The aroma of crispy fried chicken mingling with the sweet, buttery scent of warm waffles creates a delicious symphony that dances through the air. Picture yourself indulging in this beloved comfort food, where each bite delivers a delightful crunch followed by soft, fluffy sweetness. This chicken and waffles recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that bridges breakfast and dinner in a harmony only Southern cuisine can achieve.
I remember the first time I served chicken and waffles at a family gathering. My aunt took one bite and declared it “life-changing,” which prompted everyone to dive in for seconds. Now, every Sunday brunch feels incomplete without this dish gracing our table. Whether it’s a cozy weekend morning or a holiday feast, this recipe promises to steal the show.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken and waffles recipe provides an easy way to impress your guests with minimal effort
- The combination of crispy chicken and fluffy waffles creates an irresistible flavor explosion
- Visually appealing, this dish looks amazing when plated with syrup drizzled on top
- Perfect for brunch but versatile enough for any meal occasion!
Friends rave about how quickly I whip up this dish, leaving them stunned at my culinary prowess.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts depending on your guest list; they cook evenly and are easy to handle.
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for dredging the chicken; choose unbleached for better texture.
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Baking Powder: A must-have for fluffy waffles; it gives them that lightness we crave.
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Buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture to both the chicken marinade and waffle batter; whole milk works too if you’re in a pinch.
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Syrup: Maple syrup is traditional, but feel free to explore flavored options like blueberry or pecan.
For the Sauce:
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Hot Sauce: A few dashes elevate the flavors of fried chicken; adjust based on your spice tolerance.
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Salt & Pepper: Basic yet essential; season generously for maximum flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Start by preparing your workspace and gathering all your ingredients; organization makes cooking much smoother and less chaotic.
Create the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Place chicken breasts into the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes – overnight is even better for flavor!
Dredge the Chicken: In another bowl, mix flour with baking powder and additional seasonings like paprika or garlic powder. Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess buttermilk before coating generously in flour mixture.
Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Fry chicken pieces until golden brown on each side (about 6-8 minutes per side) or until juices run clear.
Prepare the Waffles: While chicken is frying, preheat your waffle iron. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, milk, melted butter, and eggs until just mixed – over-mixing leads to tough waffles!
Cook Waffles: Pour batter into preheated waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions. Cook until golden brown (about 5 minutes), then keep warm while finishing frying the remaining chicken.
Combine everything onto plates: Lay down warm waffles topped with crispy chicken pieces. Drizzle with syrup – don’t be shy! Enjoy this delightful fusion of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
With these steps laid out clearly, you’ll create an unforgettable experience that everyone will cherish over bites of deliciousness!
You Must Know
- A chicken and waffles recipe is not just a meal; it’s a culinary hug
- The crispy chicken paired with fluffy waffles creates a taste explosion that dances on your palate
- Don’t forget the maple syrup for that sweet, sticky finish!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect chicken and waffles, start with frying the chicken first, then prepare your waffle batter while it cools. This way, everything comes together hot and delicious.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap buttermilk for yogurt in the marinade, or add vanilla extract to your waffle batter for an extra hint of sweetness. Customize to make it uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F until heated through and crispy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always allow the fried chicken to rest after cooking to keep it juicy
- Use a good-quality maple syrup for drizzling; it makes all the difference!
- Don’t forget to preheat your waffle iron for perfectly crisp waffles every time
Nothing beats the memory of my first chicken and waffles creation. My friends devoured them so fast, I barely got a bite! Their laughter filled the room, playing like a soundtrack to my culinary triumph.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this chicken and waffles recipe?
Yes, but thaw it completely before marinating and cooking for best results.
How long does homemade waffle batter last?
Homemade waffle batter stays fresh in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
What’s the best syrup for chicken and waffles?
Pure maple syrup enhances flavor beautifully; it’s worth splurging on quality!
Chicken and Waffles: A Southern Comfort Classic
Indulge in the irresistible combination of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles, drizzled with sweet syrup. This easy chicken and waffles recipe bridges breakfast and dinner, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy Sunday brunch or a festive gathering, each bite offers a delightful crunch followed by soft sweetness, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Maple syrup (for serving)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for waffles)
- 2 tsp baking powder (for waffles)
- 2 tbsp sugar (for waffles)
- 1 cup milk (for waffles)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for waffles)
- 2 large eggs (for waffles)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix flour with baking powder and seasonings. Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Coat generously with flour mixture.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry coated chicken until golden brown (about 6-8 minutes per side) or until juices run clear.
- Make the Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, milk, melted butter, and eggs until just mixed. Pour batter into the preheated waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions.
- Plate & Serve: Layer warm waffles with crispy chicken pieces and drizzle generously with maple syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 400g)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
