Description
Southern fried chicken and waffles is the ultimate comfort food combination. Juicy, crispy fried chicken is paired with fluffy golden waffles and topped with a drizzle of syrup or honey butter for a sweet-and-savory masterpiece perfect for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the fried chicken:
- 6–8 chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the waffles:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups (420 ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For serving:
- Maple syrup
- Honey butter (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the chicken:
- Marinate the chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for more flavor.
- Coat the chicken:
- In a large shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and dredge in the seasoned flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to create a thick coating.
- Fry the chicken:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
Prepare the waffles:
- Make the waffle batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Cook the waffles:
- Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with non-stick spray or butter. Pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden and crisp.
Assemble and serve:
- Plate the dish:
- Place a waffle on a plate and top with a piece of fried chicken. Drizzle with maple syrup and serve with honey butter, if desired.
Notes
- For a sweeter waffle, increase the sugar to 2–3 tablespoons.
- If you prefer extra-crispy chicken, double-dip the chicken in the buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.