The traditional Southern American breakfast staple, chicken and waffles, seamlessly combines sweet and savory. Tender yet crisp buttermilk waffles topped with delightfully crunchy fried chicken and a drizzle of syrup deliver a spectacular soul food breakfast, brunch, and dinner experience!
You know me by now; I’m the number one fan of fried chicken. I’ve tried several recipes (Jamaican fried chicken and my traditional African style), and frying has always made them even better.
What I especially love about this combination is that it’s perfectly acceptable to serve it for dinner. And if you’re going for a healthier twist, you can definitely use Southern air-fried chicken.
A Classic Soul Food Staple
Though rumor has it that the Pennsylvania Dutch invented the combo, fried chicken has been served with waffles in the deep South and Harlem since the 1930s. There’s something super satisfying about the blend of savory umami and sweet waffles with syrup. Add hot sauce to the mix, and you’ll really confuse your taste buds.
How to Make Chicken and Waffles
- Marinate the chicken, then season the breading and coat the chicken.
- Fry, drain, and keep the chicken warm while making the waffles.
- Mix the dry ingredients, mix the wet ingredients, combine them, and fold in the whipped egg whites.
- Heat your waffle maker, and make waffles. Serve one or two waffles topped with a piece of fried chicken and drizzled with maple or pancake syrup.
Tips and Tricks
- For extra spice, add extra hot sauce to the marinade and put a bottle on the table so everyone can add more if desired.
- For a quick DIY pancake syrup, boil 1 cup of water, 2 cups of brown sugar, and a tablespoon of maple flavoring. I’d add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, but that’s me.
- Try to cover 80-90% of the lower waffle grid because when you close the lid, it will spread the batter. Using between ½ and ¾ cup of batter should be enough to make a waffle without running over and making a mess.
Making It Ahead and Leftover Makeovers
Do you love to save time in the kitchen? Double a batch of waffles and freeze half of them. Toast them in the air fryer or oven while frying the chicken for a faster meal.
Top almost any salad with shredded fried chicken, or turn it into a chicken salad for a fast weeknight dinner. Another possibility is to remove the bones and make a delicious fried chicken sandwich.
What you’ll want to serve with chicken and waffles may depend on which meal it is. Satisfying breakfast and brunch sides include grits and sweet potato fries. As a dinner option, collard greens and mac and cheese are always welcome.
More Incredible Fried Chicken Recipes
Watch How to Make It
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”4mElJNOX” upload-date=”2020-10-05T11:09:14.000Z” name=”Chicken And Waffles” description=”Chicken and Waffles – an American breakfast staple that combines seamlessly a sweet soft yet crisp buttermilk waffles topped with crispy crunchy savory fried chicken and a drizzle of syrup for a spectacular soul food breakfast or brunch experience!” player-type=”collapse” override-embed=”false”]
This post was published in June 2018 and has been updated with new photos, more tips, and a video.