Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe

If you’re ready to experience a soul-satisfying harmony of savory and sweet, this Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe brings that iconic duo straight into your own kitchen. Crispy, golden fried chicken meets warm, fluffy waffles, all finished off with an irresistible drizzle of spicy honey butter sauce. Perfect for brunch, dinner, or any meal where you want to treat yourself and your loved ones, this classic will leave everyone craving more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This delicious Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe relies on simple, staple ingredients that work magic together. Each one adds its own flair to the final dish, whether it’s crunch, tenderness, or that mouthwatering color we all look for in comfort food.

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Go for boneless, skinless pieces for juicy, easy-to-eat chicken with every bite.
• Buttermilk: The secret behind ultra-tender, flavorful meat—don’t skip this soak!
• Salt: Essential for unlocking all the dish’s flavors right from the marinade.
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of heat and balances the savory notes.
• Garlic powder: Delivers savory depth that infuses the chicken.
• Paprika: Gives both flavor and that appealing golden color to the crust.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a spicy kick, this is your friend.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crunchy coating for our fried chicken.
• Cornstarch: Vital for an ultra-crispy, shattering crust—just like the best diners make.
• Oil for frying: Vegetable or canola oil keeps things light and crispy.
• All-purpose flour (for waffles): The sturdy backbone of fluffy waffles every time.
• Sugar: Just a hint to play up the sweetness and balance the savory chicken.
• Baking powder: Ensures your waffles rise to fluffy perfection.
• Salt (for waffles): Rounds out flavors and keeps waffles from tasting flat.
• Eggs: Help bind and give structure to the waffle batter.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to complement the butter.
• Melted butter: For that luscious, almost decadent texture and taste.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and a sweet aroma to every bite.
• Honey or maple syrup: Plays the starring role in the addictive spicy honey butter sauce.
• Hot sauce: Dial up the heat to your taste—just a dash goes a long way.
• Butter (for sauce): Rich, melty, and brings everything together beautifully.
• Cayenne pepper (for sauce, optional): Give the sauce an unforgettable, lingering bite.

How to Make Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken in a seasoned buttermilk bath—just combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne if you like extra heat. Drop in those chicken thighs or breasts and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if you want maximum flavor and tenderness. After marinating, blend flour and cornstarch in a separate bowl; then dredge the chicken pieces, pressing gently so every nook gets coated. Next, heat your oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat, and fry the chicken until it’s perfectly golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain—get ready for a crunchy, juicy treat!

Step 2: Make the Waffles

While the chicken is resting, mix up your waffle batter. In one bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Fold the wet and dry ingredients together just until combined (don’t overmix if you want tender waffles!). Pour the batter into a preheated waffle iron and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions until the waffles are golden and crisp—a picture-perfect base for the Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe.

Step 3: Make the Spicy Honey Butter Sauce

This sauce is downright irresistible! In a small bowl, whisk together honey (or maple syrup if you prefer), melted butter, your choice of hot sauce, and a pinch of cayenne. Taste and tweak to your desired heat level. The sweetness pairs perfectly with both the crunchy chicken and fluffy waffles, delivering that wow factor in every bite.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Time for the grand finale—grab a plate and stack a golden waffle, top it with a sizzling piece of fried chicken, then generously drizzle with the spicy honey butter sauce. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for: crispy, savory, sweet, and just a touch spicy—the ultimate Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe experience!

How to Serve Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe

Garnishes

Take your plate to the next level with a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or parsley for color, or finish with a little extra cracked black pepper for flair. A few pickle slices or thin slices of fresh jalapeño look gorgeous and add brightness to every bite.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple and classic: a fresh fruit salad, creamy coleslaw, or a little bowl of mac and cheese on the side all pair beautifully with the Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe. They bring a splash of color and freshness to balance the dish’s indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Make mini waffles for a bite-sized brunch platter, or cut the chicken into strips for fun sliders or shareable stacks. For a dramatic touch, serve everything on a big wooden board, family style, with the spicy honey butter in a little pitcher so everyone can drizzle their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra chicken or waffles (lucky you!), let everything cool to room temperature before storing. Keep chicken and waffles in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days to preserve their flavors and textures.

Freezing

The fried chicken and waffles are both freezer-friendly. Wrap them in parchment or foil, then place in freezer bags. They’ll keep beautifully for up to a month—ideal for breakfast emergencies or whenever a Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe craving strikes!

Reheating

For the crispiest chicken and fluffiest waffles, reheat in a 350°F oven or toaster oven until warmed through. Skip the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the chicken coating soggy and the waffles chewy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as well, though thighs tend to be a bit juicier and more flavorful. Just keep an eye on your cooking time, as breasts can cook a little faster and dry out if overdone.

Do I need a waffle iron for this recipe?

A waffle iron is definitely recommended to get those classic waffle pockets and crispy edges for the Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe. If you don’t have one, you can try making pancakes with the same batter—the taste still shines, even if the look is a little different!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for both the chicken and waffle components. Check your baking powder label too—most are gluten-free, but it’s always good to double-check.

How spicy is the honey butter sauce?

The beauty of this sauce is its flexibility—you control the heat! Start with a dash of hot sauce and a tiny pinch of cayenne, then increase a little at a time until you find your perfect level of spicy-sweet goodness.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken crispy if making ahead?

If you’re prepping ahead, arrange the fried chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and keep it in a low (about 200°F) oven. This keeps the chicken warm and crisp until you’re ready to assemble the Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe.

Final Thoughts

I can’t think of a better way to warm hearts (and appetites) than sharing this Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe with friends and family. Every bite is pure comfort and celebration—crispy, sweet, savory, and just a little bit spicy. Don’t be surprised when it becomes a new favorite at your table!

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