Description
This Chicken and Waffles recipe combines crispy, golden fried chicken with fluffy buttermilk waffles for the ultimate sweet-and-savory comfort food. Perfect for brunch or dinner, this Southern-inspired classic is best served with butter and a drizzle of pure maple syrup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk with 1 teaspoon each of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, and smoked paprika. Add hot sauce if desired.
- Add the chicken tenderloins to the buttermilk mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour with the remaining seasonings.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly to coat.
- Fry the chicken in batches for 4–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Drain on paper towels.
- Meanwhile, prepare buttermilk waffles according to your favorite recipe or mix.
- Serve the crispy fried chicken over warm waffles, topped with softened butter and a drizzle of pure maple syrup.
Notes
- For extra-crispy chicken, double-dip by dredging the chicken back into the buttermilk and flour before frying.
- Keep fried chicken warm in a 200°F oven while preparing waffles.
- Pair with spicy hot honey instead of maple syrup for a kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with waffle
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: chicken and waffles, southern chicken and waffles, crispy fried chicken brunch, comfort food recipe, sweet and savory chicken waffles