Introduction

Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles is a delicious blend of crispy, flavorful chicken paired with golden, fluffy waffles. This classic comfort dish combines savory and sweet elements for a satisfying meal any time of day.

A close-up of a stack showing two golden brown waffle layers on the bottom with a slightly crispy texture and honey syrup drizzled slowly down the sides. On top of the waffles, there are two large pieces of crispy fried chicken with a crunchy, light brown crust, covered with a shiny, thick amber syrup dripping down. The dish is placed on a white plate, all set against a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 3/4 cups milk
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup)
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1-2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.
Step 2: Mix the 1 1/2 cups flour and cornstarch in another bowl. Remove the chicken from the marinade and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly.
Step 3: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: For the waffles, whisk together 2 cups flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in one bowl. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Cook the batter in a preheated waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions until waffles are golden and crisp.
Step 6: To make the sauce, whisk together honey, melted butter, hot sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
Step 7: To assemble, place a waffle on a plate and top with a piece of fried chicken. Drizzle the spicy honey butter sauce over the top and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispy chicken, let the coated pieces rest for 10 minutes before frying to help the batter set.
Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs stay juicier during frying.
Swap hot sauce for smoked paprika in the sauce for a milder, smoky flavor.
Try serving with a side of fresh fruit or a simple salad to balance the richness.

Storage

Store leftover fried chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Waffles reheat well in a toaster or oven. The honey butter sauce is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and warmed gently before use.

How to Serve

A stack of two golden brown waffles sits at the bottom, each waffle showing a crispy grid texture and light shading from slightly toasted edges. On top of the waffles, there is a large piece of fried chicken, with a rough, crunchy, and uneven breaded coating in shades of deep golden brown. The chicken is drizzled generously with a glossy amber syrup that pools slightly on the white plate beneath. The whole dish is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I marinate the chicken longer than overnight?

Marinating longer is possible, but avoid exceeding 24 hours, as the acidity in the buttermilk can start to break down the chicken texture too much.

What kind of oil is best for frying chicken?

Neutral oils with high smoke points such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best for frying chicken to achieve a crispy crust without burning.

Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 150 reviews

This Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe combines crispy, flavorful buttermilk-marinated fried chicken with golden, fluffy waffles. Topped with a spicy honey butter sauce, this classic Southern comfort food offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and heat. Ideal for brunch or a satisfying meal any time of the day.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fried Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Waffles

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 3/4 cups milk
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Spicy Honey Butter Sauce

1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup)
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

Brine the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Add the chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator to tenderize and infuse flavor.
Coat the Chicken: In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating well.
Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable or canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to about 350°F. Fry the coated chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Prepare the Waffle Batter: In one bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
Cook the Waffles: Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently, mixing until just blended to avoid tough waffles. Preheat the waffle iron and cook the batter according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the waffles are golden and crisp on the outside.
Make the Spicy Honey Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted butter, hot sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if desired. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
Assemble and Serve: Place a cooked waffle on each plate and top with a piece of fried chicken. Drizzle the spicy honey butter sauce generously over the top for a perfect finishing touch. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Notes

Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Adjust cayenne pepper and hot sauce quantities based on your heat preference.
For extra crispy chicken, double dredge by dipping twice in the flour mixture.
Waffles can be kept warm in a low oven while frying chicken.
Substitute honey with maple syrup if preferred for the sauce.
Leftover chicken can be reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: southern fried chicken, chicken and waffles, buttermilk fried chicken, crispy fried chicken, homemade waffles, spicy honey butter sauce, comfort food, brunch recipe