If you have ever dreamed of a dish that perfectly balances crispy, juicy fried chicken with fluffy, golden waffles, then you are going to love this Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles Recipe. This classic Southern American favorite brings together the rich tang of buttermilk in both the chicken marinade and waffles, creating a harmonious fusion of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether enjoyed for brunch, dinner, or any time in between, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its irresistible crispy coating and the sweet, tender bite of waffles—trust me, it’s comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to mastering this Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles Recipe. The simplicity of each component lets the quality shine through—tangy buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds moisture, while spices and seasonings build that crave-worthy flavor. The waffles blend a touch of sweetness and lightness, rounding out this dish beautifully.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy frying and a tender interior.
- Buttermilk: Essential for marinating the chicken and making waffles tender and flavorful.
- Hot sauce (optional): Adds a subtle kick to the chicken marinade for those who love a little heat.
- All-purpose flour: For dredging the chicken and creating the waffle batter’s base.
- Paprika: Brings smoky warmth to the chicken coating.
- Garlic powder: Adds depth and a mild savory note to the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper: The simplest but most important seasonings to enhance all flavors.
- Oil for frying: Choose your favorite frying oil with a high smoke point for crispy chicken.
- Sugar: Sweetens the waffle batter just enough to complement the savory chicken.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that help your waffles rise beautifully crisp and fluffy.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the waffles.
- Melted butter: Adds buttery flavor and moistness to the waffles.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the waffles’ sweetness with a delicate aroma.
How to Make Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken thighs or breasts in a bowl and covering them completely with buttermilk and, if you love a bit of spice, a dash of hot sauce. The buttermilk isn’t just about flavor—it tenderizes the meat and helps the coating stick perfectly. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or even better, overnight to let those flavors really infuse.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating and Fry the Chicken
While the chicken marinates, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. This seasoning blend is what creates that signature golden crust packed with flavor. When ready, dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure every inch is covered. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side. The result? Crispy, golden brown chicken with juicy goodness inside. Once cooked, place the chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil and stay crispy.
Step 3: Mix the Waffle Batter
Preheat your waffle iron to ready it for deliciousness ahead. In one bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another, combine the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mix into the dry and stir gently just until combined—overmixing can lead to tough waffles, and nobody wants that!
Step 4: Cook the Waffles
Drop batter portions onto your preheated waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until your waffles turn golden brown and crisp around the edges. The sweet aroma alone will have everyone gathered around the kitchen!
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Stack a crispy piece of your perfectly fried chicken atop a warm, fluffy waffle. Drizzle with maple syrup, hot honey, or a bit of spicy butter to take things to the next level. There you have it—your Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles Recipe is ready to delight!
How to Serve Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley can add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich chicken and sweet waffles. Consider a dollop of whipped butter or a drizzle of spicy honey for an exciting balance of flavors.
Side Dishes
Keep it classic with some crisp fried green tomatoes or a vibrant coleslaw that adds crunch and tang to the plate. For a lighter contrast, a simple mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette brightens the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, serve mini versions on skewers for easy bites, alternating pieces of chicken and waffle cubes. Another fun idea is layering your dish in a parfait glass with syrup and whipped cream for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken and waffles can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep that crispiness intact, store the chicken separate from the waffles if possible.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Wrap waffles individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Do the same with fried chicken pieces. Properly stored, they’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to one month.
Reheating
For best results, reheat waffles in a toaster or oven to restore crisp edges. Warm chicken in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crunchy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
While marinating overnight intensifies flavor and tenderness, even one hour will make a noticeable difference if you’re short on time.
Can I make the waffles gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. You may need to adjust liquid amounts slightly for the best texture.
What’s the best oil for frying chicken?
Oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best for frying crispy chicken without burning.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead for a large group?
Definitely! You can fry the chicken and bake the waffles earlier, then reheat before serving—it’s a fantastic make-ahead dish for gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles Recipe is a soul-satisfying celebration of comfort food that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The delightful combination of crispy chicken and tender waffles, enriched with buttermilk’s subtle tang, makes for a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this joyful Southern classic—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A classic Southern American dish combining crispy fried buttermilk-marinated chicken with golden, fluffy buttermilk waffles, perfect for brunch or breakfast-for-dinner.
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
For the Waffles:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken in a bowl and cover with buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Coat the Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove chicken from the marinade and dredge in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to create an even coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken pieces for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Waffle Batter: Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and stir just until combined to avoid overmixing and ensure fluffy waffles.
- Cook the Waffles: Scoop batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions until the waffles are golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Place a piece of crispy fried chicken on top of a warm waffle. Serve with maple syrup, hot honey, or a drizzle of spicy butter for extra flavor.
Notes
- This Southern-inspired classic is perfect for brunch or a special breakfast-for-dinner.
- For a shortcut, use frozen waffles and air-fried chicken tenders.
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust the heat of the hot sauce to your taste or omit if preferred.
- Serving with maple syrup balances the savory and sweet flavors beautifully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
