Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe

Introduction

Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles is a classic comfort dish that combines the crunch of crispy fried chicken with the softness of fluffy waffles. Often drizzled with syrup or a spicy honey butter sauce, this dish creates a delightful harmony of flavors. Whether enjoyed for brunch or dinner, this recipe captivates food lovers everywhere with its rich and satisfying taste. Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through preparing this mouthwatering meal.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

For the Fried Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) 1 cup buttermilk 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) 1½ cups all-purpose flour ½ cup cornstarch Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Waffles:

2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 2 large eggs 1¾ cups milk ⅓ cup melted butter 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Spicy Honey Butter Sauce:

½ cup honey (or maple syrup) 4 tablespoons butter, melted 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste) Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Prep Time

30 minutes (plus marination time)

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour (including marination)

Yield: 4 servings

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for enhanced flavor. 2. Coat the Chicken: In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating adheres well. 3. Fry the Chicken: Heat 1–2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Make the Waffles

1. Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then whisk in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. 2. Combine and Cook: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the waffles light and fluffy. Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden brown and crisp.

Step 3: Make the Spicy Honey Butter Sauce

1. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted butter, hot sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if using). Adjust the spiciness to your preference.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Plate the Dish: Place a waffle on a plate and top it with a piece of fried chicken. 2. Drizzle the Sauce: Generously drizzle the spicy honey butter sauce over the chicken and waffle. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy chicken, fluffy waffles, and the sweet and spicy sauce.

Tips for Success

Marination

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with flavor. For best results, marinate overnight.

Crispy Coating

For an extra crispy crust, you can double-dip the chicken by repeating the dredging process: after the first coating, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then again into the flour mixture before frying.

Waffle Texture

To achieve light and fluffy waffles, avoid overmixing the batter; it’s okay if a few lumps remain.

Serving Suggestions

While the spicy honey butter sauce adds a unique flavor, you can also serve the dish with traditional maple syrup, powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped butter. This Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe offers a harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors, making it a perfect choice for brunch or a hearty meal. Enjoy!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Step 2: Make the Waffles

Step 3: Make the Spicy Honey Butter Sauce

1. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), melted butter, hot sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if using). Adjust the spiciness to your preference.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Notes

Marination

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with flavor. For best results, marinate overnight.

Crispy Coating

Waffle Texture

To achieve light and fluffy waffles, avoid overmixing the batter; it’s okay if a few lumps remain.

Serving Suggestions

While the spicy honey butter sauce adds a unique flavor, you can also serve the dish with traditional maple syrup, powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped butter.

Cook techniques

Marinating

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with flavor. Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight will yield the best results.

Coating

To achieve a crispy coating, coat the chicken in a mixture of flour and cornstarch. For extra crunch, consider double-dipping: first coat the chicken, then dip it back in the buttermilk before dredging it again in the flour mixture.

Frying

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying the chicken. This temperature ensures that the chicken cooks through while achieving a golden-brown, crispy crust. Using a thermometer can help maintain the right temperature.

Waffle Preparation

Avoid overmixing the waffle batter to ensure fluffy waffles. A few lumps are acceptable; they will disappear during cooking.

Cooking Waffles

Preheat the waffle iron and lightly grease it for a non-stick surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results, and cook until the waffles are golden brown.

Making the Sauce

Whisk the sauce ingredients together until smooth, adjusting the hot sauce and cayenne to taste for desired spiciness.

FAQ

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken can be used, but cooking times may increase, so ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What type of oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil or canola oil are ideal for frying as they have high smoke points and neutral flavors.

Can I make the waffles in advance?

Yes, you can make waffles in advance and reheat them in a toaster or oven to maintain their crispiness.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a quick substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

Can the spicy honey butter sauce be made ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving.

Conclusion

Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles is a delightful dish that perfectly balances crispy, savory chicken with soft, fluffy waffles. The addition of the spicy honey butter sauce elevates this classic comfort food, making it a fantastic choice for any meal. Whether you’re treating yourself to brunch or serving a hearty dinner, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.

Chicken and Biscuit Stack

For a twist on the classic, try replacing waffles with fluffy buttermilk biscuits. Stack crispy fried chicken between two biscuits and drizzle with gravy or syrup for a comforting meal.

Waffles with Fresh Fruit and Cream

Enhance your waffles by topping them with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or peaches, along with a dollop of whipped cream. This adds a refreshing and fruity contrast to the savory chicken.

Buffalo Chicken and Waffles

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, toss your fried chicken in buffalo sauce before serving. The spicy kick complements the sweetness of the waffles beautifully.

Maple Pecan Butter

Instead of spicy honey butter, try melting pecan-infused maple butter over your chicken and waffle for a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the dish.

Vegetarian Option

For a meatless version, replace the fried chicken with fried eggplant or cauliflower steaks, seasoned with similar spices. Serve over the waffles with the original spicy honey butter sauce for a delicious alternative.

Sweet and Savory Skewers

Create kebabs with pieces of fried chicken and waffle squares. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chopped nuts for a fun, shareable dish that’s great for gatherings.