Chicken and waffles is an American soul food classic that combines sweet and savory flavors in one irresistible dish. It’s perfect for brunch, dinner, or any time you’re in the mood for something special. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make crispy, seasoned fried chicken and pair it with light and fluffy waffles for a match made in culinary heaven.
Ingredients
- For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Place chicken thighs in the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Dry Mix: In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fry the Chicken: Remove chicken pieces from the buttermilk and dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place chicken in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Remove and let drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- Make the Waffles: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs and then mix in milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, mixing until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Preheat your waffle iron, and when ready, pour the batter onto the waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer’s instructions until golden and crispy.
- Assemble and Serve: Place a warm waffle on each plate, top with a piece of the crispy fried chicken, and serve with your choice of syrup or honey drizzled on top.
Tips and Variations
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Feel free to add spices to the flour mix according to your preference; some good additions are cayenne pepper for extra heat or dried herbs for a more aromatic flavor.
- For a lighter version, the chicken can be oven-baked instead of fried. Simply place the coated chicken on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) until crispy and cooked through.
- Give your waffles an extra twist by adding chocolate chips, blueberries, or sliced bananas into the batter before cooking.
Enjoy your homemade chicken and waffles with a side of coleslaw or a light salad to balance out this decadent meal. Bon appétit!