Name: Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk; 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional); 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Vegetable oil (for frying); 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 3/4 cups (420ml) milk; 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Maple syrup or honey; Butter (optional, for the waffles); Hot sauce (optional, for extra spice)

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Chicken and Waffles is the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles for a sweet and savory pairing. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this Southern-inspired dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s as indulgent as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Combination: Crispy, juicy chicken meets soft, buttery waffles.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like syrup, butter, or hot sauce.
Versatile Meal: Great for brunch, dinner, or even a special occasion.
Classic Southern Flavors: A sweet and savory comfort dish everyone loves.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

Boneless or bone-in chicken thighs or breasts
Buttermilk
All-purpose flour
Cornstarch
Paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Salt
Black pepper
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Waffles:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Sugar
Salt
Milk
Eggs
Butter (melted)
Vanilla extract

Toppings:

Maple syrup
Butter
Hot sauce
Powdered sugar (optional)

Directions

For the Chicken:

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken with buttermilk, salt, and black pepper. Let marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
Prepare the Breading: In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 8-12 minutes, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

For the Waffles:

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Cook the Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it. Cook the waffles according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden and crisp.

Assemble and Serve:

Layer the Dish: Place a waffle on a plate, top with a piece of fried chicken, and drizzle with maple syrup.
Add Toppings: Serve with additional butter, hot sauce, or powdered sugar for a customized meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (plus marinating time)

Variations

Spicy Chicken and Waffles: Add hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade or cayenne pepper to the breading for a spicy kick.
Sweet Waffles: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the waffle batter for extra sweetness.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for both the waffles and breading.
Air Fryer Option: Cook the breaded chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and waffles for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm the chicken in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness. Reheat waffles in a toaster or oven.

FAQs

1. Can I use pancake batter for the waffles?

Yes, but waffles are typically crispier and richer, so a waffle-specific batter is recommended.

2. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, or until cooked through.

3. What type of chicken is best?

Bone-in chicken has more flavor, but boneless thighs or breasts cook faster and are easier to eat.

4. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate the waffle batter for up to 24 hours, but stir before using.

5. What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal for frying chicken.

6. How do I prevent soggy waffles?

Cook the waffles until crisp and serve immediately, or keep them warm in a low oven on a wire rack.

7. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Scale up the ingredients as needed and fry the chicken in batches.

8. How do I ensure the chicken is crispy?

Make sure the oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C) and avoid overcrowding the pan.

9. Can I add cheese to the waffles?

Yes, shredded cheddar or Parmesan can be mixed into the batter for a savory twist.

10. What drinks pair well with Chicken and Waffles?

Sweet tea, lemonade, or even a light sparkling wine pair beautifully with this dish.

Conclusion

Chicken and Waffles is a timeless comfort food that’s as delicious as it is versatile. With crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles, this dish is a guaranteed hit for any meal. Try it today for a mouthwatering treat that combines sweet, savory, and crunchy in every bite!