Chicken and waffles is a delicious combination of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles, usually served with syrup and butter. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make this classic dish at home!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless chicken thighs or breasts (or wings if preferred)
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

For the Waffles:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 ¾ cups milk or buttermilk
  • ½ cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

To Serve:

  • Maple syrup
  • Butter
  • Optional: hot sauce or honey for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce.
  2. Add the chicken pieces and ensure they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for more flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Dredge

  1. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let excess drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing the flour in to ensure an even coating. Set the chicken aside on a rack to rest for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

  1. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the chicken in batches, 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F or 74°C).
  3. Transfer to a wire rack to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Waffles

  1. Preheat the waffle iron and grease it with a little butter or cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (don’t overmix!).
  5. Cook the waffles according to your waffle maker’s instructions until golden brown and crisp.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

  1. Place a waffle on a plate and top with a piece of fried chicken.
  2. Add butter on top and drizzle generously with maple syrup.
  3. Optional: Add hot sauce or honey for extra flavor.

Enjoy your homemade chicken and waffles! 😊

Image from Wikipedia