Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Chicken and waffles is a classic dish that combines crispy, savory fried chicken with fluffy, sweet waffles—a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re hosting brunch, indulging in comfort food, or trying something new, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to make this crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients for Chicken and Waffles
For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless chicken tenders for a quicker option)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1¾ cups whole milk
- ½ cup melted butter (plus extra for greasing the waffle iron)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Maple syrup (warm it for the best flavor)
- Butter
- Hot sauce (optional)
How to Make Chicken and Waffles
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add the chicken, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for extra tenderness and flavor.
Pro Tip: Marinating overnight results in juicy, flavorful chicken. - Coat the Chicken:
In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Remove chicken from the marinade and coat it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating. - Fry the Chicken:
Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken for about 8-10 minutes per side (for bone-in) or 5-7 minutes (for tenders) until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
Pro Tip: Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil maintains its temperature for perfectly crispy chicken.
Step 2: Make the Waffles
- Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth. - Cook the Waffles:
Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with butter. Pour in the batter, close the lid, and cook until golden brown and crisp. Repeat until all batter is used.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Place a warm waffle on a plate.
- Top it with a piece of fried chicken.
- Drizzle generously with warm maple syrup and add butter if desired.
Optional: Add a drizzle of hot sauce for a sweet-and-spicy kick.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken and Waffles
- For extra crispy chicken, double-dip: coat it in the flour mixture, dip it back in buttermilk, then coat again in the flour mixture before frying.
- Make-ahead option: Keep fried chicken warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while you prepare the waffles.
- For light waffles, avoid overmixing the batter; small lumps are okay.
- Experiment with toppings: Try honey butter, spicy maple syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
Chicken and waffles is a versatile dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make at home. With crispy fried chicken, fluffy waffles, and sweet maple syrup, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So grab your ingredients and enjoy this delicious fusion of flavors!
