waffles and chicken recipes
Waffles and Chicken Recipes
Waffles and chicken recipes combine crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles for a unique dish that’s perfect for any meal. This classic combination has Southern roots and is easy to customize with toppings like maple syrup or hot sauce. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, you’ll find that making this dish is straightforward. Let’s explore the history behind this delightful pairing and discover how to create your own version at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you plunge into this Waffles and Chicken recipe, you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite among many. The combination of crispy, savory chicken and fluffy, sweet waffles creates a delightful contrast that satisfies your taste buds.
You’ll appreciate how simple the ingredients are, making it easy to whip up at home. Plus, the recipe lets you customize flavors—add maple syrup for sweetness, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
This dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, offering versatility for any occasion. The cooking process is straightforward, allowing even beginners to succeed.
History
Waffles and chicken have a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century in the Southern United States. This delicious combination likely began when African American cooks combined their culinary traditions with Southern flavors.
Fried chicken was a popular dish, often served during celebrations or Sunday dinners. Meanwhile, waffles, introduced by European settlers, became a breakfast staple.
Over time, these two foods found their way onto the same plate, often enjoyed together as a hearty meal. The pairing gained popularity in the South due to its unique blend of sweet and savory flavors.
Today, you’ll find this dish in various restaurants and homes, highlighting its lasting impact on American cuisine and culture.
Recipe
Waffles and chicken is a classic comfort food combination that brings together the sweet and savory in perfect harmony. The crispy, golden-brown chicken paired with fluffy, light waffles creates a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Whether you’re hosting a brunch for friends or simply treating yourself to a special meal at home, this dish is sure to impress.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making homemade waffles that are both delicious and easy to prepare, alongside seasoned fried chicken that boasts a crunchy exterior and tender meat. The combination of these two elements, topped with maple syrup or honey, creates a delightful experience that’s hard to resist.
Get ready to plunge into a dish that perfectly balances flavor and texture!
Ingredients
- 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
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for chicken coating)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Cooking Instructions
- Begin by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with buttermilk, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the waffles. In another bowl, combine the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined; don’t overmix. Set the batter aside.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper for the chicken coating. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, and then dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated chicken thighs to the hot oil, frying them for about 8-10 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Preheat your waffle iron while the chicken is frying. Once heated, pour the waffle batter into the iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp. Repeat until all the batter is used.
- To serve, place a warm waffle on a plate, top it with a piece of fried chicken, and drizzle with maple syrup or honey.
Extra Tips
For a more flavorful chicken, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the buttermilk marinade.
You can also experiment with different spices in the flour mixture to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
If you want to save time, you can use store-bought waffles, but homemade ones truly elevate the dish. Serve the waffles and chicken immediately for the best texture and enjoyment!
Final Thoughts
Enjoying your homemade waffles and chicken is just the beginning of the experience.
After savoring your delicious meal, think about the various ways you can enhance it. Consider adding different toppings like maple syrup, whipped cream, or seasonal fruits to your waffles. For the chicken, experimenting with spices or sauces can elevate the flavor even more.
You can also serve your dish with sides like coleslaw or fresh fruit for a balanced meal. Don’t forget to share your creations with family and friends, as cooking together can make the experience even more enjoyable.
Finally, keep practicing your technique; the more you cook, the better your meals will become. Enjoy the journey of perfecting your waffles and chicken!
FAQ
Have questions about making the perfect waffles and chicken? You’re not alone! One common question is about the right batter consistency for waffles. Aim for a smooth, thick mixture that pours easily but isn’t too runny.
For chicken, marinating it for a few hours can enhance flavor and tenderness. Many wonder about cooking times; fry chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you’re using a waffle iron, cook until golden brown—this usually takes 5 to 7 minutes.
Finally, pairing is key! Drizzle syrup over your waffles and sprinkle some hot sauce on chicken for a delightful contrast. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices and toppings to find your favorite combination! Enjoy your cooking!

Waffles and Chicken Recipes
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 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
- 4 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for chicken coating
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Cooking Instructions
- Begin by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with buttermilk, ensuring they're fully coated. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the waffles. In another bowl, combine the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined; don't overmix. Set the batter aside.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper for the chicken coating. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, and then dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated chicken thighs to the hot oil, frying them for about 8-10 minutes on each side, or until they're golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Preheat your waffle iron while the chicken is frying. Once heated, pour the waffle batter into the iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. Cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp. Repeat until all the batter is used.
- To serve, place a warm waffle on a plate, top it with a piece of fried chicken, and drizzle with maple syrup or honey.