Chicken and Waffles
A delicious dish combining crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 6 pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Seasoned Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.33 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
For the Honey Butter Sauce
- 0.5 cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Pinch of kosher salt
For Serving
- Fresh thyme (for garnish)
Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, hot sauce (if using), and cayenne pepper. Submerge the chicken thighs, ensuring they're well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Preparing the Coating
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Transfer this mix to a shallow dish.
Frying the Chicken
- Fill a heavy-bottomed pot with vegetable oil, at least 2–3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F over medium-high heat.
- Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing to coat. For extra crispiness, dip back into the buttermilk and dredge again. Rest on a wire rack for 5–10 minutes.
- Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Let the fried chicken drain on a wire rack and season lightly with salt.
Making the Honey Butter Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine honey (or maple syrup), melted butter, cayenne pepper, and salt. Heat until it just simmers, then remove from heat.
Making the Waffles
- Use your favorite waffle recipe. Cook in a preheated waffle iron until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to keep warm.
Assembling the Dish
- Place a warm waffle on a plate, top with crispy fried chicken, and drizzle generously with the honey sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve immediately.
Notes
For maximum tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight. Keep the oil at a consistent temperature for even frying. Let the cooked chicken rest on a wire rack to avoid sogginess. Serve immediately for the best texture. You can customize this recipe by using chicken breasts instead of thighs or adding different spices to the flour mixture.