Chicken And Waffles Recipe

Chicken and Waffles is the ultimate combination of crispy, juicy fried chicken and fluffy, buttery waffles, creating a delicious sweet and savory meal that satisfies all your cravings. Whether you're making this dish for brunch, dinner, or even a special occasion, it’s a fun and flavorful Southern classic that everyone will love. This recipe will guide you through making perfectly fried chicken and golden waffles, served with butter and a drizzle of maple syrup (or hot sauce if you're feeling bold).

Get ready to impress your family and friends with this deliciously indulgent Chicken and Waffles recipe!

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What are Chicken and Waffles?

Chicken and Waffles is a dish that pairs crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles, creating a delightful contrast between sweet and savory flavors. The origins of chicken and waffles are debated, with roots in Southern soul food as well as Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. Today, it’s a beloved comfort food across the U.S., often served for brunch or as an all-day meal.

In this recipe, tender pieces of chicken are marinated, breaded, and fried until golden brown and crispy. They’re then served on top of homemade waffles, which are slightly sweet and fluffy, with a crunchy exterior. To finish, the dish is typically topped with butter, syrup, and sometimes even a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

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Ingredients List for Chicken and Waffles

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious and indulgent Chicken and Waffles recipe:

For the Fried Chicken:

1. Chicken (4 boneless chicken thighs or breasts) – Thighs are juicier, but breasts work too.
2. Buttermilk (2 cups) – For marinating the chicken and tenderizing it.
3. Hot Sauce (1 tablespoon) – Adds flavor and a slight kick to the buttermilk marinade.
4. All-Purpose Flour (2 cups) – For breading the chicken.
5. Cornstarch (½ cup) – Helps make the breading extra crispy.
6. Paprika (1 teaspoon) – Adds flavor and color to the breading.
7. Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon) – For extra savory flavor.
8. Onion Powder (1 teaspoon) – A nice complement to the garlic.
9. Salt (1 teaspoon) – To season the flour.
10. Black Pepper (½ teaspoon) – For a mild kick of spice.
11. Vegetable Oil (for frying) – Use enough oil to fill a large skillet about 1 inch deep.

For the Waffles:

1. All-Purpose Flour (2 cups) – The base for the waffle batter.
2. Baking Powder (2 teaspoons) – Helps the waffles rise and get fluffy.
3. Sugar (2 tablespoons) – Adds a touch of sweetness to the waffles.
4. Salt (½ teaspoon) – To balance the flavors.
5. Eggs (2 large, separated) – Whisked egg whites make the waffles extra fluffy.
6. Milk (1 ¾ cups) – For moisture and to help create a smooth batter.
7. Butter (½ cup, melted) – Adds richness and helps create crispy waffles.
8. Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – For a hint of sweetness and warmth.

For Serving:

1. Butter (softened) – For spreading on the waffles.
2. Maple Syrup (for drizzling) – The classic topping.
3. Hot Sauce (optional) – For those who like a spicy-sweet combo.
4. Powdered Sugar (optional) – Adds a decorative touch to the waffles.

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Substitutions and Variations

This Chicken and Waffles recipe is highly customizable. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Chicken Tenders: Use chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts or thighs for a quicker cooking time and easier portion control.
• Oven-Baked Chicken: For a lighter version, bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for both the chicken breading and waffle batter to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Spicy Chicken: Add more hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for spicier fried chicken.
• Waffle Mix: If you're in a hurry, you can use a store-bought waffle mix instead of making the batter from scratch.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Chicken and Waffles step by step, from the crispy fried chicken to the golden waffles:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken thighs (or breasts) to the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to let the chicken tenderize and absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading for the Chicken

• In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Coat each piece of chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing it on to create a good crust.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

• In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) (you can test the oil by sprinkling a little flour—if it sizzles, it’s ready).
• Fry the chicken in batches, cooking each piece for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Keep the chicken warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while you prepare the waffles.

Step 4: Prepare the Waffle Batter

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
• Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined (don’t overmix—it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy).
• In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold the egg whites into the waffle batter to make it extra light and fluffy.

Step 5: Cook the Waffles

• Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Lightly grease the waffle iron with non-stick spray or butter.
• Pour enough batter into the waffle iron to cover the surface, then close the iron and cook until the waffle is golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
• Repeat with the remaining batter, keeping the cooked waffles warm in the oven while you finish.

Step 6: Serve

• Place a waffle on each plate, top with a piece of fried chicken, and add a pat of butter.
• Drizzle with maple syrup, sprinkle with powdered sugar (if desired), and serve with a side of hot sauce for an extra kick.

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How to Make Chicken and Waffles: A Quick Summary

Here’s a quick recap of the steps to make Chicken and Waffles:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Soak the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce.
2. Bread the Chicken: Dredge the chicken in a seasoned flour mixture.
3. Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy.
4. Make the Waffle Batter: Prepare the waffle batter and fold in whipped egg whites for extra fluffiness.
5. Cook the Waffles: Cook the waffles in a preheated waffle iron until crispy.
6. Serve: Top the waffles with fried chicken, butter, syrup, and optional hot sauce or powdered sugar.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Chicken and Waffles turn out perfect, avoid these common mistakes:

• Skipping the Marinade: The buttermilk marinade is key for tenderizing the chicken and adding flavor. Don’t skip this step!
• Overcooking the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C). Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough.
• Not Whipping Egg Whites: Whipping the egg whites for the waffle batter adds fluffiness. Don’t skip this step if you want light and airy waffles.
• Frying the Chicken at the Wrong Temperature: Make sure your oil is at 350°F (175°C) before frying. If it’s too low, the chicken will absorb oil and become greasy; if it’s too high, the coating may burn before the chicken is cooked through.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Chicken and Waffles are ready, here are some ideas for serving and presenting them:

How to Serve Chicken and Waffles

• Classic Style: Serve each waffle topped with a piece of fried chicken, a pat of butter, and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.
• With Sides: Pair with a side of fresh fruit, coleslaw, or sautéed greens to balance the richness of the dish.
• As a Sandwich: Turn it into a chicken and waffle sandwich by using the waffles as "buns" and adding a piece of fried chicken in the middle. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for extra flavor.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken and Waffles

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.
• Serve with Extra Syrup: Offer a side of warm maple syrup so your guests can drizzle more on as they eat.
• Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar: Lightly dust the waffles with powdered sugar for a beautiful and sweet finishing touch.

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Chicken and Waffles Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Chicken and Waffles turn out perfectly:

1. Make It Ahead: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, and the waffle batter can be made a few hours ahead. Just fold in the whipped egg whites right before cooking the waffles.
2. Keep the Waffles Crisp: To keep your waffles crisp, place them on a wire rack in the oven set at 200°F (93°C) while you finish cooking.
3. Adjust the Spice Level: If you love heat, add extra hot sauce to the chicken marinade or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
A: Yes! You can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and cooked through.

Q: Can I make the waffles ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the waffles ahead of time and keep them warm in the oven, or reheat them in a toaster or oven to regain their crispiness.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken in the oven to keep it crispy and the waffles in the toaster or oven.

Q: Can I make the chicken in an air fryer?
A: Yes, air fry the breaded chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and fully cooked.

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Conclusion

This Chicken and Waffles recipe is the perfect way to indulge in the sweet-and-savory combination of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles. Whether you’re making it for brunch, dinner, or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy your cravings.

Now that you have the recipe and all the tips, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking. Enjoy!

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