Chicken and Waffles is a mouthwatering combination of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles, usually topped with syrup, butter, or even hot sauce for a sweet-and-savory comfort meal. This Southern classic is perfect for brunch, dinner, or anytime you're craving something hearty and indulgent. The crispy, seasoned chicken paired with soft, buttery waffles creates a delicious contrast in textures and flavors that will satisfy any comfort food craving.
In this recipe, we'll walk you through how to make Chicken and Waffles from scratch, including tips to ensure your chicken is crispy and flavorful, and your waffles are light and fluffy. Let’s get cooking!
What is Chicken and Waffles?
Chicken and Waffles is a dish that combines fried chicken—typically bone-in or boneless chicken pieces—with golden waffles. It’s often served with maple syrup for sweetness, and sometimes with butter or a side of gravy for added richness. While the origins of chicken and waffles are debated, it’s become a beloved staple of Southern cuisine and is known for its delicious balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients List for Chicken and Waffles
Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic Chicken and Waffles meal:
For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: You can also use thighs or bone-in chicken pieces, depending on your preference.
- 1 cup buttermilk: For tenderizing the chicken and adding flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: For coating the chicken before frying.
- ½ cup cornstarch: Helps create an extra crispy coating.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: For flavoring the flour mixture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth to the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the flavor of the coating.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: For a touch of heat (optional).
- Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning the chicken and flour mixture.
- Vegetable oil: For frying the chicken.
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for fluffy waffles.
- 2 tablespoon sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the waffles rise and become light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: For binding the waffle batter.
- 1 ¾ cups milk: Adds moisture to the batter.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For added flavor in the waffles.
For Serving (Optional):
- Maple syrup: A classic topping for chicken and waffles.
- Butter: Adds richness to the waffles.
- Hot sauce: For those who love a spicy kick with their chicken.
- Powdered sugar: For a touch of sweetness when serving.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is versatile and can be customized based on your preferences:
- Chicken options: You can use bone-in chicken, boneless thighs, or even chicken tenders for smaller portions. Adjust the frying time accordingly.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for the chicken coating, and substitute gluten-free flour in the waffle batter.
- Spicy chicken: Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for a spicier chicken.
- Waffle options: You can substitute buttermilk for regular milk in the waffle recipe for extra fluffiness. Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a touch of warmth in the waffles.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Chicken and Waffles from scratch, including the crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Marinate the chicken: In a shallow dish, combine the chicken breasts (or thighs) with the buttermilk, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to allow the chicken to tenderize and absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Waffle Batter
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine the batter: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—small lumps are okay. Set the batter aside while you prepare the chicken.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Prepare the flour mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to ensure an even coating.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small piece of flour into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
- Fry the chicken: Working in batches, fry the coated chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side (for boneless chicken breasts) or 8-10 minutes per side (for bone-in chicken), until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Cook the Waffles
- Preheat the waffle iron: While the chicken is frying, preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Cook the waffles: Pour the waffle batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually 3-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the chicken and waffles: Place a waffle on each plate and top with a piece of crispy fried chicken. Drizzle with maple syrup, and add butter or hot sauce if desired.
How to Cook Chicken and Waffles: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick guide to help you make the perfect Chicken and Waffles:
- Marinate the chicken: Let the chicken sit in buttermilk to tenderize and absorb flavor.
- Prepare the waffle batter: Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine them until just mixed for fluffy waffles.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge the chicken in seasoned flour and cornstarch for an extra crispy coating.
- Fry the chicken: Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cook the waffles: Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook until golden and fluffy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Chicken and Waffles turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:
- Skipping the buttermilk marinade: The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and gives it a tangy flavor, so don’t skip this step!
- Overmixing the waffle batter: Overmixing can lead to dense waffles. Stir until just combined—lumps are okay.
- Not letting the oil heat properly: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy rather than crispy.
- Overcrowding the pan: When frying, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Here are a few ideas for serving and presenting your Chicken and Waffles:
- Stack the chicken and waffles: Serve one or two waffles stacked with a piece of crispy fried chicken on top. Drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet, indulgent presentation.
- Add garnishes: Top with fresh herbs like parsley, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a pat of butter for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
- Family-style serving: Place the fried chicken and waffles on a large platter, and let everyone build their own plates. Set out syrup, butter, and hot sauce for topping.
- Serve with sides: For a fuller meal, serve with scrambled eggs, bacon, or a fresh fruit salad.
How to Serve Chicken and Waffles
This dish is hearty enough to be served on its own, but here are some ideas for how to serve Chicken and Waffles:
- Brunch platter: Serve alongside other brunch favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a complete meal.
- With gravy: For a more Southern twist, serve with country gravy instead of syrup, or add a little hot honey for a sweet and spicy kick.
- With sides: Pair with mashed potatoes, collard greens, or macaroni and cheese for an even more indulgent meal.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken and Waffles
- Stacked presentation: Place a waffle on the bottom, add a piece of crispy fried chicken, and drizzle with syrup for a classic presentation.
- Rustic serving: Serve the chicken and waffles on a wooden board or cast iron skillet for a rustic, homey look.
- Individual portions: Plate individual servings with a waffle and a piece of chicken, then garnish with a small bowl of syrup or gravy on the side for dipping.
Chicken and Waffles Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: You can marinate the chicken and prepare the waffle batter in advance. Just store the marinated chicken in the fridge for up to 24 hours and the waffle batter for up to 1 day.
- Reheating: Reheat leftover chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain its crispiness. Waffles can be reheated in the toaster or oven.
- Crispy tip: For extra crispy chicken, let the coated chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better to the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the chicken for a healthier option. Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
2. Can I use a waffle mix instead of making waffles from scratch?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite waffle mix to save time. Just prepare it according to the package instructions.
3. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, bone-in chicken works well for this recipe. Just adjust the frying time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes per side.
4. How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
For extra crispy chicken, add cornstarch to the flour mixture and make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after coating to help the breading adhere.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the fried chicken and waffles separately. Reheat the chicken in the oven and the waffles in a toaster or oven for best results.
Conclusion
This Chicken and Waffles recipe brings together crispy, juicy fried chicken and light, fluffy waffles for a classic Southern comfort meal. Whether you're making it for brunch, dinner, or a special weekend treat, this dish is sure to impress with its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Customize it with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, hot sauce, or powdered sugar, and enjoy a truly indulgent meal. So grab your ingredients and get ready to make this crowd-pleasing, satisfying dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make!
PrintChicken And Waffles Recipe
This Chicken and Waffles recipe pairs crispy, golden fried chicken with soft, fluffy waffles, creating the ultimate combination of savory and sweet. Drizzle with maple syrup for a mouthwatering meal that's perfect for brunch or dinner. Enjoy this Southern classic with your favorite hot sauce for a flavor-packed experience!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Brunch
- Method: Frying, Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Butter
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
For the Fried Chicken:
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
- In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium heat.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat each piece in the flour mixture.
- Fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
For the Waffles:
- Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (don't overmix).
- Pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook until golden and crispy.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
To Serve:
- Place a waffle on a plate, top with a piece of fried chicken, and drizzle with maple syrup.
- Add butter and hot sauce for extra flavor, if desired.
Notes
- You can use bone-in chicken if preferred; just adjust the frying time accordingly.
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in the flour mixture after marinating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle and 1 piece of chicken
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 950mg
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