There’s something magical about the combination of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles, drizzled with syrup that dances on your taste buds. The savory crunch of the chicken paired with the sweet, warm embrace of the waffles creates an explosion of flavors that is simply irresistible. Imagine biting into this delightful dish, where every mouthful sings a symphony of textures and tastes that could make even a grumpy cat smile.
Growing up, Sunday brunch meant one thing: the aroma of freshly made chicken and waffles wafting through our home. My mom would always say it was the perfect way to wrap up a busy week, and she was right! Whether it was a family gathering or just a lazy Sunday morning, this dish never failed to bring everyone together. Get ready for an amazing flavor experience that will have you licking your plate clean!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken and waffles recipe is super easy to prepare, making it perfect for any day of the week
- The flavor balance between savory and sweet is simply divine
- It’s visually stunning, turning any plate into a work of art
- Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner; it’s incredibly versatile!
There was that one time when my cousin tried her hand at making this dish for her first-ever family brunch. Let’s just say we were all pleasantly surprised by her version! She might have burned the waffles slightly, but we still devoured them like they were gourmet. It became a hilarious family story that we still laugh about today.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless Chicken Thighs: Juicier than breasts, these thighs are perfect for frying and bursting with flavor.
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating that crispy coating; opt for unbleached flour for better taste.
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Baking Powder: This ingredient helps make your waffles fluffy and light; fresh baking powder works best.
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Buttermilk: Adds tanginess to both chicken and waffles; if you’re out, mix milk with lemon juice as a substitute.
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Maple Syrup: Choose pure maple syrup for a richer flavor that elevates your dish to heavenly status.
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Eggs: For binding your batter and adding richness; use large eggs for best results in both components.
For the seasoning:
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Salt and Pepper: The basic essentials; don’t skimp on seasoning as it elevates flavors dramatically.
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Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness to fried chicken; smoked paprika enhances the flavor even more.
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Cayenne Pepper: A pinch adds heat without overpowering; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Chicken Marinade: Start by marinating boneless chicken thighs in buttermilk along with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to soak up all those flavors.
Set Up Your Waffle Batter: In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, eggs, and milk until smooth. You want it thick enough to hold its shape but pourable—think pancake batter consistency.
Heat Up Your Oil for Frying: In a deep pan or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You can test if it’s ready by dropping in a small piece of batter; it should sizzle immediately.
Fry Your Chicken Crispy!: Carefully place marinated chicken pieces into hot oil and fry each side for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown. They should be crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
Cook Your Waffles Next!: Pour waffle batter into your preheated waffle iron. Cook until golden brown—usually around 3-5 minutes—but check your specific model as times may vary.
Serve It All Together!: Stack up those crispy waffles on plates, top them with fried chicken pieces, drizzle generously with maple syrup, and enjoy every scrumptious bite!
And there you have it—a delightful journey from simple ingredients to an amazing meal!
You Must Know
- Chicken and waffles is a classic Southern dish that combines crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles
- The sweet and savory combo creates a delicious experience, perfect for brunch or dinner
- This dish can easily impress guests and satisfy comfort food cravings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by frying the chicken to golden perfection while simultaneously preparing your waffle batter. Cook the waffles just as the chicken finishes for a hot, crispy meal.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular flour for whole wheat or add spices like cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Maple syrup or honey can also enhance sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken and waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For crispiest chicken, let it rest after frying to keep moisture inside
- Use buttermilk in the batter for extra tenderness
- Make waffles slightly thicker for a fluffier texture that holds syrup better
Cooking this dish reminds me of a family gathering where my uncle insisted on adding way too much syrup, turning it into a sticky but unforgettable experience that still makes us laugh today.
FAQ
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide juicy meat and crispy skin that’s ideal for frying.
Can I make the waffles ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare waffles in advance and freeze them for later enjoyment; just reheat when ready.
How do I achieve perfectly crispy fried chicken?
Ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before adding the chicken to achieve that golden crunch.
Crispy Fried Chicken and Fluffy Waffles
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles come together in this irresistible dish that’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Drizzled with pure maple syrup, each bite offers a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a delicious experience that transforms a simple meal into a festive gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Marinate chicken thighs in buttermilk, salt, pepper, and paprika for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, eggs, and milk until smooth.
- Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan.
- Fry marinated chicken for about 6-8 minutes each side until golden brown.
- Pour waffle batter into a preheated waffle iron and cook until golden brown (about 3-5 minutes).
- Serve crispy waffles topped with fried chicken, drizzled with maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
