Heavenly Crispy Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe

Southern comfort calls for a classic southern fried chicken and waffles recipe that will make your taste buds dance with delight.

The crispy, golden-brown chicken paired perfectly with fluffy waffles creates a match made in culinary heaven.

Tender chicken pieces get coated in a seasoned, crackling breading that seals in maximum flavor and crunch.

Regional Southern cooking techniques shine through in every bite of this beloved dish.

The combination of savory fried chicken and sweet waffles offers a delectable balance of textures and tastes.

Each forkful promises a comforting experience that connects you to traditional Southern cooking.

This recipe brings the warmth of Southern hospitality right to your dining table, ready to impress and satisfy.

Serve Chicken and Waffles for Brunch or Dinner

• Heavenly Combo Platter: Arrange crispy golden chicken alongside fluffy golden waffles on a large platter, creating a stunning visual feast that'll make mouths water instantly.
• Brunch Bliss Bowl: Layer waffles at the bottom, top with fried chicken pieces, and drizzle with warm maple syrup and a sprinkle of chopped chives for a classic Southern-style presentation.
• Honey Heat Delight: Serve chicken and waffles with a side of spicy honey drizzle, combining sweet and hot flavors that complement the crispy chicken's rich texture and the waffle's soft interior.
• Southern Comfort Plate: Garnish the dish with pickled jalapeños, a dollop of creamy coleslaw, and a wedge of lemon to add brightness and cut through the richness of the fried chicken.

Store Extras for a Sweet and Savory Treat Later

• Wrap cooked chicken pieces individually in aluminum foil or airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, maintaining crispy texture and delicious taste.
• Allow chicken to cool completely before freezing. Place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags, lasting up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Store prepared waffles separately from chicken. Keep in refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze for 1 month. Reheat in toaster or oven to restore crispness and prevent sogginess.
• Prepare chicken and waffle components in advance. Marinate chicken overnight, mix dry coating ingredients, and pre-cook waffles. Store separately in sealed containers for quick assembly during busy weekdays.

FAQs

• What makes the buttermilk marinade important?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, which makes the meat more juicy and soft. The acidic nature of buttermilk also helps the seasonings penetrate deeper into the chicken for more flavor.

• How do I know the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

Use a cooking thermometer to check the oil reaches 350F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of bread into the oil – if it sizzles and turns golden brown within 60 seconds, the oil is ready for frying.

• Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

While baking is healthier, it won’t give the same crispy texture as deep frying. If you want to bake, coat the chicken in breadcrumbs and bake at 425F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.

• Why do I need to press the flour coating onto the chicken?

Pressing the flour helps create a thicker, crispier crust that will seal in the chicken’s moisture and create a more satisfying crunch when you bite into the fried chicken.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients for Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy richness, choose full-fat version for best results.
• Hot Sauce: Provides a zesty kick and helps enhance overall flavor profile.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates crispy exterior that locks in juicy chicken, select unbleached flour for better texture.
• Garlic Powder: Adds deep savory notes without raw garlic harshness.
• Onion Powder: Introduces subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to coating.
• Paprika: Delivers warm color and mild pepper flavor, opt for smoked paprika for extra complexity.
• Salt: Enhances all other seasonings and balances overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Brings sharp, earthy warmth to chicken coating.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces gentle heat and vibrant red undertone.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides neutral cooking medium with high smoke point, perfect for achieving golden crispy exterior.

Tools to Fry Chicken and Bake Crispy Waffles

• Large bowl: For marinating chicken in buttermilk mixture.
• Large shallow dish: Used for coating chicken with seasoned flour.
• Deep skillet or Dutch oven: Essential for frying chicken in hot oil.
• Wire rack or paper towel-lined plate: Perfect for draining excess oil from fried chicken.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature.
• Tongs: Helpful for safely turning chicken while frying.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients.

How to Cook Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles at Home

• Flavor the Chicken

Dunk chicken pieces in a spicy buttermilk bath, letting the tangy liquid infuse rich flavor. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the happen.

• Create Crispy Coating

Mix flour with a zesty blend of spices in a wide dish. Shake off excess buttermilk from chicken and roll each piece generously in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to create a thick, crunchy armor.

• Sizzle to Perfection

Heat oil in a heavy skillet until it shimmers with heat. Gently lower chicken pieces into the hot oil, cooking until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Flip occasionally to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. Cook until chicken is completely done and reaches a safe internal temperature. Let excess oil drip away on a wire rack for ultimate crispiness.

Tips That Make Chicken Crispy and Waffles Buttery

• Press flour firmly onto chicken, creating a thick, crunchy layer that locks in juiciness and flavor.
• Marinate chicken overnight to intensify seasoning and ensure tender, flavorful meat that falls off the bone.
• Swap wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend or cornmeal for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the classic crispy texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches 165F, preventing undercooking while avoiding dry meat.
• For a lighter version, oven-bake the breaded chicken at 400F for 25-30 minutes, turning once, to reduce oil without sacrificing crunch.

Crispy Southern Fried Chicken And Waffles Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Southern fried chicken and waffles embody Southern comfort cuisine with crispy, golden-brown chicken nestled atop fluffy buttermilk waffles. Maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar complete this irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 68 chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour (for seasoning)
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour (for waffles)
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) milk
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt (for seasoning)
• ½ tsp salt (for waffles)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Maple syrup
• Honey butter (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinate: Immerse chicken pieces in a zesty buttermilk and hot sauce mixture, refrigerating for at least 60 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderize the meat.
2. Season and Coat: Create a robust seasoning blend with flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Drain chicken from marinade and thoroughly coat each piece by pressing the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring a complete and thick crust.
3. Heat Oil: Warm vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F, preparing for optimal frying conditions that will produce a crispy exterior and succulent interior.
4. Fry Chicken: Carefully lower chicken pieces into the hot oil, working in batches to maintain temperature. Rotate periodically to achieve even, golden-brown coloration and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 12-15 minutes.
5. Rest and Drain: Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined surface, allowing excess oil to drip away and maintaining the crisp, delectable texture.

Notes

Master Marinating Technique: Buttermilk bath allows deeper flavor penetration and helps tenderize meat, so never rush the marinating process – let chicken soak at least 1 hour in refrigerator.

Precision Oil Temperature Control: Maintain consistent 350°F oil temperature; use a reliable kitchen thermometer to prevent undercooking or burning, which impacts chicken’s texture and taste dramatically.

Strategic Batching Approach: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure each chicken piece cooks evenly and maintains maximum crispiness – work in smaller batches for superior results.

Seasoning Customization Hack: Adjust spice blend according to personal heat preference by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper, allowing flexibility for different palate sensitivities while preserving authentic Southern flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg