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
Scale
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.
