How do you make Southern fried chicken and waffles?

Southern fried chicken and waffles combines two separate components: crispy buttermilk-brined fried chicken and fluffy Belgian waffles. First, marinate boneless chicken thighs in a seasoned buttermilk mixture for at least an hour (overnight is better). Dredge the marinated chicken in a seasoned flour mixture and deep fry at 350°F until golden and cooked through (about 8-9 minutes). Prepare Belgian waffles according to your preferred recipe, then serve the chicken atop the waffles with a drizzle of spicy honey butter sauce.

What kind of waffles go best with fried chicken?

Belgian waffles are the traditional choice for southern fried chicken and waffles because their thick, fluffy texture and deep pockets excellently capture sauces and provide structural support for the chicken. However, buttermilk waffles, cornmeal waffles, or even savory herb waffles can be delicious alternatives depending on your preference. The ideal waffle should be crisp on the outside, tender inside, and substantial enough to hold up under the weight of the chicken and sauce.

Should the chicken be spicy or mild?

The spice level of southern fried chicken and waffles is entirely customizable to your taste preferences. Traditionally, the chicken offers a moderate level of spice that contrasts nicely with the sweet components. If you prefer milder chicken, reduce or omit the hot sauce in the brine and the cayenne in the flour coating. For spicier versions, increase these components or add Nashville-style hot chicken paste after frying. Remember that the sweet waffle and sauce will help balance heat, so you can often go a bit spicier than you might with chicken alone.

Can you make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, southern fried chicken and waffles can be partially prepared ahead of time. The chicken can be brined up to 24 hours in advance, and once fried, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a 375°F oven until crisp (avoid microwaving). Waffles can be made ahead and frozen for up to a month; reheat in a toaster or oven until crisp. The spicy honey butter sauce can be refrigerated for up to two weeks. For best results, assemble the components fresh just before serving.

What syrup or sauce pairs best with chicken and waffles?

Spicy honey butter sauce is a classic pairing for southern fried chicken and waffles, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. Pure maple syrup is another excellent traditional option that enhances the sweet-savory contrast. Other delicious alternatives include bourbon-infused maple syrup, jalapeño honey, hot honey, or even a savory herb-infused gravy for a dinner-oriented version. The ideal sauce should complement both the savory, seasoned chicken and the sweet, fluffy waffle.

Is Southern fried chicken and waffles traditionally served for breakfast or dinner?

Southern fried chicken and waffles beautifully bridges the gap between breakfast and dinner, making it a perfect brunch dish. Historically, it evolved as a late-night offering in Harlem jazz clubs, served when patrons couldn't decide between breakfast and dinner. Today, it's commonly found on menus for breakfast, brunch, and dinner. The dish's versatility allows it to work equally well for morning meals, midday brunches, or hearty evening dinners, particularly in Southern states where it's considered an all-day comfort food classic.

Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

Print Recipe

Crispy buttermilk-brined chicken thighs served on golden Belgian waffles with spicy honey butter sauce – the ultimate comfort food combination!

Author: Chef Rina
Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 30
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 1x
Category: Main Dish
Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale

8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
Vegetable Oil for deep frying
Buttermilk Brine:
2 cups 480 mL buttermilk OR soured whole milk* (see notes)
1 tablespoon kosher salt
½ tablespoon garlic powder
½ tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon hot sauce or chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Seasoned Flour Crust:
3 cups 384 g all-purpose flour
⅓ cup 43 g cornstarch
2 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Spicy Honey Butter Sauce:
¼ cup 85 g honey (you can sub maple syrup)
½ teaspoon chili powder or more if you like a lot of spice
4 tablespoon 57 g unsalted butter
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Best Belgian Waffles Recipe

Instructions

Whisk buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, hot sauce, and paprika in a large bowl.
Add chicken thighs, ensuring all pieces are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour to overnight.
Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven to 350°F (180°C).
Combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and seasonings in a mixing bowl.
Remove chicken from brine, coat thoroughly in seasoned flour, and let rest 5 minutes.
Fry chicken in batches (3-4 pieces) until golden and cooked through, about 8-9 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Prepare Belgian waffles according to your preferred recipe.
For the sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan with honey, chili powder, and salt.
Whisk until combined and keep warm on low heat.
Serve chicken on top of waffles and drizzle generously with spicy honey butter sauce.

Notes

To make soured milk, add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice to 2 cups of whole milk and let stand 5 minutes before using. For crispier chicken, double-dredge by dipping coated chicken briefly back into buttermilk, then coating in flour again. Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 720 kcal
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 1450mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: 185mg

Keywords: southern fried chicken and waffles, chicken and waffles, buttermilk fried chicken, spicy honey butter, comfort food, southern cuisine

Find it online: https://www.joyliciousrecipes.com/southern-fried-chicken-and-waffles-recipe/