging chicken to ensure even coating and prevent flour clumping, creating crispier exterior.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain crispy texture.
• Experiment with spice blend by adding smoked paprika or replacing cayenne with chipotle powder for a smoky, complex flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 678
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg