Crispy Chicken and Waffles Recipe – Sweet & Savory Easy Dinner Recipes for Family

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to bring a little Southern comfort to your family dinner table? There’s something truly special about a plate of crispy chicken and golden waffles served together—warm, hearty, and filled with sweet and savory goodness. This beloved dish has roots in American soul food traditions, where bold flavors and comforting textures come together in perfect harmony.

When crunchy, well-seasoned fried chicken meets soft, fluffy waffles drizzled with maple syrup, magic happens. 🍗🧇 The contrast of crispy and tender, salty and sweet, creates a meal that feels both indulgent and homey. It’s the kind of dinner that gathers everyone around the table a little faster and keeps them there a little longer.

Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend supper, a special family brunch-for-dinner, or simply want to surprise your loved ones with something unforgettable, this Crispy Chicken and Waffles recipe is easy to follow and wonderfully satisfying. Let’s roll up our sleeves and cook up a classic that never goes out of style.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Crispy Chicken and Waffles Recipe:

For the Crispy Fried Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 8 chicken thighs)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Fluffy Waffles:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Serving:

• Warm maple syrup 🍁
• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar (optional)
• Fresh berries (optional)

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Step-by-Step Directions for Crispy Chicken and Waffles Recipe:

1. Begin by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Stir well. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor and tenderness. 🥣
2. When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. This seasoned coating gives the chicken its signature crisp texture.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to submerge the chicken halfway.
5. Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well. For extra crispiness, dip back into the buttermilk and coat again in flour. 🍗
6. Carefully place the chicken into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry for 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
7. Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Keep warm in a low oven while preparing the waffles.
8. Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions.
9. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the waffle batter.
10. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
11. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine. This ensures tender waffles. 🧇
12. Lightly grease the waffle iron if needed. Pour the recommended amount of batter into the iron and cook until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
13. Carefully remove waffles and keep warm. Repeat with remaining batter.
14. To serve, place a waffle on each plate, top with a piece (or two!) of crispy chicken, and drizzle generously with warm maple syrup. Add a pat of butter and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
15. Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Gather your family around and enjoy every sweet and savory bite together!

Notes for Crispy Chicken and Waffles Recipe:

• For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.
• You can use bone-in chicken pieces; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• If you prefer baking instead of frying, bake coated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
• Try flavored syrups like honey butter or spicy maple for a delicious twist. 😋

Nutritional Information for Crispy Chicken and Waffles Recipe:

This comforting dish offers a satisfying balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. The chicken provides a hearty source of protein, while the waffles add energy-rich carbohydrates. Enjoying this meal as part of a balanced diet makes it a wonderful occasional family treat.

⏰ Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time) | 🔥 Cooking Time: 30 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: About 1 hour (excluding marinating)
⚡ Calories per serving: Approximately 650–750 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!