Few comfort foods can rival the sweet-and-savory magic of a chicken and waffles recipe. Crispy golden fried chicken layered on top of warm, buttery Belgian waffles, drizzled with maple syrup or hot honey—it’s a Southern classic that’s conquered brunch menus worldwide.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to make chicken and waffles at home, including tips for perfect buttermilk fried chicken, airy waffles, and the best toppings to balance flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this crispy chicken and waffles recipe is guaranteed to impress.
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Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Waffles Recipe
This dish delivers:
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Crispy, juicy fried chicken brined in buttermilk for maximum tenderness.
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Light, fluffy waffles that perfectly soak up syrup and butter.
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A beautiful contrast of textures and flavors — crunchy, creamy, and slightly sweet.
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A timeless Southern chicken and waffles experience, right from your kitchen.
Plus, this recipe can be customized for air fryers, gluten-free diets, or even made ahead and reheated for easy entertaining.
Ingredients for the Best Chicken and Waffles Recipe
For the Chicken (Buttermilk Fried Chicken)
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1 ½ lbs chicken thighs or tenders
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2 cups buttermilk
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2 tbsp hot sauce
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp cayenne pepper
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Oil for frying
For the Waffles (Buttermilk or Belgian Style)
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tbsp sugar
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2 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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2 eggs, separated
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1 ¾ cups buttermilk
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¼ cup melted butter
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings
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Maple syrup or hot honey
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Honey butter or spiced maple butter
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A sprinkle of powdered sugar
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Optional: pickles, bacon bits, or scallions for garnish
How to Make Chicken and Waffles
Step 1: Brine the Chicken
Combine buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and spices in a bowl. Add chicken pieces, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the juiciest results.
Step 2: Prepare the Waffle Batter
In one bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. In another, whisk egg yolks, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla. Gently fold wet and dry ingredients together—don’t overmix.
Beat egg whites to stiff peaks and fold them into the batter for light, fluffy Belgian waffles.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge each piece thoroughly. Let rest for 10 minutes to set the coating.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken pieces 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack to maintain crispness.
Step 5: Make the Waffles
Preheat your waffle iron and pour in the batter. Cook until golden and crisp on the outside yet soft inside. Keep warm in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Stack a waffle on a plate, top with fried chicken, and drizzle generously with maple syrup or spicy hot honey. Add butter, powdered sugar, and your favorite sides like grits, fruit salad, or coleslaw.
Easy Waffle Recipe: Quick, Fluffy, and Delicious
Delicious Variations
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Hot Chicken and Waffles Recipe: Coat the chicken in spicy oil and serve with pickles for a Nashville twist.
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Gluten-Free Chicken and Waffles: Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
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Air Fryer Chicken and Waffles: Cook chicken in the air fryer at 400°F for 18–20 minutes for a lighter version.
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Chicken and Waffles Sandwich: Use waffles as “buns” and add lettuce and aioli.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken and Waffles
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Use cornstarch in your coating for a crispier crust.
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Always fry chicken in small batches to keep oil hot.
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Rest cooked chicken on a wire rack — never paper towels.
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Let waffle batter rest 5–10 minutes before cooking.
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Warm your syrup or honey before drizzling for that glossy finish.
Make Ahead, Freeze, and Reheat
You can absolutely make ahead chicken and waffles for later:
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Freeze separately: cooked waffles and fried chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
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Reheat: use the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving.
What to Serve with Chicken and Waffles
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Collard greens or sautéed kale
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Cheese grits or mac and cheese
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Fresh fruit salad or coleslaw
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Iced tea, coffee, or mimosas for brunch
A Brief History of Chicken and Waffles
The chicken and waffles origin traces back to Harlem, New York, in the 1930s, where late-night diners served fried chicken with waffles to jazz musicians after shows. Some credit Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles in Los Angeles for popularizing it nationwide.
Today, this Southern chicken and waffles recipe symbolizes comfort, community, and creativity in modern brunch culture.
FAQs About Chicken and Waffles
1. Do you put syrup on chicken and waffles?
Yes! Maple syrup or hot honey is the traditional topping that enhances both sweet and savory notes.
2. What’s the best chicken to use?
Thighs and tenders stay juicy; boneless breasts work well when brined.
3. How long to brine chicken for fried chicken?
At least 4 hours — overnight is ideal for deeper flavor and tenderness.
4. Can I make chicken and waffles ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare both parts separately and reheat before serving.
5. Is chicken and waffles breakfast or dinner?
Both! It’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or a late-night craving.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Approx. 650–800 calories per serving depending on size and oil absorption.
Rich in protein (40g+), carbs from waffles, and healthy fats if using good-quality oil.
Final Thoughts
This chicken and waffles recipe strikes the perfect harmony between comfort and indulgence. With its crisp fried chicken, fluffy waffles, and sweet syrup drizzle, it’s the ultimate brunch recipe worth mastering.
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