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
Scale
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