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.
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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