If you're craving comfort food with the perfect balance of savory and sweet, look no further than chicken and waffles! This iconic dish combines crispy fried chicken with soft, fluffy waffles for a meal that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Ready to impress your family or guests? Keep reading to discover the ultimate chicken and waffles recipe, complete with helpful tips, variations, and common mistakes to avoid!
What Are Chicken and Waffles?
Chicken and waffles is a popular dish that originated in the Southern United States, pairing juicy fried chicken with golden, buttery waffles. The dish is often served with syrup, honey, or gravy, blending flavors of sweet and savory into a mouthwatering experience. It's a meal that feels indulgent, but it's also incredibly satisfying and versatile.
Ingredients List for Chicken
To make the best fried chicken for your chicken and waffles, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating the chicken)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Ingredients List for Waffles
The waffles are just as important as the chicken in this dish! Here’s what you'll need to make light and fluffy waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to get creative with your chicken and waffles recipe! Here are some popular substitutions and variations:
- Chicken cuts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer a lighter meal, or swap the chicken for tenders for quicker cooking.
- Waffle types: Instead of classic waffles, you can use whole wheat or even cornbread waffles for a more unique flavor.
- Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for both the chicken dredge and waffle batter.
- Spices: Adjust the seasoning of your chicken by adding different spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or even curry powder.
- Frying alternatives: For a healthier option, try air-frying or baking the chicken instead of deep-frying.
- Vegan waffles: If you're serving vegetarians or vegans, use plant-based milk and a flax egg substitute to make vegan waffles.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get started? Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your perfect chicken and waffles dish.
1. Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken thighs (or breasts) in a large bowl and cover them with buttermilk.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the buttermilk and stir.
- Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight. This helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
2. Prepare the Waffle Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine. Set the batter aside while you prepare the chicken.
3. Dredge the Chicken
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and let any excess liquid drip off.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it's evenly coated on all sides.
4. Fry the Chicken
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. The oil should reach around 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, skin-side down. Fry for 6-8 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Cook the Waffles
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Lightly grease the waffle iron with non-stick spray or butter.
- Pour the waffle batter onto the iron, spreading it evenly (usually about ½ cup per waffle, depending on the size of your waffle iron).
- Cook the waffles until golden brown and crisp, typically 3-5 minutes per waffle.
How to Cook Chicken and Waffles: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Marinate the chicken: The buttermilk marinade ensures juicy, flavorful chicken.
- Prepare the waffle batter: Simple ingredients create light and fluffy waffles.
- Dredge and season the chicken: The seasoned flour adds a crispy, flavorful coating.
- Fry the chicken: Ensure even frying by maintaining a consistent oil temperature.
- Cook the waffles: Golden waffles are essential for the perfect texture and flavor combination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the marinade: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk makes a huge difference in tenderness and flavor. Don't skip this step!
- Overcrowding the pan: When frying the chicken, don't overcrowd the skillet. Too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, unevenly cooked chicken.
- Overmixing the waffle batter: Stir the waffle batter until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense, chewy waffles instead of light and fluffy ones.
- Not preheating the waffle iron: Always preheat your waffle iron so that the waffles cook evenly and crisp up perfectly.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your chicken and waffles are ready, the fun begins! Here are some ideas for serving and presenting your dish like a pro.
How to Serve Chicken and Waffles
- Syrup or honey: A drizzle of maple syrup or honey adds the perfect touch of sweetness to your savory chicken.
- Hot sauce: For those who like a bit of heat, serve your chicken and waffles with hot sauce on the side.
- Butter: A pat of butter on top of the waffle will melt beautifully and enhance the flavor.
- Gravy: Southern-style gravy is a fantastic option if you prefer a richer, more savory meal.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken and Waffles
- Stack it up: Place the waffle on the plate first, and then stack the fried chicken on top. Finish with a drizzle of syrup or honey for a visually appealing presentation.
- Serve family-style: If you're feeding a crowd, serve the waffles and fried chicken on separate platters, allowing everyone to build their own perfect plate.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Chicken and Waffles Recipe Tips
- Use a meat thermometer: This ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked without cutting into it. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Keep the waffles warm: If you're making multiple batches, keep cooked waffles warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while you finish frying the chicken.
- Double the recipe: This recipe is easy to scale up if you're serving a larger group, so don’t be afraid to double or triple it for gatherings!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make chicken and waffles ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the chicken and waffles in advance and reheat them when ready to serve. Store fried chicken in the fridge and reheat in the oven to keep it crispy. Waffles can be frozen and reheated in a toaster.
Q: What sides go well with chicken and waffles?
A: Chicken and waffles are often served as a standalone dish, but you can pair them with sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or sautéed greens for a complete meal.
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
A: Yes, baking is a great alternative! Coat the chicken with the same seasoning, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: Can I use frozen waffles?
A: While homemade waffles are best, frozen waffles can be a convenient option. Just toast them up before serving with the fried chicken.
Conclusion
Chicken and waffles is a classic dish that offers the best of both worlds—crispy, savory fried chicken paired with sweet, fluffy waffles. Whether you’re enjoying it for brunch, dinner, or a special weekend treat, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With these step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations, you're well on your way to mastering this Southern comfort food favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up your waffle iron, and get ready to savor every bite of this irresistible combination!
Now that you're equipped with everything you need, it's time to dive into the kitchen and give this chicken and waffles recipe a try. Enjoy!
PrintChicken And Waffles Recipe
This Chicken and Waffles recipe pairs crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles, combining sweet and savory flavors. The perfect balance of crunch and softness makes this dish a favorite for brunch or dinner. Serve with syrup or gravy for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Brunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying, Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: Southern, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- For Chicken:
- Boneless chicken breasts
- Buttermilk
- Flour
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Oil for frying
- For Waffles:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Sugar
- Salt
- Eggs
- Milk
- Butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Mix flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Dredge chicken in seasoned flour.
- Heat oil in a skillet, fry chicken until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Make the Waffles: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, and melted butter, then mix with dry ingredients until smooth.
- Cook the waffle batter in a preheated waffle iron until golden and crisp.
- Serve fried chicken on top of waffles, with syrup or gravy as desired
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for more tenderness.
- Customize waffle batter with vanilla extract or cinnamon for added flavor.
- Serve with hot sauce for a spicy kick!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (1 waffle + 1 piece of chicken)
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1200mg
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