Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe

If you’re ready to experience the ultimate comfort food feast, you absolutely have to try this Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe. Sweet, savory, and spicy collide in every bite, making it perfect for brunch, dinner, or even a special occasion. Imagine crispy, golden fried chicken perched on top of fluffy waffles, all drizzled with a spicy honey butter sauce that ties it all together. This is a true Southern classic that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, each one carefully chosen for its special contribution to the bold flavors and irresistible textures in this Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe. Don’t skimp on the details—every ingredient brings its own flair to the table, ensuring a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts!

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Juicy and tender, chicken thighs soak up the marinade for extra flavor, but chicken breasts work well too if you prefer white meat.
• Buttermilk: The acid in buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.
• Salt and black pepper: The essential seasoning duo that boosts all the savory notes in both the chicken and marinade.
• Garlic powder: Adds deep, aromatic flavor to every bite of chicken.
• Paprika: Gives the chicken its classic Southern color and a hint of smokiness.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who love a little heat, this is your secret weapon.
• All-purpose flour: Creates the coveted crispy crust on the fried chicken and forms the base of fluffy waffles.
• Cornstarch: When mixed with flour, it makes the chicken coating extra light and crunchy.
• Vegetable or canola oil: Neutral-tasting oil perfect for frying to a golden finish.
• Sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the waffles.
• Baking powder: Lifts the waffles, giving them that classic airy texture and crisp edges.
• Salt: Balances the waffle batter and highlights every sweet and savory bite.
• Large eggs: Bind and enrich the waffle batter for structure and flavor.
• Milk: Keeps the waffle batter perfectly pourable and light.
• Melted butter: Brings rich, buttery notes to the waffles and the spicy honey butter sauce.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates the waffle aroma for that classic homemade taste.
• Honey or maple syrup: The sweet backbone for the spicy honey butter sauce—use whichever you prefer!
• Hot sauce: Adds a subtle kick that makes the sauce downright addictive.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): Included for a little extra fire in your honey butter if you’re feeling bold.

How to Make Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Kick off your Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe by giving your chicken plenty of time in a flavorful buttermilk bath. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Add the chicken, toss until evenly coated, cover, and marinate for at least 30 minutes—or, for even juicier results, leave it overnight in the fridge. This simple step is the secret to seriously tender, crave-worthy chicken!

Step 2: Coat and Fry the Chicken

Once your chicken is marinated, mix the flour and cornstarch in another bowl. Dredge each piece of chicken in the dry mixture, pressing lightly to form a thick, even coating—this is how you’ll get those irresistible crispy crags. Heat about an inch of oil in a sturdy skillet over medium-high. Fry the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until deep golden and cooked to 165°F inside. Drain on a paper-towel lined plate to keep that perfect crunch.

Step 3: Make the Waffles

While the chicken cools, whip up the waffles! In one bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently mix until just combined—don’t overmix or your waffles will lose their lightness. Cook in your preheated waffle iron until golden, crisp, and fluffy. Stack them on a warm plate and cover loosely with foil while you finish the rest.

Step 4: Prepare the Spicy Honey Butter Sauce

This sauce is pure magic on the Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe. Whisk together honey (or maple syrup), melted butter, hot sauce, and a pinch of cayenne in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the heat level to your preference. This sweet, fiery drizzle brings every element together in mouthwatering harmony.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

The moment of truth! Place a warm waffle on each plate, top with a golden piece of fried chicken, then pour on the spicy honey butter sauce. Don’t be shy—it’s the finishing touch that transforms this already stunning dish into a full-on flavor celebration!

How to Serve Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe

Garnishes

Amp up your Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe by topping it with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives, or a scattering of pickled jalapeños if you like it extra zesty. For a pop of color and freshness, add some sliced strawberries or dust with powdered sugar right before serving.

Side Dishes

Keep your sides simple yet complementary. Creamy coleslaw, sautéed greens, or cheesy grits add Southern flair and balance out the dish’s richness. Or, opt for a light fruit salad to keep things bright and palate-cleansing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try minis: make smaller waffles and serve them in a stack, each layered with a crispy chicken nugget. Or, go bold and set up a make-your-own waffle bar with various sauces, syrups, and toppings so everyone can customize their own plate. However you serve it, this showstopper will get everyone talking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are rare with this Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe, but if you do have some, store fried chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will keep for up to three days, while the waffles are best within two days.

Freezing

Double up on your batch and freeze for later! Once completely cooled, wrap chicken pieces tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Waffles freeze beautifully stacked with wax paper between each one. Both will stay fresh for up to two months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat chicken in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until hot and crispy. Waffles can be warmed in a toaster or oven to regain their delightful crunch. Skip the microwave to avoid sogginess—crispy is the name of the game!

FAQs

What’s the origin of chicken and waffles?

This legendary combo traces its roots to the South and the soul food kitchens of Harlem, where fried chicken met fluffy waffles for a hearty, all-day meal. Over time, it’s become an iconic American classic, beloved for its sweet and savory harmony.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and pack more flavor in this Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe, boneless breasts make a fantastic, lean substitute that still gets wonderfully crispy.

How do I keep my fried chicken crispy?

Drain fried chicken well on paper towels and, if needed, pop it in a 200°F oven on a rack while making waffles. This keeps every piece crispy outside and juicy inside—no soggy coating!

Can I make the waffles ahead of time?

You sure can! After cooking, let them cool on a wire rack, then store in the fridge or freezer. When ready to serve, reheat in the toaster or oven for fresh-off-the-iron texture.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

No buttermilk? No problem! Simply mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes. This quick swap works beautifully in the marinade.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t put Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe on your must-try list, now’s the perfect time—this dish delivers the best of both breakfast and dinner, all on one happy plate. Gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people over, and let the flavors and fun unfold. Once you taste these crisp, golden bites with cloud-like waffles and spicy honey butter, you’ll be hooked for life!

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