If you have ever dreamed of the perfect blend of crispy, juicy chicken paired with fluffy, golden waffles, you are in for a delicious treat with this Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe. This iconic Southern American dish brings together the comforting flavors of seasoned fried chicken and sweet, tender waffles that create a harmony of texture and taste in every bite. Whether you’re cooking brunch for friends or craving a soul-satisfying dinner, this recipe promises a crowd-pleasing meal that is both indulgent and surprisingly approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe uses simple, staple ingredients that come together to make each component shine. From the buttermilk that tenderizes the chicken to the vanilla in the waffle batter adding a subtle sweetness, every ingredient plays a key role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Boneless chicken thighs or breasts (1 ½ pounds): Choose thighs for juiciness or breasts for a leaner option, cut into medium pieces for even cooking.
- Buttermilk (2 cups): Essential for marinating the chicken to keep it tender and impart a tangy flavor.
- Hot sauce (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a gentle kick to the marinade; feel free to increase for more heat.
- All-purpose flour (for chicken – 2 cups, for waffles – 2 cups): Provides the crispy coating for the chicken and the structure of the waffles.
- Salt (1 teaspoon for chicken, ½ teaspoon for waffles): Brings out flavor.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle spice to the chicken coating.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds color and smoky depth to the chicken crust.
- Garlic powder and onion powder (½ teaspoon each): Enhance savory notes in the chicken batter.
- Vegetable oil: For frying, choose a high smoke point oil to get that perfect golden crust.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the waffle batter lightly for a pleasant contrast.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): The secret to fluffy, rise-perfect waffles.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the waffle ingredients and add richness.
- Milk (1 ¾ cups): Moistens the waffles and helps create a tender crumb.
- Melted butter (â…“ cup): Adds richness and a hint of buttery flavor to the waffles.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Offers a touch of fragrant sweetness to the waffle batter.
- Maple syrup or honey: For drizzling, to marry the savory chicken with sweet toppings beautifully.
- Butter (optional): For melting on top, adding richness and moisture.
- Optional hot sauce or powdered sugar: For extra flair and flavor balance when serving.
How to Make Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
The magic starts with a soak in buttermilk blended with a touch of hot sauce, which tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with subtle heat and tang. Let those chicken pieces bathe in this marinade for at least an hour, or better yet, overnight. This slow soak ensures the meat stays juicy inside once fried crisply outside.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While the chicken marinates, mix together your seasoned flour blend made of flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This combination gives the chicken its iconic golden crust crammed with flavor. When you’re ready, dredge each piece of chicken through this coating, pressing slightly so each bite is thickly crusted.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil until it reaches 350°F, then fry the chicken pieces in batches. Each batch needs about 6 to 8 minutes per side to reach a gorgeous golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating. Drain the freshly fried chicken on paper towels to soak up excess oil, leaving you with that perfect crispy crunch.
Step 4: Make the Waffles
Preheat your waffle iron and blend dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt—in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry mixtures just until blended; overmixing can make waffles tough. Pour the batter into the iron and cook until waffles are golden, crispy on the outside but tender inside.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Stack one or two pieces of the crispy fried chicken on each warm waffle. Drizzle generously with maple syrup or honey, and add a pat of butter if you like richness running through every bite. For extra zest, a splash of hot sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar creates a playful sweet-spicy contrast that keeps your taste buds dancing.
How to Serve Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe experience, consider finishing it with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives that add a pop of color and freshness. A light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of spicy honey-butter glaze also offers an eye-catching and flavorful touch that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This dish is a meal on its own, but sides such as creamy coleslaw, tangy pickled vegetables, or even collard greens complement the richness perfectly. If you prefer, crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh mixed green salad balance the plate with contrasting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at brunch, serve mini waffles topped with bite-sized fried chicken and drizzles of maple syrup for finger food appeal. Alternatively, stack waffles and chicken high, interspersing layers of cheese or a fried egg for a decadent sandwich-style presentation that’s sure to wow at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your tasting adventure is over, wrap leftover fried chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers and refrigerate. This helps maintain the crispy texture of the chicken and prevents waffles from becoming soggy in the fridge.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and waffles individually. Place pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. This way, each component stays separate and can be reheated easily without losing quality.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness. Warm the waffles in a toaster or oven to avoid sogginess and preserve their delightful texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the coating soggy and the waffles chewy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While boneless thighs provide extra juiciness thanks to their higher fat content, breasts can be used if you prefer leaner meat. Just be mindful not to overcook them as they can dry out faster.
Do I have to use buttermilk for marinating?
Buttermilk is ideal because its acidity tenderizes the chicken beautifully and adds flavor, but if you don’t have any, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a little lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
How can I make the chicken spicier?
Increase the amount of hot sauce in the marinade or add cayenne pepper to the flour coating mix for an extra kick. Adjust according to your heat tolerance.
Is there a gluten-free version of this Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for frying and baking. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture and taste will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I prepare this dish for a large crowd?
Definitely. The recipe scales well, so multiply the ingredients accordingly. Consider frying the chicken in batches ahead of time and keeping it warm in the oven while making waffles fresh to serve piping hot.
Final Thoughts
Nothing quite beats the comfort and joy that comes from biting into perfectly fried chicken perched on a warm, fluffy waffle, drizzled with sweet syrup. This Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe is a celebration of contrasting flavors and textures that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. So go ahead, whip it up for your next brunch or dinner and watch everyone’s faces light up with each savory-sweet bite!
Print
Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus at least 1 hour marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Brunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A classic Southern American brunch recipe featuring crispy, flavorful fried chicken paired with golden, fluffy waffles. Perfectly balanced with savory spices and sweet maple syrup for a delightful sweet and savory meal.
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into medium pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups milk
- â…“ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Maple syrup or honey
- Butter
- Optional: hot sauce or powdered sugar
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight in the refrigerator to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder thoroughly. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mix, pressing to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 6 to 8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Waffles: Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed without overmixing. Pour batter into the waffle iron and cook until waffles are golden and crisp.
- Assemble and Serve: Place one or two pieces of fried chicken on each waffle. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey, add butter if desired, and optionally sprinkle with hot sauce or powdered sugar. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Boneless chicken thighs yield juicier fried chicken, but breasts are a leaner alternative.
- Increase hot sauce in the marinade or add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for spicier chicken.
- Use a thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F internal temperature.
- Do not overmix waffle batter to keep waffles fluffy and light.
