Southern fried chicken and waffles is the ultimate comfort food pairing. The crunchy, golden-brown chicken paired with soft waffles and a pour of rich maple syrup creates a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it a beloved brunch classic. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or craving something indulgent, this dish will surely impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy, savory chicken and soft, sweet waffles is irresistible.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.
- Customizable: Add your favorite spices or toppings to suit your taste.
- Impressive Presentation: A show-stopping dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.
How to Make Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles
This recipe involves making crispy fried chicken and soft, golden waffles from scratch. The secret lies in perfectly seasoning the chicken batter and achieving a fluffy waffle texture. Serve them together with syrup, butter, or even spicy honey for a burst of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Soak the chicken in buttermilk and spices for tender, flavorful meat.
- Prepare the Waffle Batter: Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, milk, and eggs for a smooth batter.
- Fry the Chicken: Coat the chicken in seasoned flour and fry until crispy and golden.
- Cook the Waffles: Pour the batter into a preheated waffle iron and cook until golden brown.
- Assemble and Serve: Arrange the waffles on a serving plate and crown them with crispy fried chicken. Add syrup, butter, or honey for the perfect finish.
Variations
- Spicy Chicken: Add hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Waffles: Mix shredded cheddar into the waffle batter for a savory twist.
- Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free flour for both the chicken batter and the waffle mix.
- Sweet and Spicy: Serve with hot honey or spicy maple syrup for a unique flavor combo.
Storage Tips for Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles
Fried Chicken
- Refrigeration:
- Place leftover fried chicken sealed in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Keep refrigerated and consume within 3 to 4 days
- Freezing:
- Place the chicken pieces in a uniform layer on a baking tray and freeze them until they are completely firm.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:
- For a crispy finish, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Refrain from using the microwave, as it can cause the chicken to lose its crispness and become soggy.
Waffles
- Refrigeration:
- Cool the waffles completely and store them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing:
- Lay the cooled waffles in an even layer on a baking tray and freeze until they are fully set.
- Place the waffles in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, using parchment paper between each waffle to avoid them sticking together.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating:
- Toast waffles in a toaster or reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes until warm and crispy.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your Southern fried chicken and waffles anytime with minimal loss in quality!
Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles
4
servings20
minutes40
minutesIngredients
- For the Fried Chicken:
6 chicken drumsticks or thighs
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying- For the Waffles:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 3/4 cups milk
1/3 cup melted butter or oil
Optional: maple syrup, butter, or hot honey for serving
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Incorporate the chicken and chill it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour.
- Prepare the Waffle Batter: In a spacious bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and melted butter, then combine with dry ingredients.
- Coat and Fry Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade. Coat thoroughly in a blend of flour, salt, and ground black pepper. Heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken until it is golden brown and thoroughly cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Cook the Waffles: Heat your waffle iron and pour in the batter. Prepare the waffles following your waffle maker’s guidelines until they reach a golden brown color.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the waffles, top with fried chicken, and drizzle with your choice of syrup, butter, or honey.
FAQ
1. Is it possible to substitute boneless chicken in this recipe? Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work well and cook faster than bone-in chicken.
2. Is it possible to prepare the waffles in advance?
Yes, you can prepare waffles in advance and reheat them in a toaster or oven to restore their crispiness.
3. What’s the best oil for frying chicken?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all ideal options for frying due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors.
4. Is it an option to bake the chicken rather than fry it? Yes, bake the chicken at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier option.
