Sweet & Savory Chicken And Waffles Recipe – Brunch Perfection

Southern comfort shines through this delectable chicken and waffles creation that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.

Crispy golden chicken meets fluffy waffle perfection in a match made in culinary heaven.

Unexpected flavor combinations often become legendary dishes, and this recipe proves exactly that point.

Generations have savored these magical plates across the southern United States.

Brunch enthusiasts know this dish delivers serious satisfaction without complicated preparation.

Maple syrup drizzled over crunchy chicken creates a sweet-and-savory symphony you’ll crave repeatedly.

Dive into this simple yet spectacular meal that promises to become your new weekend favorite.

FAQs

• How do I ensure my chicken stays juicy?

Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least an hour before frying. The buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and keeps it moist during cooking.

• What's the secret to crispy chicken coating?

Use seasoned flour and make sure oil is hot enough before adding chicken. Shake off excess flour and fry until golden brown for maximum crunch.

• Can I make waffles ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare waffles in advance and reheat them in a toaster or oven. They’ll maintain their crispy texture if warmed properly.

• What type of oil works best for frying chicken?

Vegetable or canola oil are ideal for frying chicken. They have high smoke points and neutral flavors that won’t overpower the seasoning.

What Makes Chicken And Waffles a Classic Combo

• Savor Decadent Layers: Indulge in a rich dessert featuring multiple delicious layers of buttery cake and gooey caramel that create an irresistible texture and flavor combination.
• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and dessert parties where guests will love the sweet and salty profile that appeals to diverse taste preferences.
• Master Simple Baking Technique: Requires basic mixing skills and minimal kitchen equipment, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows creative additions like chocolate chips, nuts, or different types of salt to personalize the bars and match individual taste preferences.

Ingredients for Chicken And Waffles

• Chicken: A tender protein that becomes crispy and flavorful when marinated and fried.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the foundation and structure for light and fluffy waffles.
• Eggs: Bind the waffle ingredients and add richness to the batter.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth waffle texture.
• Butter: Contributes a rich, creamy flavor and helps with waffle browning.

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds tangy flavor during marination.
• Flour: Creates a crispy, golden coating for the fried chicken.
• Seasoning: Adds depth and enhances the overall taste of the chicken.
• Baking Powder: Helps waffles rise and become light and airy.
• Sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness to the waffle batter.

• Syrup, Butter: Add extra flavor and richness to the final dish.

How to Make Chicken And Waffles

Step 1: Prepare Buttermilk Marinade

Mix buttermilk with your favorite seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Submerge chicken pieces completely in the marinade.

Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating

Combine all-purpose flour with additional spices such as cayenne, onion powder, and dried herbs.

Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 3: Fry Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or dutch oven to 350°F. Carefully place coated chicken pieces into hot oil.

Fry until exterior turns deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and drain on wire rack or paper towels.

Step 4: Whip Up Fluffy Waffles

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Whole milk
• Melted butter

Whisk ingredients until smooth. Pour batter into preheated waffle iron and cook until edges are crisp and center is tender.

Step 5: Assemble Southern Comfort Dish

Place crispy golden waffles on plate. Top with hot fried chicken.

Drizzle with maple syrup or add a pat of softened butter. Serve immediately for maximum deliciousness.

Pro Tips for Chicken And Waffles

• Tenderize chicken by marinating longer than an hour for maximum flavor absorption and juiciness.
• Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe, perfectly cooked meat.
• Choose a high-smoke-point oil like peanut or canola for crispy, evenly fried chicken without burning.
• Experiment with waffle batter by adding vanilla extract or cinnamon for enhanced taste and aroma.
• Allow chicken to rest on a wire rack after frying to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy texture.

Flavor Variations for Chicken And Waffles

• Southern Spice Storm: Infuse the buttermilk marinade with cayenne, paprika, and hot sauce for a fiery chicken kick that electrifies traditional chicken and waffles.
• Maple Bacon Bliss: Crumble crispy bacon into waffle batter and drizzle pure maple syrup over the chicken for a rich, smoky flavor profile that elevates the classic dish.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for the chicken coating and waffles, making this southern favorite accessible to gluten-sensitive food lovers.
• Herbed Chicken Waffle: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage to the chicken marinade and waffle batter, creating an aromatic and sophisticated version of the traditional recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken And Waffles

• Southern Brunch Extravaganza: Stack crispy golden chicken on warm waffles, drizzle with maple syrup, and sprinkle with chopped chives for a vibrant breakfast centerpiece.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Pack chicken and waffles separately in a portable container, include small syrup containers for dipping, and enjoy a delightful outdoor meal with friends.
• Gourmet Game Day Twist: Create mini waffle sliders by cutting waffles into smaller rounds, topping with chicken, and adding a dollop of hot honey or spicy aioli for extra kick.
• Family Style Feast: Arrange chicken and waffles on a large wooden board, scatter fresh herbs, offer multiple dipping sauces like ranch and honey mustard, encouraging interactive family dining.

How to Store Chicken And Waffles

• Store marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, keeping flavors sealed and chicken fresh.
• Wrap breaded, uncooked chicken pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for up to 3 months, preserving crispy coating potential.
• Keep leftover waffles in sealed containers at room temperature for 1-2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days, reheating in toaster for crisp texture.
• Separate chicken and waffles in different containers to maintain crispiness, reassembling and reheating separately when ready to enjoy again.

Chicken And Waffles Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful chicken and waffles blend Southern comfort with crispy fried chicken atop golden waffles. Maple syrup and butter elevate this classic dish, inviting you to savor a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk (480 ml)
• 1/2 cup butter (113 g), melted
• 2 tbsps sugar
• 2 tsps baking powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Immerse chicken pieces in seasoned buttermilk marinade, refrigerating for minimum 60 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
2. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then thoroughly coat each piece with well-seasoned flour mixture.
3. Heat oil to 350°F in deep skillet or fryer, carefully lowering chicken pieces to prevent oil splatter, and fry until exterior turns deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. While chicken fries, prepare waffle batter by whisking dry and wet ingredients until smooth, avoiding overmixing to maintain light texture.
5. Preheat waffle iron to medium-high setting, generously greasing surfaces to prevent sticking, and pour batter to create crisp, golden waffles.
6. Drain fried chicken on wire rack or paper towels to maintain crispiness and remove excess oil.
7. Plate waffles and arrange hot, crispy chicken directly on top, drizzling with warm maple syrup or adding a pat of melted butter for classic southern-style presentation.

Notes

• Buttermilk marinade tenderizes chicken, infusing deep flavor and ensuring juicy meat throughout the cooking process.
• Seasoning the flour mixture adds extra layers of taste, creating a more complex and exciting coating for the crispy chicken.
• Allow chicken to rest after frying to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent soggy breading.
• Try maple-hot sauce blend for a sweet and spicy twist that elevates the classic chicken and waffles combination.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg