Name: Chicken and Waffles
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenderloins (about 6–7 pieces); 1 cup whole buttermilk; 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided; 2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided; 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder, divided; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground white pepper (or black pepper), divided; 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika, divided; Hot sauce, optional; 1 cup all-purpose flour; Vegetable oil, for frying; Buttermilk waffles (prepared separately); Pure maple syrup, for serving; Softened butter, for serving

If comfort food had a crown, Chicken and Waffles would wear it. Crispy, juicy fried chicken paired with warm, golden waffles, all drizzled with sweet maple syrup—this dish is a harmony of textures and flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Trust me, every bite is a perfect dance between savory and sweet, crunchy and fluffy.

This isn’t just breakfast or dinner—it’s a celebration in a bowl, a dish that brings a little indulgence to any day of the week. Whether you’re serving it for brunch with friends or sneaking a plate to yourself on a lazy weekend morning, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Recipe Origin

The combination of fried chicken and waffles has roots in both Southern soul food traditions and Harlem jazz brunch culture. This iconic pairing has stood the test of time because of its simple genius: the crispy, savory chicken complements the sweet, tender waffle perfectly. This recipe brings that classic duo straight to your kitchen with easy-to-follow steps and flavors that hit all the right notes.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Measuring cups & spoons
Whisk
Shallow dish for dredging
Frying pan or deep fryer
Tongs
Paper towels for draining
Waffle maker (for waffles)

Why You’ll Love Chicken and Waffles

Versatile

Serve it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner—no judgment here!

Flavorful

Savory fried chicken seasoned to perfection paired with sweet, tender waffles is a match made in heaven.

Crowd-Pleasing

Kids, adults, picky eaters—everyone will go back for seconds.

Quick-ish

While the chicken marinates, you can prep waffles, making it a manageable indulgence.

Customizable

Spicy or mild, fluffy or crispy—you can tweak this recipe to suit your taste perfectly.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Marinate the Chicken: Letting chicken sit in buttermilk overnight tenderizes and infuses flavor.
Pat Dry Before Frying: Helps achieve a crisp, golden crust.
Oil Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat so chicken cooks evenly without burning.
Use a Thermometer: Internal chicken temperature should reach 165°F for safety.
Warm Waffles: Keep waffles in a low oven while frying chicken for a seamless serving experience.

Ingredients in Chicken and Waffles

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Chicken

Chicken Tenderloins: Juicy and tender, perfect for a quick fry.

Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds subtle tang.

Kosher Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, White Pepper, Smoked Paprika: Creates a well-rounded, flavorful seasoning that penetrates the meat.

Hot Sauce (Optional): Adds a subtle heat for those who like a kick.

All-Purpose Flour: For dredging the chicken and creating a crispy, golden crust.

Vegetable Oil: For frying to crispy perfection.

Waffles

Buttermilk Waffles: Soft, golden, and slightly tangy—perfect for soaking up syrup and balancing the savory chicken. (Link to full recipe provided.)

Toppings

Pure Maple Syrup: Sweet, rich, and indulgent—classic pairing with chicken and waffles.

Softened Butter: Adds creamy richness to finish the dish.

Instructions

Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken tenderloins with buttermilk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon white pepper, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Add hot sauce if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Prepare Flour Dredge: In a shallow dish, mix flour with the remaining salt, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, and smoked paprika.

Heat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).

Dredge Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge thoroughly in seasoned flour.

Fry Chicken: Fry chicken in batches, about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

Make Waffles: Prepare buttermilk waffles according to your favorite recipe or the linked recipe. Keep warm.

Assemble the Dish: Place waffles on a plate, top with fried chicken, and drizzle with pure maple syrup. Add a pat of softened butter on top.

Serve and Enjoy: Dig in while hot for the ultimate sweet-and-savory indulgence.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~600
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes (plus marinating)

How to Serve Chicken and Waffles

Brunch Style: Pair with fresh fruit and a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Comfort Meal: Serve alongside hash browns or roasted potatoes.
Party Platter: Make mini chicken and waffle bites for appetizers.
Family Dinner: Add a side salad or roasted vegetables for balance.
Sweet Twist: Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an extra treat.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Marinate Chicken in Advance: Refrigerate up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
Store Leftovers: Keep chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers in the fridge for 2–3 days.
Reheat: Waffles can be toasted; chicken reheated in the oven for crispiness.
Freeze Options: Cooked chicken freezes well—reheat in oven. Waffles can also be frozen and toasted.

Variations to Try

Spicy Chicken: Add cayenne or hot paprika to the dredge.
Honey Drizzle: Swap maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness.
Cornmeal Waffles: Adds extra texture and a slightly sweet crunch.
Herbed Chicken: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the flour dredge.
Mini Waffle Sliders: Cut waffles into small rounds and make chicken bites for parties.

Additional Tips

Pat chicken dry before dredging for the crispiest coating.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches for even cooking.
Keep fried chicken warm in a low oven while cooking remaining pieces.
Use fresh maple syrup for the best flavor; the real stuff makes a big difference.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
A1: Yes, just cut them into strips for even frying.

Q2: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
A2: Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Q3: Can I make waffles ahead of time?
A3: Yes! Keep warm in a low oven or toast just before serving.

Q4: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A4: Use gluten-free flour for the chicken dredge and a gluten-free waffle recipe.

Q5: How do I make it spicy?
A5: Add cayenne, hot sauce, or chili powder to the marinade and flour mixture.

Q6: Can I use frozen chicken?
A6: Yes, thaw completely before marinating and frying.

Q7: How do I keep chicken crispy?
A7: Fry at the correct oil temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Q8: Can I prepare this for meal prep?
A8: Yes! Keep chicken and waffles separate; reheat just before eating.

Q9: Can I serve with syrup alternatives?
A9: Maple syrup is classic, but honey or a fruit compote works beautifully.

Q10: How do I store leftovers without sogginess?
A10: Keep chicken and waffles separate and reheat in the oven or toaster for crispiness.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Waffles recipe delivers the ultimate combination of crispy, savory fried chicken and soft, sweet waffles. Drizzle with maple syrup, add butter, and you’ve got a dish that’s comfort food elevated to pure bliss. Perfect for brunch, dinner, or any occasion that deserves a little indulgence, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.