Let me share one of my all-time favorite indulgences with you — a Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe that perfectly balances juicy, flavorful chicken with fluffy buttermilk waffles and a luscious cinnamon maple syrup. Trust me, it’s a Southern classic you’ll want to make again and again.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m honestly obsessed with how the flavors come together here — marinating the chicken in a spiced buttermilk brine keeps it juicy while the crispy coating adds that crave-worthy crunch. Pairing it with soft, lightly sweet waffles makes this dish simply irresistible.
- Flavor-packed chicken: The buttermilk brine and spice blend work magic to infuse the thighs with bold, savory notes.
- Perfectly crispy coating: Combining flour with cornstarch gives the chicken the ultimate crunch without any greasiness.
- Light & fluffy waffles: These buttermilk waffles are tender inside with a subtle sweetness, making them the ideal base.
- Warm cinnamon maple syrup: Drizzling this fragrant syrup takes the whole meal to a next-level comfort food experience.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before you get started, gather fresh chicken thighs and real buttermilk for that authentic Southern taste. The spice mix blends simple pantry staples that pack so much aromatic punch, and the syrup uses genuine maple for warmth and richness.
- Chicken thighs: Choose bone-in or boneless depending on your preference; thighs stay juicy and flavorful.
- Buttermilk: Essential for tenderizing and mellowing the chicken in the brine and for the waffles’ tender crumb.
- Hot sauce or pickle juice: Adds subtle tang and a bit of heat to the brine.
- Kosher salt: Helps with seasoning and enhances all the flavors.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper: These spices layer in classic Southern warmth and a mild smokiness.
- All-purpose flour and cornstarch: The flour provides structure for the coating, while cornstarch guarantees extra crispiness on the outside.
- Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying, like vegetable oil, to get that perfect golden crust.
- Baking powder and sugar: These ingredients help waffles puff up nicely and add a gentle sweetness.
- Unsalted butter and vanilla extract: Add richness and warm flavor to the waffles and syrup.
- Real maple syrup and ground cinnamon: It’s all about that comforting, fragrant syrup that ties the plate together beautifully.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe is how easily you can personalize it to suit your cravings or dietary needs. Whether you like a little extra spice or a sweeter waffle twist, there’s room to get creative!
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes add extra hot sauce to the buttermilk brine to pack more heat into the chicken, which pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cinnamon maple syrup.
- Cheesy Waffles: Mixing shredded cheddar cheese into the waffle batter brings a savory richness that’s delightful alongside the crisp chicken.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend in both the coating and waffles to accommodate gluten sensitivities without losing any flavor or texture.
- Sweet Twist: Adding chocolate chips to the waffle batter makes for an indulgent brunch that’s always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavor-Packed Brine
In a large bowl, I start by combining the Kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper — these spices build the foundation of flavor. Then, stirring in the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce (or pickle juice) creates a creamy brine that tenderizes and seasons the chicken thighs beautifully. This step is key for juicy, flavorful chicken, so make sure the ingredients are well mixed before adding your chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Next, add the chicken thighs to the brine, making sure each piece is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This marinating time is essential—it not only infuses flavor but helps keep the chicken moist and tender once fried. Pro tip: Take the chicken out of the fridge about 30 minutes before frying to avoid cold spots in the oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Flour Coating
I love using a brown paper or freezer bag for this step to keep things tidy. Combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper right in the bag. This seasoning mix adds layers of spice and helps achieve that irresistibly crisp crust. It’s important to mix the ingredients thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Thoroughly
Remove the chicken from the brine and give each piece a gentle shake to discard excess liquid. Working in batches of 3-4, drop the pieces into the bag with the flour mixture. Seal it up and shake vigorously to coat each thigh evenly on all sides. This ensures every bite has that crunchy, seasoned coating we all crave.
Step 5: Heat the Oil to Perfection
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan and heat over medium until it reaches exactly 350°F. Using a thermometer here is a game changer—it helps maintain a steady temperature so your chicken fries perfectly without burning the crust or leaving the inside undercooked.
Step 6: Fry the Chicken to Crispy Golden Perfection
Carefully add 3-4 pieces of coated chicken to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry boneless thighs for 6-7 minutes per side or bone-in for 10 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. As the chicken cooks, you’ll hear that satisfying sizzle and see the crust turn a gorgeous golden brown. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Step 7: Whip Up the Fluffy Buttermilk Waffle Batter
While the chicken rests, mix sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and melted butter in a large bowl until combined. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently stir just until the batter comes together—lumps are okay here! Overmixing can make waffles tough, and we want light and fluffy every time.
Step 8: Cook the Waffles
Preheat your waffle iron and spray it generously with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Pour in about ¾ cup of batter per waffle and cook until golden brown and cooked through. These waffles make the perfect soft, tender base to balance the fried chicken’s crispy texture.
