Southern fried chicken and waffles is the ultimate comfort food pairing. The crispy, golden chicken combined with fluffy waffles and a drizzle of sweet maple syrup is a blend of flavors and textures that has become a brunch staple. 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: Plate the waffles and top them with 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: Use gluten-free flour for both the chicken coating and waffles.
- 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 in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing:
- Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:
- For crispy results, reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving as it may make the chicken 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:
- Place cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.
- Store in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between each waffle.
- 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. Add the chicken and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Waffle Batter: In a large bowl, mix 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. Dredge in a mixture of flour, salt, and black pepper. Heat oil in a skillet and fry the chicken until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Cook the Waffles: Heat your waffle iron and pour in the batter. Cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions until golden brown.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the waffles, top with fried chicken, and drizzle with your choice of syrup, butter, or honey.
FAQ
1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work well and cook faster than bone-in chicken.
2. Can I make the waffles ahead of time?
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 excellent choices for frying.
4. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake the chicken at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier option.
