Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe
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.
- 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
