Chicken and Waffles Recipe

Craving a comfort classic? This chicken and waffles recipe brings sweet, crispy, and savory together in every bite. Whether it’s brunch or dinner, this southern favorite is the perfect combo of golden fried chicken and fluffy waffles drizzled in honey butter sauce. Keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and fun serving ideas that’ll wow everyone at your table.

What is Chicken and Waffles Recipe

We still remember the first time we had chicken and waffles. It was late on a Sunday morning, and the house smelled like vanilla, spice, and hot oil. Our grandma had set the table with syrup, butter, and a big platter stacked with golden brown chicken and waffles. That memory? Unforgettable. It was the moment we fell in love with this iconic chicken and waffles recipe.

It’s not just food it’s a feeling. Think crisp fried chicken thighs on warm Belgian waffles, topped with spicy honey butter or maple syrup. The sweet-savory combo is everything we adore about Southern soul food.Hungry family, hosted brunch, or just treating yourself — this chicken and waffles recipe always impresses.

From its Harlem roots to becoming a diner classic across the U.S., chicken and waffles have earned their spot in food history. And the best part? You don’t need a deep fryer or fancy setup to make this at home. With a few pantry staples and 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal.

This dish is also wildly versatile. Serve it with maple, hot honey, gravy or keep it simple and let the crunch speak for itself. We’ve tested and perfected this recipe over time to be foolproof, juicy, and just the right level of crispy. And for more Southern cravings, check out our Chicken Fried Chicken Recipe or crowd-favorite Buffalo Chicken Dip.

So get ready to make a plate full of comfort, flavor, and a bit of magic. Because once you try this chicken and waffles recipe, you’ll want to share it and make it again.

Chicken and Waffles Recipe

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• Author: Emma & Ella
• Total Time: 30 min
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This chicken and waffles recipe combines crispy fried chicken with fluffy Belgian waffles and a drizzle of spicy honey butter. Perfect for brunch or dinner!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

8 boneless skinless chicken thighs

Vegetable oil for deep frying

Buttermilk Brine:

2 cups buttermilk (or soured milk)

1 tbsp kosher salt

½ tbsp garlic powder

½ tbsp onion powder

1 tbsp hot sauce or chili powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

Seasoned Flour:

3 cups all-purpose flour

⅓ cup cornstarch

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp onion powder

2 tsp kosher salt

2 tsp cracked black pepper

Spicy Honey Butter:

¼ cup honey or maple syrup

½ tsp chili powder

4 tbsp unsalted butter

½ tsp kosher salt

Waffles:

Use our Belgian Waffle Recipe (linked in blog)

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Instructions

1. Whisk together buttermilk, seasonings: Whisk together buttermilk, seasonings, and hot sauce.
2. Add chicken thighs to: Add chicken thighs to brine and marinate at least 1 hour.
3. Heat oil in a: Heat oil in a Dutch oven to 350°F.
4. Mix flour, cornstarch, and: Mix flour, cornstarch, and spices for coating.
5. Dredge chicken in seasoned: Dredge chicken in seasoned flour and let rest.
6. Fry chicken for 8–9: Fry chicken for 8–9 minutes until golden and crisp.
7. Make waffles using linked: Make waffles using linked recipe.
8. Melt butter with honey: Melt butter with honey, chili powder, and salt.
9. Assemble waffles, chicken, and: Assemble waffles, chicken, and drizzle with sauce.

Notes

To sour milk: Add ½ lemon per cup of whole milk and let sit 3–5 mins.

Store chicken and waffles separately for best results.

Freeze up to 1 month in airtight containers.

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Category: Brunch and Breakfast Recipes
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: African American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 506
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 2138mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 168mg

Why You’ll Love This

This chicken and waffles recipe isn’t just about fried food and syrup it’s an experience. Sweet meets savory in every bite, and the textures? Total perfection. Here’s why this dish will win over anyone who tastes it.

It’s a Flavor Powerhouse

Crispy, juicy chicken with smoky seasoning pairs beautifully with fluffy, golden waffles. Then comes the drizzle spicy honey butter or warm maple syrup. That sweet heat soaks into the waffle, coats the chicken, and creates a burst of flavor that keeps you coming back.

The seasoning blend includes smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion, and a touch of chili. We’ve carefully tested every ratio to bring bold flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the chicken. Even better, the buttermilk brine keeps the meat tender and juicy from the inside out.

Love chicken with a little twist? You’ll probably enjoy our Low Carb Kung Pao Chicken for something totally different yet satisfying.

It Works for Any Meal

Brunch, lunch, dinner even late-night cravings this recipe delivers. You can even prep parts ahead, like the chicken brine or waffle batter. With just 30 minutes of active cooking time, it fits right into busy schedules without sacrificing flavor.

We also love this for entertaining. Want to wow your guests? Serve it on a platter with little jars of maple syrup, spicy honey, and whipped butter. Add a fruit salad or mac and cheese (our Bread Co Mac and Cheese Recipe is a total hit), and you’ve got the ultimate comfort food spread.

DONE a crowd, this chicken and waffles recipe brings big energy to the table. Trust us this one’s a keeper.

How to Make Chicken and Waffles

This chicken and waffles recipe looks impressive, but it’s actually easy enough for a weeknight dinner or Sunday brunch. Let’s break it down into steps so you can get that crispy, golden finish every time.

Quick Overview

Here’s what you can expect when making this recipe:

• Brine chicken thighs in a seasoned buttermilk mixture.
• Coat with seasoned flour.
• Fry until golden brown.
• Make fluffy Belgian waffles.
• Drizzle spicy honey butter sauce or maple syrup over the top.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Cuisine: African American

Ingredients

For Chicken:

• 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Buttermilk Brine:

• 2 cups buttermilk or soured whole milk
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• ½ tbsp garlic powder
• ½ tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp hot sauce or chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

Seasoned Flour Coating:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup cornstarch
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Spicy Honey Butter Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup)
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ tsp kosher salt

Waffles:
Use our full Belgian Waffles Recipe to make the perfect fluffy base for your fried chicken.

