Fitness / March 18, 2024

Chicken & Waffles Recipe

Find the ultimate Southern comfort in this simple, mouthwatering Chicken and Waffles dish.

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Chicken and waffles are believed to have originated in Harlem in the 1930s at Wells Supper Club. Traditionally served with butter and syrup over fried chicken and fluffy waffles, this sweet and savory combo is the ultimate comfort food. Although Wells in Harlem has been closed for a long time, I have had the privilege of indulging in a few of the top spots in Harlem, such as Sylvia’s and Red Rooster for chicken and waffles. The recipe I’m about to share is comparable, easier than you could imagine, and made in the comfort of your own home.

Although the ingredients list looks a bit lengthy, once you have everything combined your chicken and waffles will come together easily. You simply combine spices with brine in one dish and then flour and the rest of the seasonings in another. Fry the chicken thighs, serve over Authentic Belgian Waffles or Protein Waffles (for a healthier option) top with syrup, and enjoy!

Are Chicken & Waffles Healthy?

So, I cannot honestly say that chicken and waffles are healthy for you physically, but they are so good for your soul. I believe in treating yourself every so often and digging in to home-cooked comfort food is the way to go.

Chicken is high in protein and contains plenty of B vitamins. Eating chicken is also beneficial to your muscles and brain health. To have a lower carb serving you can omit the waffles completely or make protein waffles as mentioned above.

You can always expect most dinners to be much healthier when made at home than in a restaurant or a fast food restaurant. First of all, you are aware of every ingredient, which pretty much guarantees less sodium and can control your portion sizes.

Why Use Chicken Thighs?

When making a chicken meal I always use the breasts, and I don’t think I am alone here. While chicken breasts are less fatty than thighs, they tend to dry out and can quickly go from juicy to dry in minutes. Also, thighs contain more vitamin B12, zinc, riboflavin, vitamins and minerals than breasts. Either way, both are lean meats and packed with protein.

For this recipe, we will use boneless, skinless thighs. Using skinless thighs reduces the amount of fat, but they are still moist and flavorful. Many people prefer the dark meat found in chicken thighs and they are also more affordable. So, today, chicken thighs win and are our go to.

INGREDIENTS

8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
Vegetable oil for deep frying
2 cups buttermilk or soured whole milk
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon hot sauce or chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Belgian Waffles prepared according to recipe

INSTRUCTIONS

Marinate

Combine buttermilk and spices to create a brine. Soak chicken thighs to infuse flavors.

Heat Oil

Get the oil hot and ready for frying the chicken to the perfect crispiness.

Dredge & Rest

Coat the chicken in seasoned flour and let it rest to ensure the breading sticks.

Fry

Cook the chicken until it’s golden and crispy, then let it drain on a wire rack.

Assemble & Serve

Pile the chicken high on warm waffles and drizzle with the spicy honey butter sauce.

Enjoy this soul-satisfying Southern classic.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

The best part of this recipe is that it can be served at room temperature, so can be served up to four hours after making this dish. If you have leftovers or want to make ahead, be sure the chicken is fully cooled, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for three months.
For best results reheat the chicken on a wire rack at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes.

Can I use chicken breasts or bone in thighs?

Yes! If this is all you have on hand it will still be delicious. Be sure to pay attention to the internal temp though, as both breasts and bone-in tend to be a drier cut.

Tip & Trick 1

If time permits, marinate the chicken for at least a half hour. This will insure a deeper flavor and help your batter stick.

Tip & Trick 2

Use a thermometer. You want your frying oil to be about 375 degrees and always want chicken to an internal temp of 165 degrees.

Tip & Trick 3

Use a gallon-size ziplock bag to coat your chicken. You will end up making a bit of a mess with this recipe, so eliminating a couple of dishes to wash would be helpful. You’re welcome.

Serving Suggestions

The best part about chicken and waffles (aside from its tastiness) is that it can be served any time of day as a real crowd pleaser.

Are you interested in hosting an elevated brunch party? Serve this chicken and waffles recipe with Breakfast Cauliflower Pizza with Eggs and Leek Bacon Pesto or for a lighter touch, pair it with this refreshing Beet Salad .

For a traditional Southern lunch or dinner, start with Southern Deviled Eggs, then pair the chicken and waffles with this delectable Sweet Potato Casserole.

Chicken & Waffles Recipe

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 292kcal

Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
Vegetable oil for deep frying
2 cups buttermilk or soured whole milk
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon hot sauce or chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Belgian Waffles prepared according to recipe

Instructions

Create a buttermilk brine by whisking together buttermilk, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder, 1/2 tablespoon onion powder, hot sauce, and smoked paprika in a large bowl.
Submerge the chicken thighs in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour to overnight to marinate.
Heat vegetable oil in a dutch oven to 350 degrees F for frying.
Mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, additional garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Dredge the marinated chicken in the seasoned flour and let rest before frying.
Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 8-9 minutes per batch.
Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack to drain and cool slightly.
Prepare Belgian Waffles and place the fried chicken on top. Drizzle with spicy honey butter sauce or maple syrup.
For the sauce, melt butter with honey, chili powder, and kosher salt in a saucepan, whisking until smooth. Keep warm for serving.