Chicken and Waffles Recipe

Chicken and waffles is a delightful dish that combines the crispy goodness of fried chicken with the fluffy sweetness of waffles. This comfort food classic is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and will surely be a hit with family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

Making chicken and waffles at home allows you to enjoy this popular dish fresh and tailored to your taste. It’s a wonderful balance of flavors and textures—crispy, savory chicken paired with sweet, airy waffles. Plus, you get the satisfaction of crafting it all from scratch, ensuring that it’s made with love and enthusiasm.

How to Make Chicken and Waffles

Making your own chicken and waffles is easier than you might think! Follow the steps below to get that perfect crispy chicken and fluffy waffles.

Ingredients

• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• vegetable oil (for deep frying)
• ½ cup honey (or maple syrup)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
• pinch of kosher salt
• best easy waffle recipe
• fresh thyme (for garnish)

Directions

1. 
   

   Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, hot sauce (if using), and cayenne pepper. Submerge the chicken thighs in this mixture, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.

   
   
2. 
   

   Prepare the seasoned flour coating: In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Transfer this mixture to a shallow dish.

   
   
3. 
   

   Heat the oil: Fill a deep pot or fryer with vegetable oil, about 2–3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F over medium-high heat, using a thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature.

   
   
4. 
   

   Dredge the chicken: Take the marinated chicken out of the buttermilk and let the extra liquid drip off. Coat each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to stick. For extra crispiness, dip it back in the buttermilk, then into the flour again. Let the chicken rest on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes.

   
   
5. 
   

   Fry the chicken: Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil, frying in batches. Cook for about 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Make sure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F. Place the fried chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil and lightly season with salt.

   
   
6. 
   

   Prepare the spicy honey butter sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey (or maple syrup), melted butter, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Heat gently until it simmers, then set aside.

   
   
7. 
   

   Make the waffles: Prepare your waffles using your favorite recipe. Cook in a preheated waffle iron until golden brown, then let them cool on a wire rack to avoid sogginess.

   
   
8. 
   

   Assemble and serve: Start with a warm waffle on a plate, add a piece of fried chicken, drizzle generously with the honey sauce, and garnish with fresh thyme. Serve immediately for the best taste.

   
   

How to Serve Chicken and Waffles

Chicken and waffles can be served warm, drizzled with honey, syrup, or a combination of both. You can also add fresh fruit like berries or banana slices for extra flavor.

How to Store Chicken and Waffles

If you have leftovers, store the fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Waffles can also be kept in the fridge; just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Reheat both in the oven or toaster for best results.

Tips to Make Chicken and Waffles

• Let your chicken marinate for as long as possible for better flavor.
• Ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to prevent greasy chicken.
• Feel free to add your favorite spices to the flour mixture for extra flavor.
• Serve with a side of coleslaw or a simple salad for a balanced meal.

Variation

You can switch things up by using chicken breasts instead of thighs, or try a different hot sauce to adjust the spice level. You could even experiment with flavored waffles, like adding chocolate chips or blueberries.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the marinated chicken at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked.

Can I freeze the chicken and waffles?

Yes! You can freeze the fried chicken. Just ensure it is completely cooled before packaging it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Waffles can also be frozen, then reheated in a toaster or oven.

What type of waffles should I use?

You can use your favorite waffle recipe or a store-bought mix. A classic Belgian waffle works great for this dish!

Chicken and Waffles

A delightful dish that combines crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 4 hours hrs

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 850 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Marinade

• 6 pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Coating and Frying

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• vegetable oil (for deep frying) about 2–3 inches deep in pot or fryer

For the Honey Butter Sauce

• ½ cup honey (or maple syrup)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• a pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
• a pinch kosher salt

For the Waffles

• best easy waffle recipe or your favorite waffle recipe

Garnish

• fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, hot sauce (if using), and cayenne pepper. Submerge the chicken thighs in this mixture, making sure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
• In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Transfer this mixture to a shallow dish.

Frying the Chicken

• Fill a deep pot or fryer with vegetable oil, about 2–3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F over medium-high heat.
• Take the marinated chicken out of the buttermilk and let the extra liquid drip off. Coat each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to stick. For extra crispiness, dip it back in the buttermilk, then into the flour again. Let the chicken rest on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes.
• Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil, frying in batches. Cook for about 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Make sure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F. Place the fried chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil and lightly season with salt.

Making the Sauce

• In a small saucepan, combine honey (or maple syrup), melted butter, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt. Heat gently until it simmers, then set aside.

Preparing the Waffles

• Prepare your waffles using your favorite recipe. Cook in a preheated waffle iron until golden brown, then let them cool on a wire rack to avoid sogginess.

Serving

• Start with a warm waffle on a plate, add a piece of fried chicken, drizzle generously with the honey sauce, and garnish with fresh thyme. Serve immediately for the best taste.

Notes

Let your chicken marinate for as long as possible for better flavor. Ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to prevent greasy chicken. Feel free to add your favorite spices to the flour mixture for extra flavor. Serve with a side of coleslaw or a simple salad for a balanced meal. You can switch things up by using chicken breasts instead of thighs, or try a different hot sauce to adjust the spice level. You could even experiment with flavored waffles, like adding chocolate chips or blueberries.

Keyword Chicken and Waffles, Comfort Food, Fried Chicken, Sweet Sauce, Waffles