Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! If there’s one dish that truly embodies the magic of sweet and savory, breakfast and dinner, and pure indulgence all in one, it’s Chicken & Waffles. That perfect combination of juicy, crispy fried chicken and light, fluffy waffles, often drizzled with golden syrup, is a culinary dream come true. It’s a Southern classic that has captured hearts (and appetites!) far and wide, and today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for making this iconic duo right in your own kitchen.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore Chicken & Waffles because it’s a dish that perfectly balances contrasting textures and flavors. The buttermilk-marinated chicken is incredibly tender and flavorful, frying up to a beautiful golden crisp. The waffles are light and fluffy, providing the ideal sweet counterpart. It’s a meal that feels incredibly special and indulgent, yet it’s surprisingly achievable at home, making it perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch, a fun family dinner, or whenever you’re craving some serious comfort food. It’s truly a celebration on a plate!

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic Classic Chicken & Waffles:

For the Chicken:

• 4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for extra juiciness, about 1.5-2 lbs total)
• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating the chicken)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for coating the chicken)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (adds a hint of smokiness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (enhances flavor)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Oil for frying (such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)

For the Waffles:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (creates a fluffy texture)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (adds sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder (provides lift)
• ½ teaspoon salt (balances flavors)
• 1 ¾ cups milk (for moisture)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted (adds richness and flavor)
• 2 large eggs (helps with structure)
• Optional: Maple syrup or hot honey for drizzling, extra butter for serving

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken Cut: While bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are recommended for maximum juiciness and flavor, you can use boneless, skinless thighs or even drumsticks. Cooking times will vary. For quicker frying, you could also use chicken tenders, similar to how they’re prepared in my Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders.
• Buttermilk: Marinating in buttermilk is crucial for tenderizing the chicken and helping the breading stick. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then filling the rest with regular milk to equal 1 cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Flour Coating: The combination of flour, paprika, and garlic powder creates a flavorful and crispy crust. A pinch of cayenne pepper can be added for a subtle kick.
• Waffle Flour: All-purpose flour yields a fluffy waffle. For a slightly different texture, you can experiment with a portion of whole wheat flour.
• Waffle Fat: Melted butter adds richness. Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute if needed.
• Waffle Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the waffles to your preference.
• Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper for both the chicken and the waffle batter.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight (up to 8 hours). This tenderizes the chicken and makes it extra juicy.
2. Prepare Chicken Breading: In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, a generous pinch of salt, and black pepper.
3. Dredge Chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off slightly (do not rinse). Dredge each piece of chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating. Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet while you heat the oil.
4. Heat Oil for Frying: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, pour about 2-3 inches of oil for frying. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
5. Fry Chicken: Carefully place 2 pieces of breaded chicken into the hot oil (do not overcrowd the pot; cook in batches if necessary). Fry for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C when measured with an instant-read thermometer). Remove the fried chicken to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil. Season lightly with a little more salt immediately after frying. Keep warm in a low oven while you prepare the waffles.
6. Make Waffle Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the waffles: 2 cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
7. Combine Wet Ingredients for Waffles: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and large eggs until well combined.
8. Mix Waffle Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Whisk until just combined. A few lumps are okay; do not overmix, as this can lead to tough waffles.
9. Cook Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the waffle iron grids if necessary. Pour the appropriate amount of batter onto the hot waffle iron (usually about ½ to ¾ cup per standard waffle). Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, and steam stops escaping.
10. Serve: Plate the crispy fried chicken alongside hot, fluffy waffles. Drizzle generously with maple syrup or hot honey. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Marinate Chicken Long Enough: The buttermilk marinade is key for tender, juicy chicken. Don’t skip this step!
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Using a thermometer to keep your oil between 350-375°F ($175-190^\\circ\\text{C}$) is crucial for crispy, non-greasy fried chicken.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Fry chicken in batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much, which leads to soggy chicken.
• Pat Chicken Dry (before breading): This helps the breading adhere better and creates a crispier crust.
• Don’t Overmix Waffle Batter: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough waffles. Mix until just combined.
• Serve Immediately: Chicken & Waffles are best enjoyed hot and fresh. The chicken will be crispiest and the waffles fluffiest.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Chicken & Waffles is a complete, indulgent meal, perfect for brunch or dinner. However, here are some ideas to complement it:

• Maple Syrup or Hot Honey: Absolutely essential for that classic sweet and savory drizzle.
• Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh berries or sliced fruit can add a light, refreshing contrast.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad could balance the richness, similar to how it works with my Light Tangy Chicken Salad (with no mayo in sight!).
• Beverages: Coffee, orange juice, or even a refreshing glass of sweet tea.
• Other Comfort Foods: If you love hearty chicken dishes, you might also enjoy my Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo or my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Chicken & Waffles are best enjoyed fresh. The fried chicken’s crispness and the waffles’ fluffiness are at their peak then. Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To re-crisp, place in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes. Leftover waffles can be stored similarly and reheated in a toaster or waffle iron for crispness.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the incredible flavor and satisfaction of this Chicken & Waffles, and you’re a fan of delicious chicken dishes or comforting meals, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other popular recipes:

• For an easy and cheesy chicken dish, perfect for sliders, try my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
• If you’re a fan of convenient, all-in-one dishes that are great for sharing, my Sheet Pan Quesadillas are always a winner!

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Final Thoughts

Chicken & Waffles is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings pure joy and indulgence to your table. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory, crispy and tender, making it an unforgettable dish. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with this iconic comfort food!

What are your favorite sweet and savory food combinations? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.