Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe Ultimate Classic

Southern cuisine brings life to this mouthwatering fried chicken and waffles masterpiece that blends crispy textures with sweet and savory notes.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delectable combination across kitchen tables in the southern United States.

Crisp chicken pieces sit atop fluffy golden waffles, creating a harmony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Buttermilk marinades and seasoned flour coatings ensure each bite delivers maximum crunch and intense taste.

Maple syrup drizzled generously adds a subtle sweetness that complements the salty, perfectly seasoned meat.

Regional traditions shine through in this classic dish that connects you to deep-rooted culinary heritage.

Prepare to experience a southern comfort classic that will become an instant favorite at your dining table.

Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles That Hit the Spot

• Buttermilk marinade transforms ordinary chicken into a tender, tangy delight with minimal effort, requiring just an hour of refrigeration.
• Simple step-by-step coating and cooking process ensures crispy, golden-brown chicken that's perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Classic Southern dish that brings families together, offering a nostalgic and satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Ideal for lazy weekend brunches, game day gatherings, or casual dinner parties, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Chicken and Golden Waffles

• Chicken Pieces: Tender, juicy meat that forms the heart of this classic Southern dish, best when using bone-in, skin-on chicken for maximum flavor and crispy texture.

• Buttermilk, Hot Sauce: Tangy mixture that tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle kick, with buttermilk breaking down proteins and hot sauce providing optional heat.

• All-Purpose Flour, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Seasoned flour mixture creating a crispy, flavorful crust with a perfect blend of spices and heat, choose fresh, high-quality spices for best results.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil with a high smoke point, ideal for achieving golden-brown, crispy chicken without overwhelming the natural flavors.

How to Fry Chicken and Prepare Waffles Like a Pro

Step 1: Soak Chicken in Buttermilk Bath

• Buttermilk
• Hot sauce
• Chicken pieces

Submerge chicken completely and refrigerate for minimum one hour or overnight for deeper flavor infusion.

Step 2: Create Magical Crispy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip. Generously coat each piece in seasoned flour, pressing firmly to create a thick, crunchy layer.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in deep skillet or Dutch oven until temperature reaches 350°F. Carefully lower chicken pieces into hot oil, cooking in batches. Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning periodically to ensure even browning. Chicken is ready when exterior turns gorgeous golden brown and internal temperature hits 165°F. Transfer to wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Craft Fluffy Waffles

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Sugar
• Salt
• Eggs
• Milk
• Melted butter

Pour batter into preheated waffle iron. Cook until edges turn crisp and golden.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Place crispy chicken atop fluffy waffles. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey for ultimate Southern comfort experience.

Key Tips for Texture and Flavor in This Classic Combo

• Optimize Marinating: Allow chicken to soak in buttermilk overnight for maximum tenderness and deeper flavor absorption.
• Coat Perfectly: Press seasoned flour firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crispy crust that locks in moisture and delivers extra crunch.
• Temperature Control: Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165F, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
• Oil Management: Maintain consistent oil temperature around 350F to achieve golden-brown exterior without greasy residue.
• Drain Smartly: Let fried chicken rest on wire rack instead of paper towels to preserve crispy coating and prevent sogginess.

Store Southern Chicken and Waffles Without Getting Soggy

• Store leftover chicken and waffles in an airtight container, separating them to prevent sogginess. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Chicken stays fresh for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Warm in a preheated oven at 375F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring crispy exterior and hot interior. Avoid microwave to maintain crunchiness.
• Toast in a toaster or oven for 2-3 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid soggy results by using direct heat.

Best Drinks and Sides for Chicken and Waffle Plates

• Perfect Pairings for Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles
• Select a buttery, lightly oaked Chardonnay that balances the chicken's rich, crispy texture while cutting through its heaviness with bright acidity.
• Mix a classic mint julep featuring bourbon, fresh mint, and a touch of sugar to echo the southern roots of this comfort dish and complement its deep-fried warmth.
• Prepare a zesty coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and a hint of honey, providing a refreshing crunch that contrasts the chicken's crispy coating and adds bright, acidic notes to the plate.
• Create a quick maple bourbon sauce by reducing bourbon with pure maple syrup, which enhances the waffle's sweetness and adds a sophisticated layer of flavor to the crispy chicken.

Ways to Remix Southern Chicken and Waffles

• Gluten-Free Southern Comfort: Swap wheat flour with a blend of rice flour and cornstarch for crispy, golden chicken that's safe for gluten-sensitive diners. Season the alternative flour mix with the same spices for authentic flavor.
• Baked Lighter Version: Transform the recipe by oven-baking chicken pieces on a wire rack, sprayed with cooking oil. Achieve a crispy exterior by coating with seasoned panko breadcrumbs and baking at 425F until golden and cooked through.
• Spicy Caribbean Remix: Infuse the marinade with rum, allspice, and scotch bonnet peppers for a Caribbean-inspired profile. Replace buttermilk with coconut milk to amplify the tropical notes and create a more complex flavor experience.
• Low-Carb Waffle Alternative: Create cauliflower waffles by mixing riced cauliflower with eggs and cheese as a protein-packed, low-carbohydrate base for the classic chicken and waffles combination.

Southern Fried Chicken And Waffles Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles celebrates a classic comfort dish blending crispy, golden-brown chicken with fluffy waffles. Hearty flavors merge Southern hospitality and pure culinary delight, promising a memorable meal you’ll savor with pure joy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 68 chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Seasoning Mix:

• 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Frying & Cooking:

• Vegetable oil, for frying

Waffle Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Waffle Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¾ cups (420 milliliters) milk
• ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Serving Accompaniments:

• Maple syrup
• Honey butter (optional)

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Instructions

1. Submerge chicken pieces in a zesty buttermilk and hot sauce bath, creating a tangy marinade that penetrates deep into the meat. Refrigerate for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and tenderize the protein.
2. Craft a robust seasoning blend by combining flour with aromatic garlic powder, pungent onion powder, vibrant paprika, sharp salt, cracked black pepper, and fiery cayenne. Carefully extract chicken from its marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip away.
3. Meticulously coat each chicken piece by pressing the seasoned flour mixture firmly, ensuring a thick, even crust that will crisp beautifully during frying.
4. Prepare a deep skillet with vegetable oil, heating to a precise 350°F – the optimal temperature for achieving a golden, crunchy exterior while maintaining juicy interior meat.
5. Gently lower chicken pieces into the hot oil, maintaining a consistent temperature. Fry in strategic batches to prevent overcrowding, rotating periodically to guarantee uniform browning.
6. Monitor cooking progress, allowing approximately 12-15 minutes until the chicken reaches a rich golden hue and internal temperature hits the safe 165°F mark.
7. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined surface, permitting excess oil to drain and preserving the perfect crispy texture.

Notes

• Achieve crispier coating by double-dredging chicken, first in seasoned flour, then back into buttermilk, and coating again in flour for extra crunch.
• Ensure even cooking by bringing chicken to room temperature before frying, which helps prevent cold spots and promotes consistent golden-brown exterior.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity or adding different hot sauces during marinade for personalized spice intensity.
• Make the dish gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same seasoning proportions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg