Southern Fried Chicken Waffles (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Fried Chicken

01 - 6–8 chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips)
02 - 2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk
03 - 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
04 - 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1 teaspoon paprika
08 - 1 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
11 - Vegetable oil, for frying

→ Waffles

12 - 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
13 - 1 tablespoon sugar
14 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
16 - 2 large eggs
17 - 1 3/4 cups (420 ml) milk
18 - 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
19 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ For Serving

20 - Maple syrup
21 - Honey butter (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for more flavor.
02 - In a large shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and dredge in the seasoned flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to create a thick coating.
03 - Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
04 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
05 - Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with non-stick spray or butter. Pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden and crisp.
06 - Place a waffle on a plate and top with a piece of fried chicken. Drizzle with maple syrup and serve with honey butter, if desired.

# Notes:

01 - For a sweeter waffle, increase the sugar to 2–3 tablespoons.
02 - If you prefer extra-crispy chicken, double-dip the chicken in the buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.
03 - Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.