Description
This Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe offers a perfect blend of crispy, flavorful fried chicken paired with light, fluffy waffles. Marinated in buttermilk and spices, the chicken is fried to golden perfection, while the waffles are tender with a hint of sweetness, making this dish a beloved comfort food classic perfect for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons 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 vanilla extract
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight to tenderize and infuse flavors.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thorough coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated chicken thighs into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Waffle Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Cook the Waffles: Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour batter onto the preheated waffle iron, spreading evenly. Cook the waffles until they are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Serve: Place freshly cooked waffles on plates and top each with a crispy fried chicken thigh. Serve with maple syrup or honey and hot sauce on the side for added sweetness and heat, enhancing the classic combination.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances tenderness and flavor.
- Use a kitchen thermometer to maintain oil temperature for perfect frying.
- Do not overmix waffle batter to keep waffles light and fluffy.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, as fried chicken can get soggy if left too long.
- For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
