Classic Southern Chicken and Waffles is the ultimate comfort food—crispy fried chicken piled on top of fluffy waffles, all drizzled with warm maple syrup. Perfect for National Chicken and Waffles Day or any time you want a sweet and savory treat!
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Waffles
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Serving
- Maple syrup
- Butter (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken, toss to coat, and marinate at least 30 minutes (up to overnight in the fridge).
- Prepare the Waffle Batter: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Add wet to dry and mix until just combined. Let rest while you fry the chicken.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Remove chicken from marinade, dredge in flour mixture, and fry in batches 4–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on a rack or paper towels.
- Cook the Waffles: Preheat waffle iron and cook waffles according to manufacturer’s instructions until golden and crisp.
- Serve: Top waffles with fried chicken, drizzle with maple syrup, and add butter if desired.
Tips
- For extra crispy chicken, double-dip: dip in buttermilk again, then flour mixture before frying.
- Keep cooked chicken warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the batch.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but thighs are juicier.
Can I bake the chicken?
For a lighter version, bake at 425°F on a rack for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.
Looking for a waffle iron? Find one on Amazon.
Try more Southern classics like our Classic Juicy Beef Burger!
