Crunchy Golden Chicken & Waffles Recipe: A Breakfast Delight

Southern comfort meets culinary magic in this crispy chicken and waffles recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Weekends call for a breakfast showstopper that blends crunchy, golden-brown chicken with perfectly fluffy waffles.

The classic Southern dish delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Buttermilk-marinated chicken coated in a seasoned crisp breading creates an irresistible crunch.

Homemade waffles provide a tender, warm foundation for the expertly fried chicken.

A drizzle of maple syrup adds a sweet complexity that ties every bite together.

Prepare to savor a breakfast experience that transforms an ordinary morning into a delectable celebration of comfort food.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 580 kcal

Servings: 4

Chicken and Waffles Ingredient List

• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds tangy flavor, choose full-fat version for richness.
• Hot Sauce: Introduces a zesty kick, select your favorite brand for personalized heat level.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates crispy exterior that locks in juicy chicken, pick fresh flour for best texture.
• Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth and aromatic warmth, look for pure ground garlic without additives.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweetness and complexity to the coating, seek high-quality ground onion.
• Paprika: Delivers gentle warmth and beautiful reddish color, Hungarian paprika offers most robust flavor.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and helps draw out moisture for crispier chicken.
• Black Pepper: Introduces sharp, spicy notes that complement the chicken's richness.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings vibrant heat and intense flavor, adjust quantity based on spice preference.

• Vegetable Oil: Essential for deep frying chicken to golden perfection, choose oil with high smoke point.
• Waffles: Provides crispy, sweet foundation for savory chicken, homemade or high-quality frozen work well.

What Tools Help Make Chicken and Waffles Crisp

• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing buttermilk and marinating chicken.
• Shallow Dish: Essential for coating chicken with seasoned flour mixture.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry spices evenly.
• Deep Fryer or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Needed for frying chicken to crispy perfection.
• Wire Rack: Helps drain excess oil after frying.
• Tongs: Ideal for safely handling hot chicken pieces.
• Waffle Maker: Crucial for creating golden, crispy waffles.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Cutting Board: Useful for preparing chicken if needed.

Chicken and Waffles Made from Scratch

• Bathe Chicken in Zesty Marinade

Submerge chicken pieces in a tangy buttermilk bath with a splash of hot sauce. Let the flavors mingle and tenderize in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight for maximum deliciousness.

• Create Crispy Coating

Whip up a flavor-packed flour blend with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a hint of cayenne. This magical mixture will transform your chicken into a crunchy, golden masterpiece.

• Dress and Prepare Chicken

Gently lift chicken from its marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip away. Lovingly coat each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to ensure a perfect, even crust that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep skillet until it’s shimmering and ready for action. Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil, cooking until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and reaches a safe internal temperature.

• Craft Fluffy Waffles

Blend waffle batter until smooth and light. Pour into a preheated waffle iron, cooking until the exterior is crisp and the inside remains wonderfully soft and airy.

• Serve and Savor

Arrange the crispy chicken atop a warm, golden waffle. Drizzle with maple syrup for the ultimate sweet and savory combination that’ll make your mouth water.

Tricks to Perfect Chicken and Waffles

• Crispy Chicken Coating Trick: Double-dip your chicken in the seasoned flour for an extra crunchy exterior that'll make every bite irresistibly golden and textured.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Marinate the chicken overnight to let those buttermilk and spice flavors deeply penetrate the meat, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make this recipe completely gluten-free without sacrificing that signature crunch.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the cayenne pepper and hot sauce to match your heat preference – from mild and kid-friendly to seriously spicy for heat lovers.
• Healthier Baking Option: Instead of deep-frying, try oven-baking the chicken on a wire rack at 425°F for a lighter version that still delivers incredible crispiness and flavor.

Chicken and Waffles Serving Suggestions

• Southern Comfort Plating: Arrange crispy golden chicken atop fluffy waffles, drizzling warm maple syrup generously across the dish for that classic sweet-savory combination.
• Brunch Spectacular: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh mixed berries to create a complete and indulgent breakfast spread that will wow your guests.
• Spicy Flavor Boost: Offer a small ramekin of additional hot sauce or create a zesty honey-sriracha drizzle on the side, letting diners customize their chicken and waffle experience with extra heat and tang.
• Elegant Side Companions: Complement the dish with a light arugula salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or pickled vegetables to cut through the richness of the fried chicken and provide a fresh, bright contrast.

Chicken and Waffles: Best Storage Methods

• Flavor Maximizer: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead for deeper, more intense taste profiles that make every bite unforgettable.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers to maintain crispy texture, keeping waffles in one container and chicken in another for up to 3 days.
• Quick Reheat Method: Revive leftover waffles in a toaster or air fryer for maximum crispiness, while reheating chicken in the oven at 350°F helps retain its original crunch and prevents sogginess.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual portions of cooled chicken in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags, which allows for convenient single-serving meals that stay fresh for up to 2 months when properly sealed.

Crispy Chicken And Waffles Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Soul-satisfying chicken and waffles blend Southern comfort with crispy fried chicken atop golden waffles. Maple syrup drizzled generously completes this classic brunch indulgence you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 2 eggs (large)
• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour (for chicken)
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (for waffles)
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 2 tbsps sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 ½ tsps salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) milk
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Maple syrup or honey
• Butter (optional, for waffles)
• Hot sauce (optional, for extra spice)

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Submerge chicken pieces in a tangy buttermilk and hot sauce mixture, refrigerating for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight to enhance flavor depth.
2. Seasoning Prep: Combine flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a wide dish, creating a complex coating mixture.
3. Coating Process: Drain chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then thoroughly dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to ensure complete and even coverage.
4. Oil Heating: Bring oil to a precise 350°F in a deep skillet or fryer, maintaining consistent temperature for perfect golden crispiness.
5. Frying Technique: Gently lower seasoned chicken into hot oil, cooking until exterior turns deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 12-15 minutes depending on piece size.
6. Waffle Creation: Simultaneously prepare crisp waffles using a preheated waffle iron, achieving a golden-brown exterior with a light, airy interior.
7. Final Assembly: Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil, then artfully arrange over freshly made waffles, drizzling with pure maple syrup or honey to create a harmonious sweet-savory profile.
8. Garnish and Serve: Enhance the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or additional seasoning, presenting a visually appealing and flavor-packed chicken and waffles masterpiece.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Longer buttermilk soaking (overnight) ensures deeper flavor penetration and more tender chicken meat.
• Temperature Precision: Maintain consistent 350°F oil heat to prevent soggy or burned chicken coating, using a reliable kitchen thermometer.
• Coating Technique: Press seasoning firmly into chicken for maximum flavor adherence and creating a thick, crispy exterior that won’t easily fall off.
• Drain Smartly: Use wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent steam buildup, preserving the chicken’s signature crunchiness and preventing soggy bottom layers.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 150mg