Description
This Southern comfort classic features crispy fried chicken served atop warm, fluffy waffles, all drizzled with a spicy and sweet jalapeno honey butter sauce. It’s the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy, making it a crowd-pleasing dish for breakfast or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black 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 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1–2 jalapenos, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- For the Fried Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken thighs and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the chicken thighs from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
- Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil and fry for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- For the Waffles: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (don’t overmix; it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy).
- Preheat a waffle iron and lightly grease it with cooking spray. Cook the waffles according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- For the Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the honey, chopped jalapenos, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- To Serve: Place a warm waffle on each plate, top with a piece of fried chicken, and drizzle generously with the jalapeno honey butter sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapenos in the honey butter sauce depending on your heat preference.
- For extra crispy chicken, let the coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying.
- If you prefer spicier chicken, you can also add cayenne pepper to the flour coating.
- Leftover waffles can be stored in the fridge and reheated in a toaster for a quick breakfast.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying, Waffle-making
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 chicken thigh, 1 waffle)
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Sugar: undefined
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: undefined
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: undefined