Dive into the ultimate comfort food pairing with Chicken and Waffles, a classic Southern soul food dish that perfectly balances crispy, savory fried chicken with soft, fluffy waffles. Drizzled with syrup or honey for a sweet and salty finish, this dish is a crowd-pleaser any time of day. Whether it’s brunch, dinner, or a midnight snack, this recipe brings a little taste of Southern tradition right to your table.

A Southern Classic That Satisfies Every Craving

Chicken and waffles are a beloved dish, known for combining contrasting flavors and textures into one harmonious meal. The crispy fried chicken provides a flavorful crunch, while the buttery, golden waffles add a pillowy, slightly sweet contrast. Add a drizzle of maple syrup or hot honey, and you have a culinary masterpiece that hits every note: savory, sweet, crunchy, and tender.

Perfect for casual family meals or special weekend brunches, this dish is surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a plate of irresistible Chicken and Waffles ready to impress.

Ingredients and How to Make Chicken and Waffles

To create this mouthwatering Southern classic, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Each component comes together to deliver a balance of crispy, juicy chicken and soft, fluffy waffles.

Ingredients for Chicken and Waffles

The Fried Chicken:

Chicken Tenders or Drumsticks – Bone-in or boneless options work, but tenders are perfect for easy serving.
Buttermilk – Tenderizes the chicken and adds tangy flavor.
Hot Sauce (optional) – Adds a touch of heat to the marinade for extra flavor.
All-Purpose Flour – For a crispy coating.
Cornstarch – Ensures a light, crunchy texture when fried.
Seasonings – Salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for bold Southern flavor.
Vegetable Oil – For frying. Use oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil.

The Waffles:

All-Purpose Flour – The base for tender, fluffy waffles.
Baking Powder – Creates a light, airy texture.
Sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness.
Milk – Adds richness and moisture.
Eggs – Provides structure and fluffiness.
Butter (melted) – For buttery flavor in every bite.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the waffle’s sweetness and aroma.

Serving:

Maple Syrup – A classic topping for the sweet and savory combo.
Hot Honey (optional) – A spicy twist that complements the fried chicken.

How to Make Chicken and Waffles

Follow these simple steps to bring together crispy fried chicken and golden waffles for the perfect Southern soul food meal:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

In a large bowl, combine buttermilk with a few dashes of hot sauce (if using) and whisk to combine. Submerge the chicken pieces in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. This helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, and dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well. Place the coated chicken on a plate and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 6–8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on a wire rack over paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Waffle Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, combine milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.

Step 5: Cook the Waffles

Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. Pour the batter into the waffle iron (amount depends on your waffle maker) and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden brown.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Place a warm waffle on a plate and top it with a piece (or two) of fried chicken. Drizzle generously with maple syrup or hot honey. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken and Waffles

To achieve that perfect combination of crispy chicken and fluffy waffles, timing and technique are everything. Here’s how to get it just right:

How Long to Fry Chicken

The frying time for chicken will depend on the size of the pieces you’re using. Here are some general guidelines to help you achieve golden, crispy chicken that’s cooked to perfection:

Chicken Tenders – Fry for 6–8 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Bone-In Pieces – Fry for 10–12 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).

Always fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy chicken.

Waffle Cooking Time

The cooking time for waffles will vary slightly based on your waffle maker, but here are some tips:

Preheat Your Waffle Iron – Make sure it’s fully heated before adding the batter for the best results.
Golden Brown Perfection – Cook each waffle until golden brown and crispy, usually 4–5 minutes per waffle.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though they’re so delicious, it’s rare!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Fried Chicken – Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes to restore crispiness.
Waffles – Store in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or oven until warm and crispy.

Tips for the Best Chicken and Waffles

Marinate the Chicken – Don’t skip the buttermilk marinade! It tenderizes the meat and enhances the flavor.
Season Well – Season both the chicken coating and the waffle batter to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Keep Everything Warm – Place fried chicken and cooked waffles on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F) to keep warm while you cook the rest.
Customize Your Toppings – Maple syrup and hot honey are classics, but you can also add whipped butter, powdered sugar, or even spicy aioli for a fun twist.
Double the Batch – Make extra chicken and waffles for easy reheating later. They’re just as good the next day!

Chicken and Waffles | Southern Soul Food Recipec

Author: Ava McKenney
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Chicken and Waffles are the ultimate comfort food combination, bringing together crispy, golden fried chicken and fluffy, buttery waffles. Drizzled with maple syrup or hot honey, this Southern classic hits every note of savory and sweet, making it a perfect dish for brunch, dinner, or a special treat anytime.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for the best flavor).
Bread the Chicken:
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and dredge in the flour mixture. Press to coat well. Let rest for 10 minutes.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches, 6–8 minutes for tenders or 10–12 minutes for bone-in pieces, until golden and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack over paper towels.
Make the Waffle Batter:
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Cook the Waffles:
- Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it. Pour batter into the waffle maker and cook according to manufacturer instructions, usually 4–5 minutes per waffle, until golden and crisp.
Assemble and Serve:
- Place a waffle on a plate, top with fried chicken, and drizzle generously with maple syrup or hot honey. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crunch, add 2 tablespoons of cornmeal to the waffle batter.
To spice things up, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne into the syrup or use hot honey.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat waffles in a toaster and chicken in an oven to maintain crispiness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 30 minutes