Chicken and waffles is a beloved dish that masterfully blends crispy, juicy fried chicken with soft, fluffy waffles, offering a perfect sweet-and-savory experience. With roots in the American South, it has gained popularity nationwide and beyond. This guide walks readers through crafting the ultimate homemade version—from choosing ingredients to nailing texture, while also offering creative twists, topping ideas, and serving tips to elevate the dish for any meal of the day.
Ingredients for Chicken and Waffles
To make the best homemade chicken and waffles, you need the right ingredients. Each component plays a key role in achieving the crispiest fried chicken and the fluffiest waffles. Below, we’ll break down everything you need, from essential ingredients to optional toppings that take the dish to the next level.
Essential Ingredients for Crispy Fried Chicken
For the juiciest, crispiest fried chicken, you’ll need:
- Chicken pieces – Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks work best, but boneless chicken tenders or breasts can also be used.
- Buttermilk – Helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
- Eggs – Used in the batter to help the breading stick.
- All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the crispy coating.
- Cornstarch – Adds extra crispiness to the breading.
- Baking powder – A secret ingredient that makes the crust lighter and crunchier.
- Seasonings – A mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme for deep flavor.
- Oil for frying – Use a high-smoke-point oil like vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil.
Ingredients for Fluffy Waffles
A great waffle is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour – The base of the waffle batter.
- Baking powder – Gives the waffles a light, fluffy texture.
- Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Salt – Enhances the flavor.
- Eggs – Helps create structure and fluffiness.
- Buttermilk – Adds tangy richness and ensures a tender waffle.
- Unsalted butter (melted) – Brings buttery flavor and moisture.
- Vanilla extract – A hint of warmth and sweetness.
Optional Toppings and Sauces
To elevate your chicken and waffles, try these delicious toppings:
- Maple syrup – The classic sweet drizzle.
- Honey butter – A rich, creamy mix of butter and honey.
- Spicy hot honey – A combination of honey and red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Gravy – A savory country-style white gravy or brown gravy for extra richness.
- Fresh berries – Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a fresh contrast.
- Whipped cream – For an extra indulgent, dessert-like feel.
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the equipment you’ll need to make this dish perfectly.
Equipment Needed
Making chicken and waffles at home requires a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures your chicken is crispy, your waffles are fluffy, and everything cooks evenly.
Kitchen Tools for Frying Chicken
- Deep fryer or heavy-duty skillet – A cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven is perfect for frying because it retains heat well. If you have a deep fryer, it makes frying easier and more consistent.
- Tongs – Essential for safely flipping and removing chicken from the oil.
- Meat thermometer – Helps ensure your chicken is cooked to the perfect internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Wire rack with a baking sheet – After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack (not paper towels) to keep it crispy and prevent sogginess.
Waffle Maker Options
- Classic waffle maker – Creates thin, crispy waffles, ideal for stacking.
- Belgian waffle maker – Makes thicker, fluffier waffles with deep pockets that hold syrup and butter.
- Non-stick waffle iron – Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Serving Essentials
- Sharp knife and cutting board – If using large chicken pieces, you may need to cut them before serving.
- Syrup dispenser – For easy pouring of maple syrup or honey butter.
- Serving plates – Large plates are best for stacking chicken and waffles together with toppings.
With your ingredients and equipment ready, it’s time to start cooking! Next, we’ll cover how to prepare the perfect fried chicken.
Preparing the Perfect Fried Chicken
The key to crispy, juicy fried chicken is in the marination, coating, and frying technique. Follow these steps to ensure your chicken is golden brown, flavorful, and delicious.
Step 1: Choosing the Best Chicken Cuts
For the best results, choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks. These cuts are:
- Juicier than chicken breasts.
- More flavorful due to the bone and skin.
- Less likely to dry out during frying.
If you prefer a quicker-cooking option, boneless chicken tenders or thighs work well too.
Step 2: Marinating for Flavor and Juiciness
Marinating your chicken enhances flavor and keeps it moist. The best marinade? Buttermilk!
Buttermilk Marinade Recipe
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
How to Marinate:
- Place the chicken in a large bowl or ziplock bag.
- Pour the buttermilk mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best for maximum flavor).
Step 3: Coating for Extra Crispiness
A light, crispy coating is essential for fried chicken. The secret? A mix of flour, cornstarch, and baking powder.
Crispy Coating Mix:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (makes the crust crispier)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (creates an airy, light texture)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a bit of heat)
How to Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade (let excess drip off).
- Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing it in to coat evenly.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes to allow the coating to stick properly.
