If you have a craving for a dish that perfectly balances crispy, juicy chicken with fluffy, golden waffles, look no further than the Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe. This classic Southern American comfort food creates a wonderfully sweet and savory harmony that will have you coming back for seconds. Marinated chicken thighs soaked in tangy buttermilk and spiced coating fried to crispy perfection paired with warm, tender waffles drizzled with maple syrup make this recipe an unforgettable experience for brunch or dinner. Let’s dive into all the delicious details!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step to mastering this recipe. Each component is chosen to build layers of flavor, provide contrasting textures, and bring that iconic Southern charm to your plate.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: These tender cuts soak up the marinade and deliver juicy, flavorful chicken.
- 2 cups buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken for that melt-in-your-mouth effect.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Brings subtle heat to kick up the flavor in the marinade.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the crispy chicken coating.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Essential for extra crunch in the fried chicken crust.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smokiness and beautiful color.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses mild aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Provides a gentle spicy warmth.
- 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Balanced seasoning for the chicken coating.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Enough to shallow fry the chicken until golden crisp.
- 2 large eggs: The foundation for light and fluffy waffles.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for waffles): Ensures tender waffle structure.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the waffles.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The leavening agent for fluffy waffles.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the waffle batter flavors.
- 1 3/4 cups milk: Keeps the waffles moist and tender.
- 1/3 cup melted butter: Adds richness and a golden hue to waffles.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances waffle aroma and taste.
- Maple syrup and butter for serving: Classic toppings to bring that sweet and savory bliss.
How to Make Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl, then adding your chicken pieces to soak up all that tangy, spicy goodness. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least two hours or even better, overnight. This tenderizes the chicken and infuses every bite with flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While the chicken is marinating, mix together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. This spice-packed blend creates the crust that will give your fried chicken its signature crunch and flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Take the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press firmly so the coating sticks well. For a double layer of crunch, you can dunk the chicken back into the buttermilk and coat it again in the flour mixture. Trust me, the extra effort is worth it.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it registers 350°F. Carefully fry the chicken in batches for about 6 to 8 minutes per side. You want that irresistible golden crust and juicy interior. Once cooked, place the chicken on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
Step 5: Prepare the Waffle Batter
Preheat your waffle iron so it’s nice and hot. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla together until smooth. In another bowl, combine the dry ingredients — flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir the dry mixture into the wet just until combined; overmixing can make waffles tough, so be gentle.
Step 6: Cook the Waffles
Pour your batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook according to your iron’s instructions until the waffles are a beautiful golden color and crisp on the edges. These waffles will be the perfect sturdy base for the chicken.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Stack a couple of waffles on each plate and top with your crispy fried chicken. Add a pat of butter and drizzle generously with maple syrup for that perfect combination of sweet and savory.
How to Serve Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
Sometimes it’s the little touches that take your Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe to the next level. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme add a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of powdered sugar gives a hint of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spicy chicken. For a trendy twist, drizzle some hot honey for an amazing sweet heat balance.
Side Dishes
If you’d like to round out your meal, consider classic Southern sides. Creamy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, helping cut through the richness of the fried chicken. Collard greens or sautéed green beans bring vibrant greens for contrast, and baked beans add hearty, smoky sweetness. These sides complement the central dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Serve mini versions using small waffles and bite-sized chicken pieces for a fun appetizer. Or stack layers of waffle and chicken with slices of crispy bacon and fried eggs for a decadent brunch tower the whole family will adore. You can even add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an all-day sweet-savory dessert feel!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe? Refrigerate the chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers for up to three days. This keeps everything fresh and maintains the best texture without sogginess.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken and waffles individually on baking sheets, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to bring back crispiness. Toast or warm waffles in a toaster or oven until heated through. Avoid the microwave to keep that satisfying crunch and fluff intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe?
Absolutely! While thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during frying, boneless skinless breasts work well too. Just make sure to not overcook the breasts to keep them tender and moist.
Is buttermilk necessary for the marinade?
Buttermilk is ideal because its acidity tenderizes the chicken and deepens flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. The marinade helps the coating stick and boosts juiciness too.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap out regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for frying and waffles. For best results, choose a blend formulated for crispy coatings and follow package instructions.
What’s the best oil to use for frying the chicken?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are excellent choices for frying because they have high smoke points. This allows the chicken to cook through without burning the coating.
Can I prepare the chicken and waffles in advance for a party?
You sure can! Marinate your chicken the day before and fry it shortly before serving to ensure crispiness. Waffles can be made ahead and kept warm in a low oven; just reheat briefly before plating for best texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comfort and joy that comes with making and sharing this Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe. Every crispy bite and fluffy mouthful is a celebration of Southern hospitality and flavor magic. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and create a dish that everyone will rave about — I promise, it’s well worth the effort!
Print
Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This classic Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe combines crispy, spicy buttermilk fried chicken with golden, fluffy waffles for the ultimate sweet and savory comfort food. Marinated chicken is dredged in a seasoned flour mixture and fried to perfection, then served atop warm waffles with butter and maple syrup, making it perfect for brunch or a hearty meal.
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Waffles
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To Serve
- Maple syrup
- Butter
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce, stirring well. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Dredging Mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoned coating for the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating evenly.
- Heat Oil and Fry Chicken: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet to a depth of about 2 inches and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking for 6 to 8 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Preheat Waffle Iron and Mix Batter: While the chicken is frying, preheat your waffle iron. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract together. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Cook Waffles: Pour the waffle batter onto the preheated waffle iron, following your appliance instructions. Cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp on the outside, then carefully remove and keep warm.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the hot waffles and top them with the freshly fried chicken. Serve with butter and drizzle generously with maple syrup for a delicious sweet and savory classic Southern meal.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, double-dip by returning the coated chicken to the buttermilk marinade, then dredging again in the flour mixture before frying.
- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dash of hot honey to the finished dish for a sweet-and-spicy flavor twist.
- Ensure the frying oil is at the proper temperature (350°F) to achieve a crispy crust without absorbing excess oil.
- Do not overmix waffle batter to keep waffles light and fluffy.
