Name: Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 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; 6 chicken thighs; vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep); 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; 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; 1 cup real maple syrup; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

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.

A white plate holds a thick, golden waffle as the bottom layer with deep square pockets, topped by two large pieces of fried chicken that are crispy and golden brown with a shiny layer of syrup dripping over them, pooling slightly onto the plate. In the blurred background, another white plate shows a similar dish with waffle and fried chicken. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with two small hot sauce bottles with red caps lying near the plate, adding a touch of color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe

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.

Flat lay of six fresh raw chicken thighs with skin, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy buttermilk, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red hot sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of cornstarch, a simple white ceramic plate with two uncooked square buttermilk waffles stacked, a small white ceramic bowl of real amber maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl of white granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of light golden vanilla extract, and a small white ceramic bowl of warm brown ground cinnamon, all arranged in perfect symmetry with realistic proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

A close-up view of two pieces of crispy fried chicken with a golden brown, crunchy textured crust, placed on top of a thick, light golden waffle with a soft texture and grid pattern. Both chicken pieces are glistening with a sticky, shiny syrup that drips slightly over the edges of the waffle and onto the white plate beneath. The background shows a blurred bottle with red accents and a blue and white cloth, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

The image shows four stages of making fried chicken and waffles. In the top left, raw chicken pieces sit in a clear glass bowl filled with light beige batter. The top right shows raw chicken pieces partially covered in white flour inside a white bowl. At the bottom left, two pieces of golden brown fried chicken with crispy texture bubble in hot oil inside a black cast iron skillet. The bottom right displays a round, golden brown waffle with square indentations, cooked in a black waffle iron on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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:

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

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.

What if I don't have buttermilk for the brine and waffles?

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.

How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?

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.

Can I prepare the waffles in advance?

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!