American

Chicken and Waffles

Enjoy the classic combination of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles with this straightforward Chicken and Waffles recipe. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, this dish brings comfort food to a whole new level!

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Prep

1 hour

Cook

30 minutes

Level

Medium

Serves

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Illustrated cooking guide

Step-by-step visual method

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Chicken and Waffles illustrated step-by-step cooking guide

Instructions

1
Start by marinating the chicken. In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
2
In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cayenne pepper together. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated. Shake off excess flour.
3
Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken thighs. Fry for about 8-10 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let drain on paper towels.
4
While the chicken is frying, prepare the waffle batter. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until just combined. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract gently.
5
Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook until golden brown. Repeat until all the batter is used.
6
To serve, place a waffle on a plate and top with a piece of the fried chicken. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Tips

For an extra crispy chicken, let the coated chicken sit for 15 minutes before frying.

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is fully cooked for safety.

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Helpful notes

Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Waffles can be frozen and reheated in the toaster or oven.

Substitutions

Use almond milk mixed with vinegar as a dairy-free alternative for buttermilk.
For a lighter waffle, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

What to Serve With

Maple syrup
Honey
Fresh fruit

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to let the fried chicken rest before serving can result in sogginess.
Not preheating the waffle iron can lead to uneven cooking.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, but cooking times may vary.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

You can make homemade buttermilk by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.

Kitchen tools

Helpful Tools for This Recipe

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Rice cooker

Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.

Skillet

Useful for browning, quick sautes, and weeknight one-pan cooking.

Chef knife

A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.

Cutting board

Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.

Measuring spoons

Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.

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