Ultimate Crispy Chicken and Fluffy Waffles Recipe: Your Go-To Southern Comfort Food
Discover the irresistible combination of flavors and textures with our ultimate chicken and waffles recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs, coated in a perfectly seasoned, ultra-crispy breading, nestled upon a warm, fluffy, and slightly sweet waffle. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a beloved Southern staple that beautifully marries savory and sweet in every single bite. Get ready to elevate your brunch, breakfast-for-dinner, or any meal to a whole new level of deliciousness with this easy-to-follow guide!
Why This Crispy Chicken and Fluffy Waffles Recipe Works
For some, the idea of pairing fried chicken with waffles might seem unconventional, but we promise, this dish is a revelation! Don’t knock it until you’ve tasted the magic. This recipe masterfully brings together the best of both worlds: the irresistible crunch and savory spice of perfectly fried chicken, complemented by the soft, airy sweetness of a golden-brown waffle. The subtle kick in the chicken breading perfectly cuts through the richness, while a generous drizzle of maple syrup ties everything together in a symphony of flavors. It’s a true Southern brunch staple that delivers an unforgettable sensory experience, balancing textures and tastes in the most delightful way possible. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious first-timer, this dish is guaranteed to become a new favorite.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Chicken and Waffles
Creating this iconic dish requires a few simple, yet essential, ingredients. While you can find the complete list with precise measurements in the printable recipe card at the end of this post, here’s an overview of what you’ll need to gather:
- For the Crispy Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, an egg and buttermilk mixture for dredging, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and a blend of flavorful seasonings.
- For the Fluffy Waffles: Your favorite waffle mix (or homemade batter components), and vegetable oil for frying the chicken.
- Essential Tools: A good waffle iron, a deep skillet for frying, and a reliable instant-read thermometer.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Let’s dive deeper into the ingredients, offering tips and potential substitutions to help you achieve perfection every time.
WAFFLES – While a convenient box mix works wonderfully for quick and easy waffles, feel free to use your absolute favorite homemade waffle recipe from scratch. The key is to achieve that light, fluffy interior and crisp exterior. If you only have boxed pancake mix on hand, you can easily adapt it for waffles by adding 1 additional egg per two waffles (adjusting liquid as needed to reach a thick batter consistency). For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to your waffle batter.
SEASONING – Our recipe calls for Slap Ya Mama seasoning, which imparts a fantastic, subtle kick that truly complements the fried chicken. If you enjoy a bit more heat, a generous amount of our homemade Cajun seasoning is an excellent alternative. Don’t have these on hand? A good quality all-purpose seasoning blend with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of thyme will also create a delicious flavor profile. Adjust the cayenne to your preferred spice level.
CHICKEN – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are traditionally and most popularly used for chicken and waffles due to their inherent juiciness and tender texture that holds up well to frying. However, don’t limit yourself! You can absolutely use bone-in chicken thighs for a more classic fried chicken experience (though cooking time will increase), or even boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer white meat. If using breasts, consider pounding them slightly to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Regardless of the cut, it’s crucial to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Always check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer, aiming for 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the meat.
BUTTERMILK – Buttermilk is a secret weapon in fried chicken, not only tenderizing the meat but also adding a slight tang that deepens the flavor. It helps the breading adhere better and contributes to a crispier crust. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute: simply add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then fill the rest with regular milk until it reaches ½ cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly before using.
FRYING OIL – The type of oil you use for frying makes a difference. Vegetable oil is a great all-purpose choice, as is canola oil or peanut oil, thanks to their high smoke points. Ensure you have enough oil to submerge the chicken halfway, typically about ½ to 1 inch deep in your skillet, to achieve that even golden-brown crispness.
How to Make Crispy Chicken and Fluffy Waffles: A Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the large egg and buttermilk until well combined. This forms the flavorful base for your chicken coating, ensuring moisture and helping the dry ingredients stick.
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- Create the Dry Breading: In a separate medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. The cornstarch is key here, contributing to an extra crispy coating.
- Double-Dredge the Chicken: Take each chicken thigh and first dredge it generously in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess. Then, dip the flour-coated chicken into the egg and buttermilk mixture, making sure every part is wet. Finally, dip the chicken back into the flour mixture, pressing the flour firmly onto the chicken to create a thick, even coating. Gently shake off any loose excess. Transfer the coated chicken to a wire rack and let it rest for a few minutes. This double-dredging technique is crucial for achieving that incredibly crispy crust!
- Make the Waffles: While the chicken rests, prepare three large waffles according to your chosen recipe or mix instructions. Once cooked, immediately remove them to a separate wire rack. This prevents steam from accumulating underneath and making them soggy, ensuring they stay delightfully crisp until serving.
- Heat the Frying Oil: In a large, deep-sided skillet, pour in enough vegetable oil to reach approximately ½-inch up the sides of the pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. The ideal temperature for frying chicken is 350°F (175°C). Use an instant-read thermometer to accurately gauge the temperature – this is crucial for crispy, perfectly cooked chicken without being greasy.
- Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection: Carefully and gently place the prepared chicken thighs into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this lowers the oil temperature and can lead to soggy chicken. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side, or until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. Use tongs to carefully flip the chicken and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden on the other side. Continue flipping every few minutes for a total cooking time of about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Assemble and Serve: Arrange two crispy chicken thighs on top of one large, fluffy waffle. Your masterpiece is now ready to be enjoyed!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Chicken and Waffles
To maintain the best quality, store any leftover chicken and waffles in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Storing them together will inevitably lead to soggy waffles. When reheating, for the crispiest chicken, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet, warming it through for about 10-15 minutes. For the waffles, a toaster or toaster oven is ideal for crisping them back up. Alternatively, you can place both the chicken and waffles on the same baking sheet and reheat them in the oven, though the waffles may not be as crispy as when using a toaster.
Traditional maple syrup is always a fantastic choice, offering that classic sweet and savory contrast. However, don’t hesitate to experiment! A drizzle of hot honey adds an extra layer of spice and sweetness, while a spiced syrup infused with cinnamon or vanilla can offer a unique twist. For a truly decadent experience, some people enjoy a light gravy over their chicken and waffles, followed by syrup!
To minimize greasiness, ensure your oil is at the correct temperature (350°F / 175°C). Oil that isn’t hot enough will lead to soggy, greasy chicken, while oil that’s too hot will burn the outside before the inside cooks. Always drain fried chicken on a wire rack over paper towels. For a lighter alternative, you can certainly try baking or air frying the chicken. To air fry, spray coated chicken with cooking spray and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. For baking, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
The “double-dredge” method is key – coating the chicken in flour, then wet mixture, then flour again creates a thicker, more textured crust. Letting the coated chicken rest on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before frying allows the breading to adhere better, preventing it from falling off in the hot oil. Also, do not overcrowd your pan; fry in batches if necessary to maintain consistent oil temperature and ensure even crisping.
Elevate Your Meal: Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Waffles
While chicken and waffles is a hearty and satisfying meal all on its own, a heaping drizzle of warm maple syrup is, of course, the quintessential finishing touch. For those looking to round out the experience or simply explore more flavor combinations, here are a few serving suggestions:
- Classic Toppings: Beyond maple syrup, consider a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a pat of butter, or a dollop of whipped cream on your waffles.
- Spicy Kick: A dash of your favorite hot sauce or a drizzle of hot honey can add an exciting layer of heat that beautifully contrasts the sweetness.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or parsley can add a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Hearty Sides: If you’re serving this as a full dinner, classic Southern sides like creamy mac and cheese, fluffy grits, or savory southern green beans make excellent companions. A light coleslaw can also provide a refreshing crunch.
This versatile dish can be enjoyed at any time of day – whether it’s a decadent breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a comforting dinner. No matter how you serve it, this combination of crispy chicken and fluffy waffles is sure to be a hit!
More Southern-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love
- Creamy Shrimp and Grits
- Classic Chicken Fried Steak
- Sweet & Savory Pineapple Casserole
- Crispy Fried Green Tomatoes
- Traditional Southern Buttermilk Pie
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Crispy Chicken and Fluffy Waffles
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs about 6 thighs
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Slap Ya Mama seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 3 large waffles we used a box mix
- vegetable oil for frying
Equipment You’ll Need
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Wire cooling racks
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Large deep sided skillet
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Waffle iron
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Vinyl gloves
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Instant read thermometer
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Tongs
Before You Begin & Expert Tips
- While a convenient box mix works wonderfully for quick and easy waffles, feel free to use your favorite homemade waffle recipe from scratch.
- If you only have boxed pancake mix on hand, you can easily adapt it for waffles by adding 1 additional egg per two waffles (adjusting liquid as needed to reach a thick batter consistency).
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are traditionally and most popularly used for chicken and waffles due to their inherent juiciness. However, feel free to use the cut of meat you prefer most. Note that larger or bone-in cuts will require longer cooking times. Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer.
- Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep chicken and waffles separate to prevent the waffles from becoming soggy. Reheat chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven or air fryer until warmed through and crispy. Waffles can be reheated in a toaster or toaster oven for best crispness, or in the oven with the chicken.
- For extra crispy chicken, ensure your oil maintains a temperature of 350°F (175°C) and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until well combined.
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In another medium bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, garlic salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly.
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Dredge chicken thighs in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture ensuring full coating. Dip back into the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat, then gently shake off excess. Move coated chicken to a wire rack to rest for 10-15 minutes.
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Prepare three large waffles according to your waffle mix instructions. Remove to a wire rack immediately to keep them crisp.
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Place enough vegetable oil in a large deep-sided skillet to come about ½-inch up the side. Heat over medium-high heat until the temperature reaches 350°F (175°C).
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Gently place prepared chicken thighs into the hot oil (do not overcrowd). Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Use tongs to turn chicken over and cook an additional 1-2 minutes until golden. Flip every few minutes, cooking for a total of about 15 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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Serve two chicken thighs on top of one large waffle, with your favorite syrup.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.