Few dishes embody Southern comfort quite like chicken and waffles. Golden, crispy fried chicken paired with fluffy, buttery waffles creates the perfect balance of savory and sweet. Whether drizzled with maple syrup or topped with fresh parsley, this dish is a showstopper for brunch, family dinners, or casual gatherings.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Fluffy Combo—Crunchy chicken meets soft, golden waffles.
- Crowd‑Pleaser – Perfect for brunch tables or cozy family dinners.
- Customizable—easy to adapt for gluten‑free, spicy, or even vegan versions.
- Nostalgic Charm—A Southern classic that feels both comforting and celebratory.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken
- 8 chicken drumettes or 4 boneless thighs (cut into 8 pieces)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all‑purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Waffles
- 1 ½ cups all‑purpose flour
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 1 ¼ cups whole milk
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Serving
- Maple syrup, butter, or fresh parsley (optional)
- Suggested sides: coleslaw, fruit salad
- Suggested drinks: iced tea, orange juice
👩🍳 Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken—Whisk buttermilk and egg in a bowl. Add chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 1–8 hours.
- Prepare the Coating—Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Taste and adjust seasoning. Coat chicken pieces thoroughly.
- Fry the Chicken—Heat 1 inch of oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches: 6–8 minutes per side for drumettes, 4–5 minutes for thighs. Cook until golden and the internal temp reaches 165°F. Drain on a wire rack.
- Make the Waffle Batter – Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Cook the Waffles—Preheat the waffle iron, grease lightly, and pour ½ cup batter per waffle. Cook 3–5 minutes until golden. Keep warm in a 200°F oven if needed.
- Serve & Enjoy—Place a waffle on a plate, top with 2 pieces of fried chicken, drizzle with syrup, and garnish with parsley.
💡 Tips for Success
- Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour for tenderness.
- Keep oil at 350°F for crispy, non‑greasy chicken.
- Preheat waffle iron fully for golden, crisp waffles.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
- Present on a white ceramic plate for a vibrant, Southern‑style aesthetic.
🔄 Variations & Customization
- Gluten‑Free – Use gluten‑free flour and baking powder.
- Low‑Fat – Bake chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes instead of frying.
- Spicy Kick – Add hot sauce to the marinade or increase cayenne.
- Herbed—Mix thyme or rosemary into the coating.
- Vegan—Swap chicken for breaded tofu, and use plant‑based milk, butter, and applesauce in waffles.
- Sweet Potato Waffles – Replace ½ cup flour with mashed sweet potato.
- Honey Butter—Serve with whipped honey butter instead of syrup.
- Breakfast Twist – Top with a fried egg for extra indulgence.
🧊 Storage & Serving Tips
- Store—Keep chicken and waffles separate in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheat—Warm chicken in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes; reheat waffles in a toaster or oven.
- Freeze—Store separately for up to 2 months; thaw in fridge before reheating.
- Serve Warm—Best enjoyed hot for maximum crispiness and flavor.
📊 Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Fat: 32g (12g saturated)
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 820mg
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 8 g
- Protein: 30g
- Rich in calcium and iron
🏆 Conclusion
This Chicken and Waffles recipe is the ultimate comfort food—crispy, golden chicken paired with fluffy waffles, drizzled with syrup for that sweet‑savory magic. Easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always crowd‑pleasing, it’s a dish that brings warmth, nostalgia, and Southern charm to any table.
