Crispy Southern Chicken and Waffles Recipe for Brunch Magic

Southern kitchens breathe magic into this chicken and waffles recipe that blends crispy textures with unexpected comfort.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors.

Crunchy golden-brown chicken pairs magnificently with fluffy waffles, creating a memorable meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Weekend brunch becomes an extraordinary experience with these perfectly seasoned chicken pieces nestled atop warm, buttery waffles.

Crisp exterior meets soft interior, promising a delectable journey through traditional Southern cuisine.

Maple syrup drizzled generously adds a luxurious touch that connects every delicious bite.

Reasons to Enjoy Chicken and Waffles

• Elevate your weekend brunch with this mouth-watering chicken and waffles combo that brings serious Southern comfort to your table.
• Marinating chicken in buttermilk creates incredibly tender meat, while the spice blend ensures each bite delivers bold, restaurant-quality taste without complex techniques.
• Overnight marinating option lets you do most prep work in advance, making morning cooking a breeze and reducing day-of stress for busy home cooks.
• Kids and adults alike will love the crispy chicken and sweet waffle combination, transforming a potentially complicated dish into an easy, universally appealing meal that sparks joy around the dining table.

What Goes Into Chicken and Waffles

• Chicken: Tender meat that becomes crispy and flavorful when marinated and fried, preferably bone-in pieces for juiciness.

• Buttermilk, Hot Sauce: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy, spicy flavor, choose full-fat buttermilk for best results.

• All-Purpose Flour, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Creates a crispy, well-seasoned exterior for the chicken, use fresh ground spices for maximum flavor intensity.

How to Prepare Chicken and Waffles

Step 1: Prepare Seasoned Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Whisk these ingredients thoroughly in a shallow dish to ensure even distribution of spices.

Step 2: Coat The Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Carefully dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to create a complete and even coating. Make sure every part of the chicken is generously covered with the spiced flour for maximum crunch and flavor.

Good Tips for Chicken and Waffles

• Maximize Flavor Depth: Marinate chicken overnight in buttermilk and hot sauce for maximum tenderness and robust taste profile.
• Perfect Coating Technique: Press seasoned flour mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
• Adjust Spice Level: Customize cayenne pepper amount to match your heat tolerance, ranging from mild to extra spicy.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe and juicy results.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for celiac-friendly version.

Storing Chicken and Waffles for Later

• Store leftover chicken and waffles in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Separate the chicken and waffles to prevent sogginess, placing them in different compartments.
• Allow the food to cool completely to room temperature before sealing the container to prevent condensation and maintain crispiness.
• Warm chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, placing it on a wire rack to restore its crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.
• Toast waffles in a toaster or toaster oven for 2-3 minutes until they regain their original crunch. Serve immediately after reheating for the best taste and texture.

Side Ideas for Chicken and Waffles

• Amplify the chicken and waffles experience with these perfect pairings.
• Prepare a tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs to cut through the dish's richness, providing a crisp, refreshing contrast.
• Blend bourbon with honey and fresh lemon juice for a smooth, warming drink that complements the spicy chicken's bold flavors.
• Select a chilled peach iced tea or a light strawberry spritzer to balance the savory waffles and offer a sweet, cooling refreshment.

Variations on Chicken and Waffles

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken Waffles: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for coating to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Sriracha Chicken Waffles: Swap hot sauce with sriracha in marinade and add extra cayenne pepper for heat lovers seeking a more intense flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Waffle Option: Substitute traditional wheat flour waffles with cauliflower-based waffles, creating a lower-carbohydrate alternative for ketogenic diet followers.
• Dairy-Free Buttermilk Alternative: Use coconut milk mixed with apple cider vinegar as a dairy-free marinade replacement, ensuring lactose-intolerant individuals can enjoy the recipe.

Chicken and Waffles FAQs

• Why should I marinate the chicken in buttermilk?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down its proteins, making the meat more juicy and soft. The acidic nature of buttermilk also helps the seasoning penetrate deeper into the chicken.

• Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Absolutely! You can adjust the heat level by controlling the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce. Add more for extra kick or reduce/omit for a milder flavor that’s kid-friendly.

• What's the best way to get crispy chicken coating?

Press the seasoned flour mixture firmly onto the chicken, ensuring a thick, even coating. This helps create a crunchy exterior when you fry the chicken. Make sure your oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F) for perfect crispiness.

• Do I need a special type of flour for this recipe?

All-purpose flour works perfectly. There’s no need for fancy or specialized flour. The key is in the seasoning blend and how you coat the chicken.

Chicken And Waffles Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort classic Chicken and Waffles brings crispy golden chicken atop fluffy buttermilk waffles, drizzled with maple syrup. Comfort meets indulgence in this irresistible dish that speaks to soul food tradition and culinary creativity you’ll savor bite after delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 large eggs

Flour and Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour for chicken
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour for waffles
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1 ¾ cups (420 milliliters) milk
• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Maple syrup or honey
• Butter (optional, for the waffles)
• Hot sauce (optional, for extra spice)

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Instructions

1. Infuse chicken pieces with a zesty buttermilk and hot sauce bath, allowing flavors to meld in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes or ideally overnight.
2. Create a robust seasoning blend by whisking together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a wide, shallow container.
3. Extract chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to cascade off, then meticulously coat each piece in the aromatic flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure complete coverage.
4. Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to precisely 350°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for optimal crispiness.
5. Carefully lower seasoned chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, typically 12-15 minutes depending on size.
6. While chicken fries, prepare crisp, fluffy waffles using a preheated waffle iron, ensuring a golden exterior and tender interior.
7. Drain fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to preserve crunchiness and remove excess oil.
8. Plate waffles and top with piping hot fried chicken, drizzling with pure maple syrup or honey for a classic sweet-savory combination.
9. Garnish with optional chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of additional seasoning for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Perfectly Marinate for Maximum Flavor by allowing chicken to soak in buttermilk mixture overnight, which helps tenderize the meat and infuse deep, tangy seasonings.
• Achieve Crispy Coating by ensuring the flour mixture completely covers each chicken piece, pressing firmly to create a thick, even layer that will crisp beautifully when fried.
• Adjust Spice Levels easily by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper and hot sauce to match personal heat preferences without compromising the overall recipe’s integrity.
• Make Gluten-Free by substituting regular flour with gluten-free flour blend, which maintains the crispy texture while accommodating dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 150mg