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This hearty Southern fried chicken and waffles recipe combines crispy seasoned chicken with fluffy golden waffles for an unforgettable sweet and savory meal that will transport you straight to the comfort food capital of America.
I first made this chicken and waffles combo for a Sunday family gathering after my grandmother shared her secret fried chicken technique. The way everyone fell silent during that first bite told me this recipe would become our new tradition.
Ingredients
- Chicken pieces: Boneless breasts or bone-in thighs and drumsticks create the perfect juicy foundation
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the meat while adding tanginess; look for full fat for best results
- Hot sauce: Optional but adds subtle heat without overwhelming
- All-purpose flour: Creates that perfect golden crust
- Garlic powder: Adds depth without the bite of fresh garlic
- Onion powder: Provides subtle savory notes
- Paprika: Contributes beautiful color and mild sweet pepper flavor
- Cayenne pepper: Gives that signature Southern heat; adjust to your preference
- Vegetable oil: Neutral flavor with high smoke point perfect for frying
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for perfect waffles
- Sugar: Enhances browning and adds subtle sweetness
- Baking powder: Creates light airy texture in each waffle
- Eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness
- Milk: Creates tenderness in the final waffle
- Butter: Adds incredible richness and flavor; use unsalted to control the saltiness
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the waffle flavor with subtle warmth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a large bowl ensuring it has enough depth to fully submerge your chicken pieces. Allow chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour though overnight creates the most tender flavorful results. The acid in the buttermilk breaks down tough proteins while the fat content helps the seasonings adhere to the meat.
- Create the Seasoned Coating:
- In a wide shallow dish combine flour with all seasonings whisking thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly. This seasoned flour mixture is the foundation of your crispy coating so be generous with the seasonings. Each fleck of garlic powder onion powder paprika and pepper will create flavor pockets in the final crust.
- Dredge and Coat:
- Remove chicken pieces one at a time from the buttermilk allowing excess to drip off before placing in the seasoned flour. Press the flour firmly onto each piece ensuring complete coverage with no wet spots. For extra crispy chicken consider double dipping by returning to buttermilk then back to flour for a second coating.
- Fry to Golden Perfection:
- Heat oil to precisely 350°F using a thermometer to verify. Too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks too cool and the chicken absorbs excess oil. Work in small batches avoiding overcrowding which drops the oil temperature. Fry chicken for 12 to 15 minutes turning occasionally until deep golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. The sound should gradually quiet as chicken finishes cooking.
- Prepare Waffle Batter:
- Whisk dry ingredients thoroughly in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. The key is minimal mixing when combining pour wet into dry and stir just until no dry flour remains. Overmixing develops gluten leading to tough waffles. Small lumps are perfectly fine and will cook out.
- Cook Perfect Waffles:
- Preheat waffle iron completely before adding batter. A properly heated iron creates immediate steam when batter hits the surface ensuring crisp exteriors and fluffy interiors. Pour batter into the center allowing it to spread naturally rather than spreading it yourself. Cook until steam significantly reduces and waffles are golden brown.
- Assemble the Masterpiece:
- Place freshly cooked waffle on a warm plate and top with piping hot chicken. The contrast between the crispy savory chicken and the sweet fluffy waffle creates the magic of this dish. Drizzle generously with pure maple syrup or honey butter allowing it to seep into the waffle and glaze the chicken.
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My grandmother always insisted on letting the chicken rest in buttermilk overnight claiming it was the secret to her famous fried chicken. She would pull the marinating chicken from the refrigerator while telling stories of how this dish originated in Harlem Renaissance supper clubs where late night diners wanted both dinner and breakfast.
Make Ahead Strategies
The beauty of chicken and waffles lies in its adaptability for busy schedules. Prepare the chicken marinade and seasoned flour mixture up to three days ahead keeping them refrigerated separately. Waffle batter can be mixed the night before though you might need to add a splash of milk before cooking as it tends to thicken overnight. Cooked waffles freeze beautifully layered between parchment paper in an airtight container. When ready to serve reheat frozen waffles directly in the toaster for crisp edges that taste freshly made.
Perfect Pairings
Southern chicken and waffles shines brightest when accompanied by complementary sides. Consider serving with collard greens which provide earthy bitter notes that cut through the richness. A tangy coleslaw adds crisp freshness and palate cleansing acidity. For drinks sweet tea is traditional but a sparkling mimosa elevates this dish into special occasion territory. Many Southern families serve pickled vegetables alongside creating the perfect flavor balance of rich savory sweet and tangy components on one magnificent plate.
Regional Variations
This iconic dish appears throughout the American South with fascinating regional differences. In Georgia you might find peach compote instead of maple syrup. Alabama versions often include white pepper gravy drizzled over both chicken and waffles. Louisiana adds Creole seasonings to the chicken coating with remoulade sauce on the side. Nashville style incorporates their famous hot chicken spice blend creating a fiery version that requires honey rather than maple syrup to balance the heat. Each region proudly defends their variation as the definitive version worth trying them all to discover your family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make the fried chicken extra crispy?
To make the chicken extra crispy, double-dip it in the buttermilk and seasoned flour mixture before frying.
- → Can I make the waffles ahead of time?
Yes, you can make waffles ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Reheat in a toaster or oven for crispiness.
- → What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- → Can I use boneless chicken for this dish?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts cut into strips work perfectly for this recipe, making it easier to eat with the waffles.
- → What toppings pair well with this dish?
Maple syrup, honey butter, or even hot sauce are excellent toppings that enhance the sweet and savory flavors.