You can also explore our Popeyes Fried Chicken Recipe for another crispy favorite.

Step-by-Step

1. Brine the Chicken:
   In a large bowl, whisk buttermilk, salt, garlic and onion powders, paprika, and hot sauce. Add chicken thighs, fully coat, and cover. Chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. Heat the Oil:
   Fill a Dutch oven halfway with vegetable oil and heat to 350°F. While oil heats, prepare your flour coating.
3. Dredge the Chicken:
   Whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and seasonings in a bowl. Coat each piece of chicken thoroughly and let rest 5 minutes.
4. Fry Until Crispy:
   Fry 4 chicken thighs at a time for 8–9 minutes until golden brown. Set aside on a wire rack.
5. Make the Waffles:
   Follow our classic Belgian waffle recipe for a crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside texture.
6. Whisk the Honey Butter:
   Melt butter in a saucepan, then add honey, chili powder, and salt. Keep warm.
7. Serve:
   Stack chicken on top of waffles and drizzle spicy honey butter over everything. Add maple syrup if desired.

What to Serve Chicken and Waffles With

One of the best parts of making a chicken and waffles recipe is how creative you can get with the sides.Full-on brunch vibes or a hearty dinner plate — here are the options that round it out best.

Sweet + Savory Add-Ons

The combo of crispy chicken and fluffy waffles already has great texture, so think about contrasting flavors. Fresh fruit like berries, orange slices, or even grilled peaches adds a cool and juicy element. A light salad with tangy vinaigrette also helps cut through the richness of the fried chicken.

For a little more sweetness, maple syrup is a go-to. But spicy honey butter (like the one in our recipe) or even hot honey gives that next-level flavor. For something different, try bacon jam or a whipped garlic butter.

If you’re craving something extra comforting, add a scoop of creamy Bread Co Mac and Cheese. It’s rich, melty, and just plain awesome with chicken.

Drinks and Desserts

Cold brew coffee, sweet tea, or a sparkling lemonade all pair well with this dish. If you want a boozy brunch, go for a mimosa or Bloody Mary.

And for dessert? Keep it simple and cool. A small slice of our chilled Lava Chicken Recipe or something like mini ice cream sundaes can hit the sweet spot after such a filling main course.

This chicken and waffles recipe holds its own, but pairing it with a little something on the side takes your meal from great to unforgettable.

Top Tips for Perfecting Chicken and Waffles

Mastering a chicken and waffles recipe takes more than just following the steps it’s about the little details that create crispy chicken, fluffy waffles, and bold flavor in every bite. Here’s how to get it right every time.

Don’t Skip the Brine

Marinating your chicken thighs in buttermilk (or soured milk) isn’t just a suggestion it’s essential. The acid in the buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, while the spices soak deep into the meat. Let it sit for at least one hour, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor.

If you’re short on time, use thinner pieces of chicken or consider switching to boneless chicken breasts. For another quick-prep meal, try our Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe it’s just as crispy and juicy.

Coat and Rest Before Frying

Once you’ve dredged the chicken in the seasoned flour mix, let it rest on a plate for 5–10 minutes before frying. This step helps the coating stick better and fry up extra crispy. If you skip it, the crust may slide off or turn soggy.

When frying, don’t overcrowd the pan work in batches to keep the oil hot and the chicken crisp. We recommend using a thermometer to keep the oil right around 350°F.

And finally, when you’ve finished frying? Let the chicken rest on a rack, not paper towels. That keeps it crispy and prevents it from steaming.

These tips make a massive difference and elevate your chicken and waffles recipe from good to restaurant-worthy. For more flavor-packed chicken ideas, try our wildly popular Authentic Jerk Chicken Recipe.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Cooking this chicken and waffles recipe in advance? No problem.Meal-prepping or saving leftovers — keeping the texture and flavor right is easy with these tips.

How to Store Leftovers

Keep the chicken and waffles separate. Store the fried chicken in an airtight container lined with paper towels. This helps absorb moisture and preserve crispiness. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Waffles should be cooled completely, then stacked with parchment paper in between each. Pop them into a zip-top bag or airtight container and refrigerate for 2–3 days.

Want to freeze? Absolutely. Both the chicken and the waffles freeze beautifully. Just make sure everything is completely cooled before sealing in freezer-safe containers. Use within 1 month for best taste.

How to Reheat Like a Pro

For chicken:
Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes. This brings back the crisp without drying out the inside. Avoid the microwave it turns that crunchy crust into rubber.

For waffles:
Use a toaster, oven, or even an air fryer for 2–4 minutes until hot and crisp. If you’re craving a fresh flavor, whip up a half batch from our base Belgian Waffles Recipe instead.

Want another crisp chicken recipe worth making in bulk? Bookmark our Popeyes Fried Chicken Recipe perfect for freezing and reheating.

Following these steps helps your chicken and waffles recipe taste just as amazing the next day as it did fresh off the stove.

FAQs

Conclusion

There’s just something unforgettable about a plate of golden-fried chicken resting on warm, fluffy waffles especially when it’s topped with spicy honey butter. This chicken and waffles recipe brings comfort, flavor, and fun to any meal, whether it’s brunch with friends or a weeknight dinner at home. So grab that waffle iron, heat up the skillet, and get ready to serve up a crispy-sweet classic that always delivers. Want more no-fuss deliciousness? Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for daily inspiration.