Chicken & Waffles is the ultimate comfort food fusion; a savory, crispy piece of fried chicken paired with a fluffy, golden waffle, usually drizzled with maple syrup or topped with hot sauce.
Blending Southern soul food with breakfast indulgence, this dish is a harmonious balance of sweet and salty, crispy and soft, bold and comforting. Whether enjoyed for brunch, dinner, or late-night cravings, Chicken & Waffles has carved out a place in American culinary culture like no other.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or wings)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Oil for frying (peanut or canola preferred)
For the Waffles
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 ¾ cups whole milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Butter
- Hot sauce
- Honey
- Powdered sugar (optional)
- Pickles (for a Southern twist)
Serves
4–6 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- Place the chicken in a bowl and cover with buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This tenderizes and flavors the meat.
2. Prepare the Flour Dredge
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne.
- Set up a dredging station: one bowl with the flour mixture and another with the marinated chicken.
3. Bread the Chicken
- Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk and let excess drip off.
- Coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing to adhere.
- Place coated chicken on a wire rack to rest for 10 minutes. This helps the crust stick during frying.
4. Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep cast-iron skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through:
- Wings: 8–10 minutes
- Thighs/Drumsticks: 12–15 minutes
- Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
5. Make the Waffles
- Preheat your waffle iron and grease it lightly.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just incorporated.
- Pour batter into the waffle iron and cook until golden brown and crisp.
6. Plate and Serve
- Place one or two waffles on each plate.
- Top with a piece (or two) of hot fried chicken.
- Drizzle with maple syrup, add a pat of butter, and garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Style: Chicken on a waffle with maple syrup and a pat of butter.
- Brunch Vibes: Serve with mimosas, fruit salad, or scrambled eggs.
- Savory Twist: Top with spicy honey, chipotle aioli, or pickled jalapeños.
- Sweet Tooth: Add whipped cream and strawberries or peach preserves.
- Southern Soul: Serve with collard greens, mac & cheese, or candied yams.
Tips for Perfect Chicken & Waffles
- Marinate overnight for extra juicy, flavorful chicken.
- Double dredge if you want extra crunch—dip in buttermilk again before flour.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying—keep oil temp steady.
- Let the batter rest 5–10 minutes before making waffles for fluffier texture.
- Serve immediately for maximum crispness; both chicken and waffles lose texture as they sit.
Healthier Alternatives
Craving Chicken & Waffles but want a lighter take? Try these:
- Oven-Baked Chicken: Bread chicken and bake at 425°F until crispy.
- Air Fryer Chicken: A crunchy alternative with much less oil.
- Whole Wheat Waffles: Use whole wheat flour and reduce sugar.
- Grilled Chicken: For a leaner, high-protein option.
- Dairy-Free Waffles: Use almond milk and coconut oil instead of butter.
- Vegetarian Version: Try fried cauliflower or tofu instead of chicken.
Creative Variations
- Hot Chicken & Cornbread Waffles: Swap waffles for savory cornbread waffles, top with Nashville-style hot chicken.
- Bacon-Infused Waffles: Add crispy bacon bits to the waffle batter.
- Churro Waffles: Coat waffles in cinnamon sugar and serve with spicy chicken and honey.
- Buffalo Chicken & Blue Cheese Waffles: Toss chicken in buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles.
- Korean-Style: Use gochujang fried chicken and scallion waffles with sesame syrup.
- Mini Sliders: Make small waffles and serve with chicken tenders for party bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not marinating long enough: Rushing this step results in bland or tough chicken.
- Overcooking the chicken: Leads to dry meat and burnt coating—use a thermometer.
- Waffle batter too thin: Yields limp waffles. Batter should be thick and spoonable.
- Skipping waffle iron preheat: Results in pale or soggy waffles.
- Stacking hot waffles: Makes them soggy. Keep them warm on a wire rack in a 200°F oven.
History of Chicken & Waffles
The Southern Soul Origins
While waffles trace back to medieval Europe, the pairing with fried chicken emerged in the American South. African American communities made fried chicken a central Sunday supper dish, while waffles evolved as a breakfast staple. The two collided to form a soulful, stick-to-your-ribs meal that fed generations.
Harlem Renaissance and Rise to Fame
Chicken & Waffles gained mainstream popularity during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1930s. At institutions like Wells Supper Club, musicians and patrons looking for a post-performance meal found a satisfying solution; too late for dinner, too early for breakfast. The dish bridged the gap and became a cultural icon.
Modern Reinvention and Nationwide Appeal
Today, Chicken & Waffles appears on brunch menus across the U.S., from soul food diners to fine dining establishments. Chefs have riffed on the classic with international flavors, upscale ingredients, and new presentations. Despite its many evolutions, the heart of the dish remains unchanged: bold flavor, comforting texture, and nostalgic joy.
FAQs About Chicken & Waffles
1. Is Chicken & Waffles breakfast or dinner?
Both! It’s commonly served at brunch, but it can be eaten any time of day.
2. What type of chicken is best?
Bone-in, skin-on pieces like thighs or drumsticks provide the most flavor, but boneless breasts or tenders work too.
3. Can I use pancake mix for waffles?
Technically yes, but waffle batter has more fat and creates a crispier result.
4. What’s the best oil for frying?
Peanut or canola oil with a high smoke point is ideal for frying chicken.
5. How can I keep the chicken warm while I cook waffles?
Place fried chicken on a wire rack in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.
6. Can I make the waffles in advance?
Yes! Keep them warm in the oven or reheat in a toaster for crispness.
7. Do you have to use buttermilk?
It’s highly recommended for tenderizing the chicken and adding tang to waffles. You can make a substitute with milk and lemon juice or vinegar.
8. How do I know when my chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165°F.
9. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Just tone down the spice and offer maple syrup or honey on the side.
10. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Freeze waffles and fried chicken separately. Reheat waffles in the toaster and chicken in the oven or air fryer.
Chicken & Waffles is a dish that defies conventions and blends boundaries. It brings together crispy, juicy fried chicken and golden, buttery waffles in a way that captures the essence of indulgence, nostalgia, and flavor. Rooted in African American culinary history and elevated by modern creativity, it remains a timeless American favorite. Whether you’re serving it up for a celebratory brunch, a soulful supper, or simply to satisfy a craving, this dish is sure to impress. Master the technique, play with the variations, and make it your own; you’ll never look at brunch the same way again.