Few dishes capture the magic of comfort food quite like chicken and waffles.

This Southern-inspired classic combines crispy, golden fried chicken with fluffy, buttery waffles, creating the ultimate balance of savory and sweet.

Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this dish never fails to impress.

Today, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make the perfect chicken and waffles recipe right at home.

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Why Chicken and Waffles Are So Loved

The beauty of this dish lies in its contrast. On one hand, you have juicy, crunchy fried chicken that’s seasoned to perfection; on the other, soft waffles with a touch of sweetness, often topped with butter and warm maple syrup.

Together, they create a flavor combination that’s indulgent, comforting, and downright irresistible.

Originally popularized in soul food restaurants, chicken and waffles have now become a brunch staple across the U.S. – and for good reason.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Fried Chicken:

1 lb chicken tenders or bone-in chicken pieces
2 cups buttermilk
1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for heat)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Waffles:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 ¾ cups milk
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract

For Serving:

Maple syrup
Butter
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Fresh fruit (optional)

Read More: Steak and eggs breakfast Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a bowl with buttermilk, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum tenderness.

2. Prepare the Coating

In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Set aside.

3. Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).

Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes per side for tenders, longer for bone-in). Drain on paper towels.

4. Make the Waffles

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.

Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth. Pour batter into a preheated waffle maker and cook until golden brown.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Stack a fluffy waffle on a plate, top with a crispy piece of fried chicken, and drizzle generously with maple syrup.

Add a pat of butter or fresh fruit for extra indulgence.

Tips for the Best Chicken and Waffles

Double dredge for extra crunch: Dip chicken back into the buttermilk, then flour mixture again before frying.
Keep waffles warm: Place cooked waffles in a 200°F (95°C) oven while frying chicken to keep everything hot.
Experiment with toppings: Try honey butter, hot honey, or even gravy if you prefer a savory twist.

Also Check: Crispy Frittata Noddles

FAQs About Chicken and Waffles Recipe

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, coat the chicken as directed, place on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) until crispy and cooked through, about 35–40 minutes.

Q: Can I make the waffles ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cook, cool, and store in an airtight container. Reheat in the toaster or oven for a crisp texture.

Q: What sides go well with chicken and waffles?
Fresh fruit, coleslaw, or even a small salad can balance the richness of this dish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s indulgent, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress, this chicken and waffles recipe is it.

It’s the perfect mix of crispy, juicy, fluffy, and sweet – a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Chicken and waffles recipe

Crispy golden fried chicken paired with fluffy, buttery waffles and maple syrup creates the ultimate Southern comfort dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Servings: 4

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

For the Fried Chicken:

1 lb chicken tenders or bone-in chicken pieces
2 cups buttermilk
1 tsp hot sauce optional
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper optional
Salt & black pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Waffles:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 ¾ cups milk
½ cup unsalted butter melted
1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

Marinate the Chicken – Place chicken in buttermilk, hot sauce, and salt. Refrigerate 1 hour or overnight.
Prepare the Coating – Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Dredge chicken.
Fry the Chicken – Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden and cooked through. Drain.
Make the Waffles – Whisk dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine. Cook in preheated waffle maker until golden.
Serve and Enjoy – Plate a waffle with a piece of crispy chicken. Add butter, maple syrup, or fresh fruit.