Chicken and Waffles

A beloved Southern comfort pairing, chicken and waffles joins crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles for a sweet-savory brunch classic. Buttermilk-soaked thighs get a spiced crunch before meeting warm syrup on the plate.

Serves 4

Estimate for one serving

• 920 cal
• 48g protein
• 78g carbs
• 48g fat
• 4.2g fiber

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 8 (about 2 lbs total) boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tbsp hot sauce
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups (for frying) peanut or vegetable oil
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (for waffles)
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt (for waffles)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups whole milk
• 6 tbsp (melted) unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (for serving) hot honey or maple syrup

Instructions

1. 1Pat chicken thighs dry and place in a large bowl.
2. 2Whisk buttermilk and hot sauce together; pour over chicken, cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
3. 3In a separate large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
4. 4Heat oil in a deep Dutch oven or heavy pot to 350°F (use a thermometer).
5. 5Remove chicken from buttermilk (let excess drip off), then dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Press to adhere.
6. 6Fry chicken in batches (at a time) for 8–10 minutes, turning once, until deep golden and internal temperature reaches 175°F. Drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Keep warm in a 200°F oven.
7. 7While chicken fries, preheat a Belgian waffle iron and lightly grease it.
8. 8In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
9. 9In another bowl, beat eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
10. 10Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir just until combined (a few lumps are fine).
11. 11Cook waffles according to your iron’s instructions until deep golden and crisp (about 4–5 minutes each). You should get large waffles.
12. 12Plate each waffle, top with fried chicken, and drizzle generously with hot honey or warm maple syrup. Serve immediately.