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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Oil Heating: Bring oil to a precise 350°F in a deep skillet or fryer, maintaining consistent temperature for perfect golden crispiness.
- 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.
- Waffle Creation: Simultaneously prepare crisp waffles using a preheated waffle iron, achieving a golden-brown exterior with a light, airy interior.
- 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.
- 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