Description
This Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe combines crispy, savory fried chicken with fluffy waffles, all topped with a rich and spicy honey butter sauce. It’s a comforting and indulgent meal perfect for brunch or a hearty breakfast.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Southern 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
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Brine the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne (if using). Add chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Coat the Chicken: Mix flour and cornstarch in another bowl. Dredge chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing lightly.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 2: Make the Waffles
- Prepare the Batter: In one bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Cook the Waffles: Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Cook in a preheated waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden and crisp.
Step 3: Make the Spicy Honey Butter Sauce
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, melted butter, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper. Adjust spice level to taste.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Plate It: Stack a waffle on a plate and top with a piece of fried chicken.
- Drizzle the Sauce: Drizzle the spicy honey butter sauce over the chicken and waffles.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in buttermilk and flour mixture.
- Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor.
- Make sure your waffle iron is preheated for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle with 1 piece of chicken
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 130mg