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)
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