Few dishes capture the heart and soul of comfort food quite like this Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe. Imagine the perfect marriage of ultra-crispy, juicy fried chicken and fluffy golden waffles, all brought together with a drizzle of warm maple syrup. This dish transforms classic Southern flavors into something utterly special, whether you’re serving it for a laid-back brunch, a celebratory breakfast, or even a weeknight dinner that feels like an occasion. If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating that “wow” moment from your favorite diner at home, you’re going to fall in love with this recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s start with the essentials. Every ingredient in this Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe pulls its weight, creating those crave-worthy textures and flavors you remember. Grab these kitchen staples, and you’re already halfway to chicken and waffle heaven!

Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Juicy chicken thighs make for the most flavorful bite, but breasts deliver a lovely lean alternative—just be sure to pound them to even thickness so they fry up perfectly.
Buttermilk: Marinating in buttermilk isn’t just tradition, it’s the secret to tangy, tender fried chicken every time.
Hot Sauce (optional): Adds a hint of Southern heat to the chicken marinade—adjust to your taste!
All-Purpose Flour: Forms that crunchy golden crust for the chicken, and creates a dreamy base for fluffy waffles.
Salt & Black Pepper: Classic seasonings, essential for both the chicken and the waffle batter.
Garlic Powder & Smoked Paprika: These spices add real depth to the crust on the chicken—you’ll taste the difference.
Cayenne Pepper: Lends a gentle, lingering heat that isn’t overpowering.
Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral oil for frying; it keeps the chicken crisp without masking the flavor.
Sugar: A touch of sweetness in the waffle batter balances the savory chicken.
Baking Powder: Ensures your waffles turn out light and airy, not dense or doughy.
Eggs: Essential binding power for tender waffles.
Milk: Delivers perfect moisture to the waffle batter—dairy-free substitutes work, too!
Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter: Pick your favorite; both yield deliciously crisp waffles.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of warmth to your waffles that plays beautifully with syrup.
Butter, Warm Maple Syrup, Hot Sauce or Honey: Essential for serving—these finishing touches bring it all together!

How to Make Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by letting your chicken soak up all those tangy, spicy flavors. Combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk and a splash of hot sauce in a zip-top bag or bowl. The acid in buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, making each bite incredibly juicy. For best results, let it marinate overnight in the fridge, but even an hour is enough to notice a difference!

Step 2: Mix Up the Waffle Batter

Now, let’s get your waffle batter ready. In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, blend the eggs, milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently mix—don’t over-stir, a few lumps are just fine. Let the batter rest on the counter while you fry up that glorious chicken.

Step 3: Coat and Fry the Chicken

Ready for that crispy crust? Heat about half an inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or use your trusty cast-iron pan. In a shallow dish, mix the flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Remove the chicken from its marinade, letting any excess drip off, then dredge it well in the seasoned flour—you want every nook and cranny coated for the ultimate crunch. Fry for 4–5 minutes per side, until beautifully golden and cooked through, then set on a wire rack to drain and stay crispy.

Step 4: Cook the Waffles

Time for those golden waffles! Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour in the batter (don’t overfill!), close the lid, and cook until your waffles are puffed, golden, and crisp—usually about 3 to 5 minutes per waffle, depending on your machine. Keep them warm in a low oven if you need to work in batches.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Stack a hot waffle on the plate, top with a piece of fried chicken, and crown it with a generous pat of butter. Drizzle everything with warm maple syrup—don’t be shy! If you like a little extra kick, finish with a dash of hot sauce or a squiggle of honey. This is how the Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe brings everyone to the table smiling.

How to Serve Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe

Garnishes

The beauty of the Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe is how you can make it your own with playful garnishes. Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color, crunchy pickled jalapeños for some zest, or even a few toasted pecans if you like a little Southern flair. Don’t forget plenty of warm butter and syrup to drizzle over everything for that restaurant-style finish.

Side Dishes

Craving classic accompaniments? Serve your chicken and waffles with creamy coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a seasonal fruit salad to keep things balanced. If you’re making this for brunch, try a pitcher of iced tea or some sparkling lemonade for the full Southern experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to take this recipe to the next level? Cut your waffles into small squares and serve as sliders for a fun, party-ready twist. Stack waffles and chicken on a skewer for a playful buffet presentation. Or go bold: drizzle a spicy honey sauce across the whole platter and let guests dig in family style!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), store the fried chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers. Keeping them apart preserves that legendary crispiness. Both will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, this Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooked, cooled chicken in freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. For the waffles, let them cool, then layer with parchment paper and freeze in an airtight bag or container—they’ll keep for about 2 months as well.

Reheating

To recapture that just-made magic, reheat chicken in a 350°F oven on a wire rack until heated through and crispy, about 15 minutes. Waffles re-crisp easily in a toaster or oven. Skip the microwave if you can; it can make both chicken and waffles soggy. Finish by reheating the syrup, and you’re set!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe?

Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work great. Thighs tend to be a little juicier, while breasts can be leaner. Just pound breasts to even thickness before marinating so they cook evenly and stay moist when fried.

What’s the secret to ultra-crispy chicken?

For that irresistible crunch, press the chicken firmly into the seasoned flour and consider double-dipping: dredge, dip in buttermilk again, and dredge once more before frying. Always let the chicken rest on a rack instead of paper towels so it stays extra crispy while draining.

Can I make the waffles ahead for the Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe?

Definitely! Make waffles ahead, let them fully cool, then store in the fridge or freeze. Crisp up in the toaster or oven before serving to bring back that fresh-from-the-iron texture.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe has just a touch of heat from the cayenne and optional hot sauce, but it’s easy to adjust. For a milder version, reduce or skip the cayenne and hot sauce. Or go bigger with extra hot sauce or spicy honey for fans of serious heat!

What are the best toppings for Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe?

Classic butter and warm maple syrup can’t be beat, but try hot honey, a little powdered sugar, or even fruit compote for a new spin. A few dashes of hot sauce or homemade gravy also bring a true Southern twist!

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe, you’ll want to make it a regular tradition—whether for family brunch, laid-back dinners, or treating guests to something unforgettable. Gather your favorite people and dig in; it’s comfort food happiness at its best!

Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 55 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe. Crispy, juicy fried chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy waffles for a delightful meal that combines savory and sweet flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the fried chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (pounded to even thickness if needed)
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
vegetable oil for frying

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 vegetable oil or melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For serving:

Butter
Warm maple syrup
Hot sauce or honey (optional)

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Instructions

Marinate the chicken: In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine the chicken with buttermilk and hot sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Make the waffle batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir just until combined. Let the batter rest while you fry the chicken.
Fry the chicken: Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a deep skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat to 350°F. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing to coat well. Fry for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
Cook the waffles: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour in the batter and cook until golden and crisp, about 3–5 minutes per waffle depending on your machine.
Assemble and serve: Place one waffle on each plate, top with a piece of hot fried chicken, and add a pat of butter. Drizzle generously with warm maple syrup and a dash of hot sauce or honey if desired.