Step 9: Make the Warm Cinnamon Maple Syrup
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine real maple syrup, butter, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Stir occasionally until the butter melts completely and the syrup is warm and fragrant. This syrup is the magical finishing touch that ties every element of the dish together.
Step 10: Plate and Serve Your Southern Classic
Place your crispy fried chicken atop a warm buttermilk waffle, then drizzle generously with the cinnamon maple syrup. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect harmony of crispy, fluffy, sweet, and savory in every bite. Trust me, this is comfort food at its finest!
Top Tip
These tips will help you master the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness in your Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe, making every bite a delight.
- Perfect Oil Temperature: A thermometer is your best friend—keeping the oil steady at 350°F ensures a crispy crust without undercooking the chicken inside.
- Marinate with Patience: Letting the chicken sit in the brine for at least 1 hour locks in flavor and juiciness that you’ll notice with every bite.
- Shake it Up: Coating the chicken in a sealed bag and shaking it gently ensures an even, flavorful crust without mess or waste.
- Rest Before Waffles: After frying, let the chicken rest for 4-5 minutes—this not only keeps juices locked in but gives you just enough time to whip up those golden waffles!
How to Serve Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives over the chicken and waffles for a pop of green and a subtle freshness. For an extra touch, scatter some toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar to balance the savory and sweet. A few slices of pickled jalapeños can add a spicy kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside creamy coleslaw for crunch and tang, or a simple mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to keep things fresh. For heartier sides, try baked mac and cheese or mashed sweet potatoes—they complement the Southern flavors beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover fried chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them apart helps maintain the texture—chicken stays crispier and waffles stay soft.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the fried chicken pieces individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. For waffles, stack them with parchment paper in between each piece and wrap tightly. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.
Reheating
For chicken, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to restore crispiness without drying it out. Waffles reheat beautifully in a toaster or toaster oven until warm and slightly crisp on the edges. Avoid microwaving to keep the textures just right.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs add extra flavor and juiciness. Just remember to fry them for about 10 minutes on each side to ensure they are fully cooked through.
No worries! You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Use a deep-fry thermometer to check that the oil has reached 350°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small bit of flour into the oil—if it sizzles and bubbles up immediately, the oil is hot enough.
Yes! You can make waffles ahead and keep them warm in a low oven. Reheat leftover waffles in a toaster for a crispy finish. Just remember to cook them after the chicken for best timing and freshness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about the classic pairing of crispy fried chicken and fluffy buttermilk waffles, all tied together with a warm cinnamon maple syrup drizzle. This recipe brings together flavors and textures that feel like a loving Southern hug on your plate. Whether you’re making this for brunch or dinner, I hope it brings warmth and joy to your table as much as it does to mine. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Halal
Description
A classic Southern dish featuring crispy fried chicken thighs paired with fluffy buttermilk waffles, finished with a warm cinnamon maple syrup. Perfect for a comforting brunch or dinner, this recipe combines a flavorful marinated chicken, a lightly spiced flour coating, and soft waffles for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Brine
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce, or pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Chicken
- 6 chicken thighs
- vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)
Flour Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Buttermilk Waffles
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Maple Syrup
- 1 cup real maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the brine: In a large bowl, combine the Kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir in the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce until well mixed.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the brine, ensuring they are fully submerged. Refrigerate and marinate for a minimum of 1 hour to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Prepare the flour coating: In a large brown paper or freezer bag, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper thoroughly.
- Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken from the brine, shaking off excess. Add 3-4 pieces of chicken at a time to the flour mixture bag. Seal and shake well to coat each piece evenly on both sides.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or frying pan to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit, using a thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry the chicken: Add 3-4 coated chicken thighs to the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for 6-7 minutes on each side for boneless or 10 minutes on each side for bone-in chicken, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining chicken.
- Mix waffle batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and melted butter until combined. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt and mix just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep waffles light.
- Cook waffles: Preheat and spray the waffle iron with nonstick spray. Pour approximately ¾ cup of batter onto the iron and cook until golden and fully cooked through. Repeat until all batter is used.
- Make cinnamon maple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, butter, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until butter is melted and the syrup is heated through.
- Serve: Place fried chicken pieces atop warm waffles and generously drizzle with cinnamon maple syrup. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting Southern classic.
Notes
- Remove chicken from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before frying to ensure even cooking and prevent cold spots.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F; frying at too high heat will burn the crust while leaving the chicken undercooked.
- Do not overmix waffle batter to keep waffles light and fluffy; some lumps are fine.
- Spray the waffle iron with nonstick spray before cooking to prevent sticking.
- Cook waffles after frying the chicken so the chicken has time to rest for 4-5 minutes, coinciding with waffle cooking time.
- For creative variations, add chocolate chips or shredded cheddar cheese to the waffle batter.
- Serve warm with plenty of maple syrup for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 850 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 50 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
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