Growing up, Sunday mornings were always something to look forward to. After church, my family would gather around the table for a hearty breakfast. One of my favorite meals from those times was always fried chicken and waffles. It’s a classic Southern dish, and there’s something about the combination of crispy, flavorful chicken and soft, warm waffles that feels like home. The sweet and savory mix is just irresistible.
As I got older, I learned how to make it myself, and it’s been my go-to recipe ever since. Whether it’s a special weekend breakfast or a brunch with friends, this dish never disappoints. The crispy chicken and fluffy waffles, topped with syrup, make it a perfect comfort food combo.
| Servings | Total |
| 4 | 50mins |
Where Did You Learn This Recipe?
I first learned how to make fried chicken and waffles from my grandmother. She always made it for family gatherings, and I would watch her as she prepared the chicken and waffles from scratch. Over the years, I’ve made a few adjustments to her recipe to fit my tastes, but the fundamentals have stayed the same. It’s a dish passed down through the generations, and I’m proud to keep it alive in my kitchen.
Why Chicken and Waffles
Chicken and waffles are the ultimate comfort food. The crispy, savory fried chicken perfectly balances with the light, fluffy waffles, creating a satisfying and hearty meal. This combination is not only a great breakfast or brunch option but also works as a dinner for when you want something a little different. The best part is how versatile it is – you can serve it with a drizzle of syrup, honey, or even hot sauce for an extra kick. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion.
What is Chicken and Waffles Made of?
The classic Southern dish is made from simple yet delicious ingredients:
- Chicken – Usually bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (like thighs or drumsticks) are battered and fried until crispy.
- Waffles – Fluffy waffles made from a batter that typically includes flour, eggs, milk, and baking powder.
- Seasonings – The chicken is seasoned with a mix of spices to give it a flavorful, crispy crust.
- Syrup or honey – To add sweetness to balance the savory chicken.
What to Have with Chicken and Waffles
Chicken and waffles are delicious on their own, but they pair well with:
- Fresh fruit – A side of berries, sliced bananas, or peaches balances the richness of the dish.
- Gravy – Some people like to drizzle a little gravy over their chicken for extra flavor.
- Bacon or sausage – For an even heartier meal, serve some crispy bacon or sausage alongside.
- Grits – If you want to add another Southern touch, a side of creamy grits would be perfect.
Are Chicken and Waffles Healthy?
While chicken and waffles are delicious, they aren’t exactly considered a “healthy” dish. Fried chicken is high in calories and fat, and the waffles are rich as well. However, this meal can be enjoyed in moderation as a treat. To make it a little healthier, you could opt for baked chicken instead of fried or make waffles using whole wheat flour. Pairing it with fresh fruit or a light side salad can help balance things out.
Kitchen Equipment
You’ll need:
- Large skillet or deep fryer for frying the chicken
- Waffle iron for cooking the waffles
- Mixing bowls for batter and chicken coating
- Tongs or a slotted spoon for removing the chicken from the hot oil
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Waffles:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How To Make Fried Chicken and Waffles
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Whisk to mix.
Add the chicken thighs or drumsticks, ensuring they are fully coated in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator). This helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Coating
In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for heat), 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Stir well to combine.
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and dredge it in the flour mixture. Press the flour firmly onto the chicken to ensure an even, crispy coating. Let the coated chicken rest on a plate for 10 minutes to help the breading adhere.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Waffle Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk 1 1/4 cups of milk, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the waffles dense.
Step 5: Cook the Waffles
Preheat your waffle iron and grease it lightly with non-stick spray or melted butter.
Pour the batter onto the waffle iron, following your appliance’s instructions. Close the lid and cook until golden brown and crisp, usually 4-5 minutes. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Place a warm waffle on a plate and top it with a piece of crispy fried chicken. Drizzle with maple syrup, honey butter, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Tips
- Try using chicken breasts – If you prefer white meat, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs or drumsticks.
- Make waffles ahead of time – You can make the waffles ahead of time and keep them warm in the oven until ready to serve.
- For crispy chicken – Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken, and avoid overcrowding the pan.
FAQs
1. Can I make this without a waffle iron?
Yes, you can make pancakes instead of waffles if you don’t have a waffle iron. Simply cook the batter on a griddle or in a skillet.
2. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 35-40 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw the chicken before cooking it, as frozen chicken will cook unevenly.
Conclusion
Southern fried chicken and waffles are the perfect combination of crispy, savory, and sweet. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table happy, whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dinner. With a little patience and the right ingredients, you can create this delicious meal at home. Enjoy the crispy fried chicken, soft waffles, and a touch of syrup for a meal that truly satisfies.
MORE RECIPES
Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles
Equipment
- Large skillet or deep fryer for frying the chicken
- Waffle iron for cooking the waffles
- Mixing bowls for batter and chicken coating
- Tongs or slotted spoon for removing the chicken from the hot oil
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Whisk to mix.Add the chicken thighs or drumsticks, ensuring they are fully coated in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator). This helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for heat), 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Stir well to combine.Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and dredge it in the flour mixture. Press the flour firmly onto the chicken to ensure an even, crispy coating. Let the coated chicken rest on a plate for 10 minutes to help the breading adhere.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.In a separate bowl, whisk 1 1/4 cups milk, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined.Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the waffles dense.
- Preheat your waffle iron and grease it lightly with non-stick spray or melted butter.Pour the batter onto the waffle iron, following your appliance’s instructions. Close the lid and cook until golden brown and crisp, usually 4-5 minutes. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Place a warm waffle on a plate and top it with a piece of crispy fried chicken. Drizzle with maple syrup, honey butter, or hot sauce for extra flavor.