Golden Crispy Chicken and Waffles Recipe: Brunch Magic!

Southern-style crispy chicken and waffles bring comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

This classic dish combines perfectly seasoned, golden-brown chicken with fluffy, crisp waffles that’ll make your taste buds dance.

The harmonious blend of savory and sweet creates an irresistible culinary experience that crosses regional boundaries.

Crispy chicken brings a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft, buttery waffle base.

Maple syrup drizzled over the top adds a luxurious touch of sweetness that elevates every single bite.

The recipe balances textures and flavors in a way that guarantees a memorable meal.

Prepare to enjoy a Southern classic that promises pure, unapologetic deliciousness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 710 kcal

Servings: 5

All Ingredients For Chicken And Waffles

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds tangy richness, choose full-fat version for maximum flavor and moisture.
• Hot Sauce: Brings a spicy kick and depth to the chicken, select your favorite brand for personalized heat level.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates crispy, golden exterior that locks in chicken's juiciness, use fresh and sifted for smooth coating.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Infuses savory aromatics and background depth, opt for high-quality, freshly ground spices.
• Paprika: Adds warm color and subtle sweetness, look for smoky or sweet varieties depending on preference.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and helps seasoning adhere to chicken, use kosher or sea salt for best results.
• Black Pepper: Provides sharp, pungent undertone, freshly ground offers more intense flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper: Delivers subtle heat and complexity, adjust quantity based on spice tolerance.

• Chicken Pieces: Select bone-in, skin-on pieces for maximum juiciness and traditional texture, choose fresh, high-quality cuts.

Kitchen Tools For Chicken And Waffles

• Large bowl: Essential for marinating chicken and mixing ingredients.
• Shallow dish: Perfect for coating chicken in seasoned flour.
• Whisk: Great for blending buttermilk and hot sauce smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling and turning chicken during coating.
• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed skillet: Necessary for frying chicken to golden perfection.
• Paper towels: Useful for draining excess oil from fried chicken.
• Waffle iron: Required for making crispy, golden waffles.
• Cooling rack: Keeps fried chicken crisp by preventing steam buildup.

How To Make Chicken And Waffles From Scratch

• Kickstart the Flavor Bath

Dive chicken pieces into a zesty buttermilk bath mixed with hot sauce. Let it chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes, though overnight soaking creates maximum deliciousness.

• Create Magical Coating

Whip up a spice explosion by blending flour with a symphony of seasonings including garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Craft this magical dust that will transform ordinary chicken into a crispy sensation.

• Transform Chicken into Crispy Masterpiece

Rescue chicken from its buttermilk spa, allowing excess liquid to drip away. Lovingly roll each piece through the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure every nook and cranny gets totally covered. Press confidently to create a thick, even coating that promises maximum crunch and flavor.

Tips For Crispy Chicken And Waffles

• Crispy Coating Secret: Double-dip chicken in buttermilk and flour for an extra crunchy, golden exterior that locks in juicy flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Marinate chicken overnight to intensify the tangy buttermilk and hot sauce flavor profile for maximum deliciousness.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this dish accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust hot sauce and cayenne pepper quantities to create mild, medium, or fiery-hot versions that match your heat preference.
• Healthier Twist: Bake chicken instead of frying by placing coated pieces on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 425°F for 25-30 minutes for a lighter option.

Serve Chicken And Waffles With Toppings

• Flavor Symphony Plate: Drizzle warm maple syrup over crispy chicken and golden waffles, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory that dances on your taste buds.
• Southern Comfort Combo: Serve with creamy coleslaw and pickled jalapeños on the side to add tangy crunch and a little kick to your classic chicken and waffles experience.
• Brunch Luxe Presentation: Garnish with fresh chopped chives or green onions and a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the dish from classic to gourmet, making it Instagram-worthy and elegant.
• Weekend Indulgence Pairing: Accompany with a cold glass of sweet tea or a mimosa to complete this quintessential Southern-inspired brunch plate that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Storing Chicken And Waffles Without Losing Crunch

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store marinated chicken in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before cooking, ensuring maximum flavor absorption and food safety.
• Waffle Batch Preparation: Make extra waffles and store them in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 weeks, allowing quick reheating in a toaster or oven for convenient future meals.
• Leftover Care Package: Separate chicken and waffles when storing in the refrigerator to maintain crispiness, keeping them in individual sealed containers for up to 3 days.
• Advance Meal Planning: Prepare seasoned flour mixture in advance and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, streamlining your cooking process and saving valuable kitchen time.

Crispy Chicken And Waffles Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

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

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Description

Southern chicken and waffles blend crispy fried chicken with golden, fluffy waffles. Maple syrup and buttermilk create a classic comfort dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour (for breading)
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour (for waffles)
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) milk
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsps sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt (for breading)
• ½ tsp salt (for waffles)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (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: Immerse chicken pieces in a buttermilk and hot sauce bath, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or ideally overnight to tenderize and infuse robust flavors.
2. Prepare Seasoning: Blend flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, creating a dynamic and aromatic coating mixture.
3. Coat Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to create a comprehensive, textured exterior that will transform into a crispy golden shell.
4. Final Preparation: Gently pat and press the flour coating to ensure maximum spice adherence and even distribution across the chicken’s surface, setting the stage for a perfectly seasoned and crunchy result.

Notes

• Maximize Marination: Let chicken soak in buttermilk mixture for at least 1 hour, but overnight marination yields the most tender, flavor-packed results.
• Spice Coating Technique: Press seasoned flour firmly onto chicken to create a thick, even crust that ensures maximum crispiness and flavor penetration.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain consistent oil heat around 350°F to achieve perfectly golden, crispy exterior without burning the coating or undercooking the chicken.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the same seasoning profile and crispy texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 710
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg