Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe

Imagine biting into perfectly Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles – that satisfying crunch of golden, seasoned crust giving way to juicy meat, paired with the sweet comfort of fluffy waffles drizzled with maple syrup. This iconic Southern comfort food masterfully balances savory and sweet, crispy and tender, creating an explosion of flavors that dance across your palate. Whether for brunch, dinner, or a special weekend treat, Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles delivers unmatched satisfaction. You’ll learn how to achieve restaurant-quality results at home with foolproof techniques for perfectly seasoned chicken and irresistibly fluffy waffles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe stands out for its authentic flavors and perfect execution of a beloved classic. The chicken delivers that unmistakable Southern crunch – a crackling, well-seasoned exterior that seals in all the moisture, resulting in meat that’s remarkably tender and flavorful. Meanwhile, the waffles offer the ideal counterpoint with their crisp edges and pillowy centers that soak up the maple syrup beautifully.

What makes this version special is the buttermilk brine, which tenderizes the chicken while adding tanginess that balances the sweetness from the waffles and syrup. The spice blend in the coating includes that secret touch of cayenne that delivers just enough heat without overwhelming the palate.

Best of all, while this Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles looks impressive, the recipe breaks down the process into manageable steps that even novice cooks can follow with confidence. The contrast between temperatures, textures, and flavors creates a truly memorable dining experience that elevates comfort food to an art form.

Ingredients

For the Fried Chicken:

• 8 chicken pieces (4 thighs and 4 drumsticks) – about 3 pounds total
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot)
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 3-4 cups)

For the Waffles:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups whole milk
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving:

• Pure maple syrup (room temperature)
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened
• Optional: hot honey, fresh berries, or powdered sugar

The buttermilk is crucial for tenderizing the chicken and adding tanginess, while the blend of spices creates that signature Southern flavor profile. For the waffles, using whole milk and real vanilla extract ensures rich flavor and perfect texture.

Pro Tips

Brine Overnight for Maximum Flavor
The secret to truly exceptional Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles lies in giving the chicken enough time in the buttermilk brine. Allow at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight (up to 24 hours), for the buttermilk to work its magic. This not only tenderizes the meat through its natural acids but also allows the flavors to penetrate deeply. The chicken will emerge noticeably juicier and more flavorful after this critical marinating period.

Perfect Frying Temperature Control
Maintaining the right oil temperature is non-negotiable for outstanding fried chicken. Use a kitchen thermometer to keep your oil between 325°F and 350°F throughout the cooking process. When you add chicken to the oil, the temperature naturally drops. Resist the urge to crank up the heat – instead, add chicken in small batches and allow the oil to recover between additions. This prevents the exterior from burning while ensuring the interior cooks properly.

Waffle Iron Preparation
For waffles with the perfect contrast between crispy exterior and tender interior, preheat your waffle iron completely before adding batter. Brush both surfaces with melted butter or oil before each waffle, even if using a non-stick iron. This creates that beautiful golden exterior that stands up to syrup without becoming soggy. Let each waffle cook until steam significantly subsides before checking – opening the iron too early results in torn, undercooked waffles.

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce, whisking until fully incorporated. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re fully submerged in the mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This buttermilk bath not only flavors the chicken but also tenderizes it through the action of the lactic acid.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating
When ready to cook, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a large shallow dish. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the spices. This well-seasoned coating is what gives Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles its distinctive flavor profile and beautiful color.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Don’t rinse the chicken – that coating of buttermilk helps the flour adhere. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating sticks. For extra crispiness, dip the floured chicken briefly back in the buttermilk and then coat with flour once more for a double layer.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep cast iron skillet, heat oil to 350°F. The oil should be about 1½ inches deep. Carefully add the chicken pieces, working in batches to avoid crowding. Fry for approximately 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until deeply golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F for white meat or 175°F for dark meat. Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and keep warm in a 200°F oven while cooking remaining batches.

Step 5: Make the Waffle Batter
While the chicken fries, prepare your waffle batter. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla, beating until well incorporated. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined – a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing leads to tough waffles, so use a light hand here.

Step 6: Cook the Waffles
Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly coat with cooking spray or brush with melted butter. Pour about ½ cup batter (amount varies by waffle iron size) onto the center of the iron, close, and cook until golden brown and crisp, typically 3-5 minutes. Transfer finished waffles to the oven alongside the chicken to keep warm while cooking the remaining batter.

Step 7: Serve
Place a warm waffle on each plate and top with a piece or two of the fried chicken. Serve with softened butter and warm maple syrup. For the ultimate experience with your Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles, drizzle everything with a bit of hot honey for that perfect sweet-heat combination.

Variations

Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken and Waffles
Transform your Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles into the famous Nashville hot version by creating a spicy oil. After frying, brush the chicken with a mixture of ¼ cup of the hot frying oil combined with 2-3 tablespoons cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and a teaspoon each of paprika, garlic powder, and salt. This creates that signature fiery coating that’s balanced beautifully by the sweet waffles. Serve with pickle chips on top for the authentic Nashville experience.

Savory Herb Waffles
For a more sophisticated flavor profile, prepare herb-infused waffles by adding 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, and chives) to your waffle batter along with ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Reduce the sugar to 1 teaspoon. These savory waffles complement the fried chicken beautifully and transform this classic chicken and waffles recipe into something unexpected yet delightful. Drizzle with herb-infused honey instead of plain maple syrup.

Gluten-Free Adaptation
This comfort food favorite can be enjoyed by those avoiding gluten with simple substitutions. For the chicken coating, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with ¼ cup of cornstarch added for extra crispiness. For the waffles, substitute your preferred gluten-free flour blend and add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it. This ensures your Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles maintains its delicious texture and flavor while being accessible to those with dietary restrictions.

Storage and Serving

Storage Instructions
Leftover Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles components should be stored separately. For the chicken, allow it to cool completely, then place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until crisp and warmed through (avoid microwave reheating as it makes the coating soggy). Cooked waffles can be refrigerated for 2-3 days or frozen for up to 1 month in freezer bags. Reheat frozen waffles directly in the toaster or toaster oven until crisp and hot.

Serving Suggestions
Create a memorable brunch spread by serving your Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles with a selection of syrups beyond traditional maple – try bourbon-infused syrup, fruit compotes, or spicy honey. For a complete meal experience, pair with Southern sides like collard greens or a fresh vinegar-based coleslaw that cuts through the richness. For entertaining, set up a chicken and waffles bar with various toppings including crumbled bacon, sliced scallions, diced avocado, and hot sauce varieties, allowing guests to customize their plates.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of dark meat?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for the thighs and drumsticks in this Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe. If using breasts, slice them into strips or pound to even thickness (about ½-inch) to ensure they cook evenly without drying out. Reduce the frying time to approximately 8-10 minutes, cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
For maximum crispiness, after dredging the chicken in flour, let it rest on a rack for 20-30 minutes before frying. This allows the coating to adhere better and creates a superior crunch. Additionally, double-dredging (flour-buttermilk-flour again) creates an extra-crispy exterior on your Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles.

Can I make the components ahead of time?
Absolutely. The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours ahead, and the seasoned flour mixture can be prepared several days in advance. For the waffles, you can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and refrigerate overnight (don’t combine until ready to cook). Fully prepared chicken can be reheated in a 325°F oven until crispy and hot throughout.

What’s the best way to keep everything warm for serving?
Hold fried chicken in a 200°F oven on a wire rack over a baking sheet to maintain crispiness. Finished waffles can be kept in the same oven, directly on the rack, standing them upright to prevent sogginess. This keeps all components of your Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles at the perfect temperature without compromising texture.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
While traditional Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles calls for frying, you can bake the chicken for a lighter version. After dredging, spray the chicken pieces with cooking oil and bake at 425°F for about 35-40 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked to 165°F internally. The texture will be different but still delicious.

Conclusion

This Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious marriage of crispy, juicy chicken with tender, sweet waffles that creates an unforgettable flavor experience. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, creating memories with every satisfying bite. Whether serving it for a special brunch, indulgent dinner, or weekend family meal, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with homemade love in every bite. Master this classic, and you’ll have a signature dish that friends and family will request time and again.

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