Description

Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles is the perfect harmony of savory, crispy fried chicken paired with warm, fluffy waffles. This beloved comfort food works for brunch, dinner, or a special treat, offering the ideal balance of savory and sweet with endless topping options from classic maple syrup to spicy hot honey.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fried Chicken:

8 chicken drumsticks or thighs
2 cups buttermilk (480ml)
2 tsp hot sauce (optional, for brining)
2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Waffles:

2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
2 tbsp sugar (25g)
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 3/4 cups milk (420ml)
1/2 cup melted butter (115g)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Toppings:

Maple syrup or honey
Whipped butter
Fresh fruit (optional)

Instructions

Brine the chicken: Place chicken in a bowl with buttermilk and hot sauce. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Season the flour: Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
Dredge the chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, let excess drip off, then coat in seasoned flour, pressing to help it stick.
Heat the oil: In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry: Cook chicken in batches for 12–14 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and reaching 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a wire rack.
Mix waffle batter: In one bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another, beat eggs and add milk, butter, and vanilla.
Cook waffles: Combine wet and dry ingredients, stir until just mixed, and cook in a preheated waffle iron until golden brown.
Serve: Stack chicken on waffles and top with desired toppings.

Notes

Brining: Don’t skip the buttermilk brine for tender, flavorful chicken.
Oil choices: Peanut, canola, or vegetable oil work well for frying.
For crisp waffles: Avoid overmixing batter to keep them light and fluffy.
Healthier option: Air fry the chicken and use whole wheat flour in waffles.
Serving tip: Slice waffles for a brunch buffet or serve whole for a hearty plate.
Storage: Chicken lasts 3 days refrigerated; waffles can be frozen for 2 months.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for both chicken and waffles.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus brining time)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Fried
Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles, crispy chicken, brunch recipes, chicken dinner ideas, comfort food, fried chicken, fluffy waffles