Step 4: Frying Techniques for Golden Perfection
- Heat the oil: Fill a deep skillet or Dutch oven with 2-3 inches of oil and heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry in batches: Cook 2-3 pieces at a time to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
- Cook time:
- Bone-in chicken: 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Boneless chicken: 6-8 minutes, until golden brown.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Drain properly: Place fried chicken on a wire rack (not paper towels) to keep it crispy.
Once your fried chicken is ready, it’s time to move on to making the perfect waffles!
Making Light and Fluffy Waffles
A perfect waffle is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a buttery, slightly sweet flavor. Follow these steps to make golden, fluffy waffles that pair beautifully with your crispy fried chicken.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
For classic buttermilk waffles, you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk (adds richness and a slight tang)
- ½ cup melted butter (for flavor and moisture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)
Step 2: Mixing Techniques for a Smooth Batter
- Mix dry ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients – In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine the two – Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix! Small lumps are fine and help keep the waffles light.
Step 3: Cooking Tips for Crispy Edges and Soft Centers
- Preheat the waffle iron – A hot waffle iron ensures even cooking.
- Grease lightly – Use a brush or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pour the batter – Add just enough to cover the waffle plates (about ½ cup per waffle).
- Cook until golden brown – Close the lid and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions (about 3-5 minutes).
- Keep waffles warm – Place finished waffles in a 200°F (93°C) oven on a wire rack to stay crisp while making the rest.
With your waffles and fried chicken ready, it’s time to add the final touch: toppings and sauces!
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in the buttermilk and flour mixture.
- Looking for a twist? Try using The Best Southern Cornbread Recipe to make cornbread waffles instead!
- If you prefer a more protein-packed breakfast, check out Homemade Egg, Sausage, and 4-Cheese Breakfast Bites.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken and Waffles at Home
- Keep fried chicken crispy – Drain it on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.
- Avoid soggy waffles – Serve waffles immediately or keep them warm in a 200°F oven.
- Time-saving meal prep – Marinate the chicken overnight and pre-make the waffle batter for quicker cooking.
Now, let’s go over some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Chicken and Waffles
Equipment
- Deep Fryer or Heavy-Duty Skillet
- Waffle Maker
- Tongs
- Wire Rack with Baking Sheet
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
Crispy Fried Chicken
- 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk for marination
- 1 tbsp hot sauce optional, for slight kick
- 2 cups all-purpose flour for coating
- ½ cup cornstarch for extra crispiness
- 1 tsp baking powder for a light crust
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 2-3 cups vegetable oil for frying
Fluffy Waffles
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk for a rich texture
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Place chicken in a bowl and marinate with buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, cayenne, and black pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Coat in flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet. Fry chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes (bone-in) or 6-8 minutes (boneless) until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain fried chicken on a wire rack to keep it crispy.
- Preheat waffle iron. In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, then add buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Grease waffle iron and pour batter. Cook waffles until golden and crisp.
- Serve fried chicken on waffles with maple syrup, honey butter, or hot sauce.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip chicken in buttermilk and flour before frying.
- Keep waffles warm in a 200°F oven to maintain crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes! Coat the chicken in the breading, spray it with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway.
2. What’s the best waffle mix to use?
If using a mix, Krusteaz Belgian Waffle Mix is a great choice for fluffy waffles.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers. Reheat waffles in a toaster and chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.
4. Do you put syrup on the chicken in chicken and waffles?
Yes! One of the best things about chicken and waffles is the sweet and savory contrast. Drizzling maple syrup over both the crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles enhances the flavors and creates a delicious balance of textures. You can also use honey butter, spicy hot honey, or fruit syrups for a unique twist.
The key to light, crispy waffles is in the batter and cooking technique:
- Don’t overmix the batter – Lumps are fine! Overmixing makes waffles dense.
- Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking to allow ingredients to combine.
- Use a hot, preheated waffle iron to ensure crisp edges and even cooking.
- Cook until golden brown – Avoid opening the waffle maker too early.
- Keep waffles warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
What cut of chicken is used in chicken and waffles?
The best cuts of chicken for chicken and waffles are:
Chicken tenders or breasts – Work well for a lighter version but can be drier if not cooked properly.
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks – These are the juiciest and most flavorful options.
Boneless chicken thighs – A great alternative for easier eating.
Conclusion
Chicken and waffles are the ultimate combination of crispy, savory, and sweet flavors. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try a unique variation, this dish is guaranteed to impress. By following these tips, you’ll be able to make restaurant-quality chicken and waffles at home, perfect for any occasion.