If you think chicken and waffles are just a meal, think again! These two delicious foods come together in ways that'll make your taste buds dance. From crispy fried chicken paired with fluffy waffles to a spicy twist that'll wake up your senses, there's a recipe for everyone. And guess what? You don't even have to be a chef to whip these up. So, are you ready to discover some mouthwatering combos?
Classic Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles
Classic Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles is a beloved dish that beautifully combines savory and sweet flavors, making it a perfect brunch or comfort food option. The crispy, golden-brown fried chicken is paired with fluffy waffles and drizzled with maple syrup, creating a delightful harmony of textures and tastes. This dish hails from the South, where it's often enjoyed at family gatherings and Sunday dinners.
Follow this recipe for a satisfying homemade version that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 4 pieces of chicken (legs or thighs)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups waffle mix (plus ingredients as per package instructions)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by marinating the chicken in buttermilk for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
When ready to cook, heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it's well coated. Fry the chicken in batches for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a wire rack to drain.
While the chicken is frying, prepare the waffles according to the package instructions. Serve the fried chicken on top of the waffles, generously drizzled with maple syrup.
Extra Tips:
For extra crispy chicken, double-dip by soaking the chicken in buttermilk again after the first flour coating and then dredging it in flour once more.
If you prefer a bit more flavor in your waffles, consider adding vanilla extract or cinnamon to the waffle mix.
To keep the fried chicken warm while you finish cooking the waffles, place it in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C).
Finally, adjust the sweetness of your meal by using flavored syrups like pecan or berry, which can elevate the entire experience.
Enjoy this classic dish with your favorite sides for a complete meal!
Spicy Chicken and Waffles With Maple Hot Sauce
Spicy Chicken and Waffles with Maple Hot Sauce is a delightful fusion of savory and sweet flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for brunch or a hearty dinner, this dish features crispy, spicy chicken paired with fluffy waffles and drizzled with a unique maple hot sauce that adds an extra kick.
Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe is bound to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 cups waffle mix (plus ingredients needed for preparation)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (e.g., Frank's RedHot)
Instructions:
Begin by marinating the chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator for maximum tenderness.
In a shallow bowl, combine flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge it in the seasoned flour until fully coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
While the chicken is frying, prepare your waffles according to the package instructions. In a small bowl, mix maple syrup with hot sauce to create the spicy maple drizzle.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken with spices such as onion powder or a dash of smoked paprika.
Make sure to keep the oil at a steady temperature to guarantee the chicken cooks evenly; if the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is done.
If you prefer a less spicy dish, feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the flour mixture or the hot sauce in the maple syrup.
Serve the chicken atop the waffles, and don't hesitate to add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a side of pickles for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy!
Buttermilk Chicken and Brown Sugar Waffles
Buttermilk Chicken and Brown Sugar Waffles is a delightful twist on the classic chicken and waffles, combining crispy, juicy buttermilk fried chicken with sweet, fluffy brown sugar waffles. This dish is perfect for brunch or a hearty breakfast, blending savory and sweet flavors that will satisfy any palate. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk for tenderness, while the waffles are improved with brown sugar for a hint of caramel sweetness. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious comfort food!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for waffles)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (for waffles)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Instructions:
Begin by marinating the chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible, to guarantee maximum tenderness.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create the seasoned flour mixture.
Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Dredge the marinated chicken in the seasoned flour and carefully place it in the hot oil. Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
While the chicken is frying, prepare the waffles by mixing the dry ingredients (flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt) in a bowl.
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Combine both mixtures until just mixed.
Preheat a waffle maker and pour the batter into it, cooking according to the manufacturer's instructions until golden and crisp.
Serve the fried chicken on top of the waffles, drizzled with maple syrup.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight in the buttermilk. This not only amplifies the taste but also makes the chicken incredibly tender.
When frying, maintain a consistent oil temperature to guarantee even cooking and prevent the chicken from becoming greasy.
If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the chicken instead—just coat it with the seasoned flour and bake it on a wire rack at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes.
Finally, feel free to experiment with different spices in both the chicken and waffle batter to customize the dish to your liking. Enjoy!
Savory Herb Chicken With Cheddar Waffles
Savory Herb Chicken with Cheddar Waffles combines the comforting flavors of fried chicken with the delightful taste of cheesy waffles, creating a dish that's perfect for brunch or a satisfying dinner. The succulent chicken is seasoned with a medley of aromatic herbs, while the cheddar waffles provide a rich and cheesy contrast. This dish is certain to impress your family and friends, making it a delightful centerpiece for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Cooking oil for frying
Instructions:
Begin by marinating the chicken breasts in buttermilk mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper for at least 1 hour or overnight for the best flavor.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cornmeal, and a pinch of salt. Remove the chicken from the marinade, dredge it in the flour mixture, and set aside.
In a waffle maker, preheat and mix together the eggs, milk, and cheese in another bowl. Pour the batter into the waffle maker and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions while you heat oil in a skillet for frying the chicken.
Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Serve the chicken hot on top of the cheddar waffles.
Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives to the waffle batter.
If you want to spice things up, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the chicken seasoning.
Make certain the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken to achieve a crispy exterior; use a thermometer to check that it reaches about 350°F.
Leftover waffles can be frozen and reheated for a quick breakfast option, and you can top the dish with a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.
Vegan Chicken and Waffles With Maple Syrup
Vegan chicken and waffles is a delicious twist on the classic Southern dish, providing a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone can enjoy. This recipe combines crispy, plant-based chicken with fluffy waffles, all drizzled with sweet maple syrup for the perfect balance of flavors.
Whether you're serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this dish is sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup cooked and shredded jackfruit (or your preferred vegan chicken substitute)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Maple syrup for serving
Cooking Instructions:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
In another bowl, combine the almond milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, then pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
For the vegan chicken, season the shredded jackfruit with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Coat the jackfruit in panko breadcrumbs to create a crispy texture.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook the breaded jackfruit until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
In a separate waffle iron, pour the batter and cook until golden brown.
Serve the waffles topped with the crispy vegan chicken and generous drizzles of maple syrup.
Extra Tips:
For an extra crispy texture, you can double coat the jackfruit by dipping it in flour first, then in almond milk, and finally in panko breadcrumbs. This will improve the crunchiness of the "chicken."
Additionally, feel free to add your favorite spices to the waffle batter for a flavor boost, or experiment with different types of plant-based milk to match your taste preferences.
Finally, serving this dish with fresh fruit like berries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can heighten its presentation and taste.
Enjoy your delightful vegan chicken and waffles!