Classic Chicken and Waffles – Southern Comfort Food
Chicken and waffles is the perfect blend of savory and sweet—a Southern classic that’s irresistible! Crispy fried chicken paired with fluffy golden waffles and drizzled with maple syrup, this dish brings comfort food to a whole new level. Whether for brunch or dinner, it's a meal that feels indulgent but is easy enough to make at home.
Ingredients
-
For the Fried Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
-
For the Waffles
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups milk
- ½ cup melted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
For Serving
- Maple syrup or honey
- Butter (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Chicken. In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken, making sure it’s fully submerged. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or longer if you have time). In a separate dish, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C). Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, shake off excess, and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour. Make sure the chicken is well coated. Fry the chicken in batches, 6-8 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Make the Waffles. Preheat your waffle iron according to its instructions. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Pour the batter onto the preheated waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden brown and crisp.
Serve. Place a waffle on a plate, top with a piece of fried chicken, and drizzle with maple syrup. Add a dollop of butter if desired.
Recipe tips
For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours or overnight. For extra crispy chicken, dip it in the flour mixture, then back in the buttermilk, and into the flour again before frying. If making waffles in batches, keep them warm in a 200°F (90°C) oven until ready to serve. Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a little kick in your fried chicken.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
This juicy and flavorful pork tenderloin is perfect for any occasion. It's tender, easy to make, and can be seasoned to your liking. With a quick sear and roast, it’s ready in under an hour and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables. This recipe uses a simple marinade to bring out the rich, savory flavors of the pork, while still keeping it moist and tender.
Who can resist a juicy, flavorful pulled pork sandwich? Slow-cooked to perfection, this tender pork is shredded and piled high on soft buns with your favorite barbecue sauce. It's perfect for a casual lunch, picnic, or game day, and it's easier to make than you might think! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this pulled pork recipe is sure to impress with its smoky flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved Indian-inspired dish, known for its tender marinated chicken in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce. The balance of warm spices and the smoothness of the cream makes this dish a perfect option for a flavorful, hearty meal. It’s a great recipe for dinner, served with rice or naan to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Chicken Alfredo is a classic comfort dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for a satisfying dinner, this rich pasta recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken and a silky homemade Alfredo sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. This simple yet indulgent dish can be served as a main course for family dinners or as an impressive meal for guests.
A classic cheeseburger is the perfect combination of juicy beef, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings. Whether you’re craving a satisfying lunch or an easy dinner, this cheeseburger recipe is quick, delicious, and made right from your kitchen. Simple ingredients, big flavors, and a few tips will take your burger from good to great. Fire up the skillet or grill, and let’s get cooking!
Juicy, tender BBQ ribs that fall off the bone are a must-have for any barbecue lover. This recipe uses a flavorful dry rub, slow cooking, and a delicious homemade BBQ sauce to achieve a smoky, caramelized finish. Whether you're grilling in the backyard or slow-cooking in the oven, these BBQ ribs are sure to be a hit.
Chili Con Carne is a hearty and comforting dish packed with rich flavors of beef, tomatoes, beans, and a blend of spices. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or as a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. It’s easy to make, filling, and can be customized to your taste—spicy, mild, or somewhere in between. Serve it with rice, tortilla chips, or enjoy it on its own.
These juicy turkey burgers are a lighter, healthier alternative to beef burgers, yet packed with flavor. Made with simple ingredients like ground turkey, breadcrumbs, and a few seasonings, these burgers come out tender, moist, and absolutely delicious. They’re perfect for grilling outdoors or cooking on a stovetop, making them a versatile dish for any time of year.
Beef enchiladas are a classic, hearty dish that combines soft tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, topped with a rich enchilada sauce and melted cheese. This Mexican-inspired comfort food is perfect for a family dinner or when you're craving something flavorful and filling. You'll love how easy it is to prepare, and the results will have everyone coming back for seconds!
A classic Meatball Sub is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese in a warm, toasty sub roll. This recipe is perfect for a hearty lunch or a quick weeknight dinner. You'll get juicy, flavorful meatballs topped with gooey mozzarella, all packed into a crunchy sandwich. Simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
Teriyaki Chicken is a savory and sweet dish with a glossy glaze that clings to tender chicken pieces, giving you that perfect blend of umami flavor. This easy-to-make recipe combines soy sauce, honey, and ginger to create a classic Japanese-style sauce that caramelizes beautifully over the chicken. Ideal for weeknight dinners, it's both quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Stuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting and satisfying dish made with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful filling of seasoned ground meat, rice, and spices. This classic dish is simmered in a savory tomato sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. It’s a perfect hearty meal for family dinners, especially on cool nights. Let’s get started on making this crowd-pleaser!
The Tom Collins is a refreshing and classic cocktail that perfectly balances the crisp taste of gin with the tanginess of lemon and sweetness of sugar. It's topped off with a splash of soda water, making it the ideal drink to cool down on a warm day. Simple to make yet sophisticated in flavor, the Tom Collins is a must-try for anyone who enjoys a light and zesty cocktail.
Funfetti Cake is a colorful, nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for celebrations! This light, fluffy vanilla cake is loaded with rainbow sprinkles and topped with creamy vanilla buttercream. Whether it’s for a birthday or just because, this cake brings joy in every slice. It’s easy to make from scratch and has that perfect mix of sweetness and fun, making it a great go-to treat.
