Crispy Chicken and Waffles Recipe

Chicken and Waffles is the ultimate comfort food mashup—crispy, juicy fried chicken paired with golden, fluffy waffles.

Sweet meets savory in every bite, often finished with a drizzle of maple syrup or hot sauce. Whether you’re planning a soulful brunch or a satisfying dinner, this classic Southern-inspired dish never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Waffles Recipe?

• Crispy and Juicy Chicken: Perfectly seasoned and golden fried every time.
• Tender Homemade Waffles: Light, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweetness.
• Great for Any Meal: Serve it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
• Sweet and Savory Combo: Balanced flavors that make each bite unforgettable.
• Made From Scratch: No shortcuts, just real ingredients and bold flavor.

Ingredients Crispy Chicken and Waffles

To make Chicken and Waffles, you will need a few key ingredients for both the chicken and waffles. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier option)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a bit of heat)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Vegetable oil for frying (or use peanut oil for extra crispiness)

For the Waffles:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Syrup:

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp butter

Step By Step Instruction To Make Chicken and Waffles

Follow these steps for a crispy, flavorful Chicken and Waffles experience:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Whisk to combine.
• Add the chicken breasts to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to marinate.

Step 2: Prepare the Flour Coating

• In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until combined.
• Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and coat each piece generously in the flour mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even coating.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

• Heat a large skillet or deep fryer with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C) for frying.
• Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil, cooking for 6–8 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature (it should reach 165°F).
• Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Waffles

• Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined (don’t overmix).
• Grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or brush with butter.
• Pour the waffle batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3–5 minutes depending on your waffle iron.

Step 5: Prepare the Syrup

• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the maple syrup and stir to combine.
• Heat the syrup until warm, then set aside.

Step 6: Assemble

• Place one waffle on each plate, then top with a piece of crispy fried chicken.
• Drizzle with warm maple syrup and serve immediately.

PRO TIP: For extra crispiness, let the chicken rest on a wire rack after frying, rather than on paper towels. This allows the chicken to stay crisp on all

FAQs or Tips Section

Here are some commonly asked questions and tips to make your Chicken and Waffles even better:

Can I use canned chicken?

While fresh, boneless chicken breasts or thighs are recommended for this recipe to achieve the best flavor and texture, you could use pre-cooked or canned chicken if you’re short on time. However, the texture will differ, and it won’t have that crispy, golden coating.

How long does Chicken and Waffles keep?

Chicken and waffles are best enjoyed immediately for maximum crispiness. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer to maintain the crispy texture.

Can I make Chicken and Waffles ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. The waffles can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container. Reheat them in the toaster or oven for a fresh, crispy result. The chicken can also be cooked in advance and reheated, though it will be best if fried just before serving to retain its crispiness.

Variations or Serving Suggestions

There are plenty of ways to customize your Chicken and Waffles to suit your taste:

• Add a spice twist: For a spicier version, add hot sauce or smoked paprika to the buttermilk marinade or drizzle some sriracha over the chicken after frying.
• Try different syrups: While classic maple syrup is always delicious, you can experiment with flavored syrups, such as honey, bourbon-infused syrup, or even fruit syrups like raspberry or strawberry.
• Top with fresh fruit: Adding fresh berries or sliced bananas on top of the waffles can add a refreshing and sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
• Make it a Southern-style feast: Serve your chicken and waffles with sides like creamy coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or sautéed greens for a more traditional Southern meal.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for both the chicken coating and waffles to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

Nutrition + Summary

Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutrition per serving (one piece of chicken and one waffle):

Nutrient	Amount (Per Serving)
Calories	600–700
Protein	40g
Carbohydrates	50g
Fat	30g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	15g
Sodium	700mg

This Chicken and Waffles recipe is the perfect balance of crispy, savory chicken and fluffy, sweet waffles, making it a delicious choice for any meal. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this dish will definitely be a hit!

Disclaimer: Nutritional information on this blog is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portions. We are not nutritionists and recommend consulting a professional for specific dietary advice.