Sweet potato fries are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional fries. They're crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and have a naturally sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of dips. This simple recipe is oven-baked, making it a healthier choice without sacrificing taste. You can enjoy them as a side dish, a snack, or even on their own.
Pho is a flavorful, aromatic Vietnamese noodle soup, perfect for any occasion. The broth is infused with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves, simmered with beef bones to develop a rich, savory base. Rice noodles and tender slices of beef are added to create a comforting bowl of goodness. Topped with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime, Pho delivers a perfect balance of flavors that will warm you from the inside out. It’s a delicious dish for those who enjoy making hearty meals from scratch and brings authentic Vietnamese flavors to your kitchen.
These Mini Burgers are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a party or just looking for a fun, delicious meal, these bite-sized burgers will satisfy any craving. Customize them with your favorite toppings, and enjoy these tasty little treats in no time!
Red Velvet Cupcakes are a decadent treat, known for their moist, fluffy texture and striking red color, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. The subtle cocoa flavor paired with a tangy buttermilk base makes these cupcakes a delightful indulgence, perfect for parties or as an everyday treat. If you love a hint of chocolate with a vibrant twist, these cupcakes will be a hit. This recipe is simple to follow and yields bakery-quality results.
This fresh and crunchy Radish Salad is perfect when you’re looking for a light, refreshing dish. With its peppery flavor and crisp texture, radishes combine beautifully with a tangy dressing to make a simple yet flavorful salad. This recipe is quick and easy, making it ideal for a busy day or when you want a healthy side dish to accompany your meal.
A Long Island Iced Tea is a popular cocktail known for its bold mix of flavors and strength. Despite its name, it doesn't contain any tea—just a blend of spirits, sweeteners, and a splash of cola to give it that tea-like color. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a strong drink with a touch of sweetness and tanginess from the lemon. It’s a party favorite and a great drink to enjoy with friends!
These Mini Quiches are the perfect bite-sized delights for breakfast, snacks, or any time you need a delicious, savory treat. With a crisp, buttery crust and a rich, creamy filling, these quiches are endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer classic Lorraine with bacon and cheese or a veggie-packed version, these quiches are sure to impress. Ideal for meal prep or serving at gatherings, they are as versatile as they are tasty.
Zuppa Toscana is a comforting, hearty Italian soup that's rich with flavors of Italian sausage, tender potatoes, kale, and a creamy broth. It's a perfect one-pot meal that brings warmth to any table. This recipe is simple to prepare and is ideal for those cold days when you want a homemade, comforting bowl of soup. The rich cream blends perfectly with the spicy sausage and mild potatoes, creating a satisfying dish that everyone will love.
This classic Tequila Sunrise cocktail is as vibrant as a summer morning and as easy to prepare as it is stunning to look at. With its beautiful gradient of red, orange, and yellow, this drink is made with just a few ingredients that bring together a sweet yet slightly tart flavor profile. Perfect for relaxing brunches or an evening by the pool, a Tequila Sunrise is sure to impress and refresh.
This homemade Thanksgiving gravy is the perfect finishing touch to your holiday feast. Made with turkey drippings, broth, and a few simple ingredients, it’s rich, flavorful, and smooth—perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey. This recipe is simple to make, with just a few steps, and can easily be adapted for different flavor preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this gravy will elevate your Thanksgiving dinner.
Egg rolls are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course. These crispy, golden-brown rolls are filled with a savory mix of vegetables and meat, wrapped in a delicate egg roll wrapper. Whether you’re preparing them for a party or a family dinner, egg rolls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make at home, so you can enjoy them fresh and hot right from your kitchen.
Tortilla Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Mexico to your kitchen. This soup is a delightful blend of tender chicken, tangy tomatoes, and aromatic spices, all topped with crispy tortilla strips. It’s a hearty, warming meal that’s perfect for any time you need a little comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a starter for a Mexican-themed feast, this soup is sure to please. With its combination of rich flavors and crunchy textures, Tortilla Soup is a dish that will quickly become a family favorite.
Looking for a light, refreshing dish that’s packed with healthy fats, fresh veggies, and a burst of flavor? This avocado salad is perfect for you! It's quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and has a creamy, tangy dressing that pairs perfectly with the natural richness of the avocado. This is your go-to salad for a healthy lunch or as a side dish for dinner.
Who can resist the comforting crunch and gooey melt of a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich? This classic dish is quick to make, satisfying, and a staple for any mealtime. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with a bowl of soup, this sandwich is the ultimate comfort food that’s simple yet packed with flavor.
Caprese Skewers are a delightful and fresh appetizer that brings together the classic Italian flavors of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze. These skewers are easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining or a light snack. The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite refreshing and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or looking for a quick and healthy treat, Caprese Skewers are a go-to option that will impress your guests and please your palate.
These classic Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of rich peanut butter flavor, making them perfect for a quick snack or dessert. They’re easy to make and require just a few ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or just looking for a simple cookie recipe, these cookies will hit the spot every time!
This Sweet Potato Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish that warms the soul. Made with tender sweet potatoes, a hint of spice, and creamy coconut milk, it’s the perfect balance of sweetness and savory. Ideal for a cozy dinner or as a light lunch, this hearty soup is both nutritious and comforting. Plus, it’s easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
Craving some mouthwatering, spicy Buffalo Wings? This recipe will guide you through creating crispy, tender chicken wings coated in a tangy, spicy Buffalo sauce. Perfect for game days, parties, or a delicious dinner, these wings are sure to be a hit with everyone.