This Chicken and Waffles recipe is better than Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles recipe. Imagine perfectly seasoned and crispy fried chicken on top of a fluffy, sweet and tender waffle!
What is Chicken and Waffles?
If you’re reading this recipe and wondering ‘what are chicken and waffles?’ then I have an amazing surprise for you!!! Imagine perfectly seasoned and crispy fried chicken on top of a fluffy, sweet, and tender waffle! Drizzled with sugary syrup and warm butter.
If your mouth isn’t watering now, it will be after you learn how to make your own Chicken and Waffles with me!
Perks and Highlights
Cuisine Inspiration: Southern Comfort – Dive fork-first into the heart of soulful, southern cooking with a dish that’s a Sunday brunch revelation and a homestyle dinner hero.
Primary Cooking Method: Frying & Baking – Achieve the perfect symphony of crispiness and fluffiness! The chicken takes a sizzling swim, while the waffles bask in golden-brown glory.
Dietary Info: High-Protein, Indulgent – It’s a soul-satisfying, protein-packed plate that gives you full permission to indulge. Balance is a meal that includes both, right?
Key Flavor: Savory Meets Sweet – It’s a culinary yin and yang as the savory, seasoned succulence of the chicken dances elegantly with the waffle’s sweet, buttery softness.
Skill Level: Intermediate – Roll up those sleeves! Your kitchen prowess is set to shine, and the delicious payoff is so worth it.
Special Perks:
- Dynamic Duo: This isn’t just a meal; it’s an iconic pairing. The contrast of savory chicken and sweet waffles is the culinary plot twist you never knew you needed.
- Customization Central: Top it off with syrup, hot sauce, or honey—the power to personalize is on your plate.
- Crowd Pleaser: From kiddos to grown-ups, it’s a universal delight. Family dinner? Check! Friends’ brunch? You’re the superstar.
- Picture Perfect: Not only a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes. Expect a flood of “What’s your recipe?” comments on your foodie post.
- Any Time, Any Day: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or brunch—chicken and waffles is an anytime-of-day kind of love affair.
Where Did Chicken and Waffles Originate?
I first heard about Chicken and Waffles years ago. There is a little spot most of you may know of called Roscoe’s Chicken ‘N Waffles. Pretty iconic place too for a good reason! They were one of the first main spots to combine a crisp waffle with fried crispy chicken on top. Breakfast and dinner in one setting?? You’d be crazy to turn something that good down!
Still, as famous as Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘N Waffles may be, they weren’t the ones to start up this train of sweet and savory flavor.
The comforting breakfast-dinner combo trend actually started in Harlem at a supper club in the 1930s. Now, it’s a staple of traditional southern cuisine across the states. Just about every Southern restaurant or diner prides themselves in serving up deep fried deliciousness over syrup and batter!
But, this wasn’t the case years ago. We can thank the glorious chefs in Harlem for passing on this classic for generations to come.
And trust and believe me when I say I do thank them!! First of all, I am the biggest fan of fried chicken. EVER. I fry chicken a lot in my home because I grew up on it (see my Big Mama’s Fried Chicken recipe). When I’m not frying chicken, I like to opt-in for oven-frying chicken tenders, dredging and sautéing, or simply just baking it. Either way you look at it, I have a chicken problem!
When I first discovered that fried chicken could be served with buttermilk waffles, I couldn’t imagine a better scenario where two amazing things could come together to make something even more spectacular! Know that it was life-changing. So life-changing in fact that I decided to put my own little spin on the popular recipe. Here’s where my Chicken and Waffles Recipe comes from!
How to Make Chicken and Waffles
Crispy Waffle Batter Recipe
My buttermilk waffles recipe (I also make these blueberry waffles) is true for two things: it’s one of the best breakfast meals around and it’s one of the best waffle batter recipes to use with this chicken and waffles recipe. These buttermilk waffles are beautifully golden and super soft. And best of all, they are crispy which makes for a mouthwatering masterpiece of sensational flavor.
What makes these waffles so wonderful are the batter ingredients and tricks like:
- Buttermilk (creates the best texture and tangy flavor)
- Cinnamon (adds such wonderful warmth)
- Separating the eggs! (adding yolks then adding in stiff whites is a game changer!)
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe
Did I mention how big of a fan I am for chicken? Look across my site and you’ll see with my Southern Fried Chicken Biscuits and Sweet Tea Fried Chicken how much I enjoy cooking with chicken! Even so, there’s nothing like buttermilk fried chicken. Which adds the perfect essential topping upon my crispy waffle batter.
You can make this buttermilk fried chicken at home quick and easy with a few key ingredients:
- Buttermilk (once again for that tender, flaky taste)
- Worcestershire Sauce (excellent balance of tangy, sweet, and savory)
- Hot Sauce (to add in a little, spicy kick!
Lastly, just add some sticky maple syrup on top and you are all set! The combination of chicken and waffles just can’t be beat. Plus, it is so versatile! It’s a meal that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or supper!
Where Can I Get Chicken and Waffles?
Come with me to visualize a perfect dish. Just imagine soft yet crisp buttermilk waffles topped with well-seasoned, extra-crispy, golden-brown fried chicken wings. Then top that heavenly dish with fresh butter and pure maple syrup. The salty, sweet, and flavorful all blend together seamlessly. Magic happens. End of story.
This sudden food daydream probably has you feigning for a taste! Fortunately for you, there are thousands of restaurants that have hopped on this tasty trend.
While I have been to several chicken and waffles places like Chicago’s Home of Chicken and Waffles and Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘N Waffles, I needed to make this at home so I could satisfy the cravings whenever I had them!
After all, the best place to get any food craving satisfied is in the comfort of your own kitchen. With this recipe y’all won’t even need to look up places that serve chicken and waffles!
How To Eat them
For those who are wise eating enthusiasts, it’s most common (and highly encouraged) to combine the waffle and chicken on a fork with syrup for the ultimate sweet, salty, and spicy bite!
Your heart may be questioning whether Chicken and Waffles go well together?
I’ve only got one reply for that…
ABSOLUTELY! In the strangest way, they go together perfectly. Nowadays you will even see people combining fried chicken and pancakes for a new age twist. The best thing you can do is try it!
What Goes With Chicken Waffles?
This isn’t even a question you need to ask, because I have you completely covered!! For sake of time, we’re going to focus on breakfast sides, but chicken and waffles is literally what you make it. Fries, mashed potatoes, chips, or whatever you’re in the mood for works great!
For incredible breakfast ideas and sides to go along with this recipe, check out these posts:
- Ever want to know how to make grits? This southern grits recipe is perfect! And these Gouda Grits are amazing!
- Need to learn how to make hash browns? This Hash Browns recipe is the best on the internet!
- These buttermilk waffles are a dream.
- Ever tried johnny cakes or hoe cakes? These are the ones to try for your upcoming brunch!
How to Store them
if you’ve found yourself with more chicken and waffles than you could enjoy in one sitting (though I must applaud your restraint), storing them properly means you can relive the magic all over again! Here’s how to tuck them in for their chilly fridge or freezer nap:
Chicken:
- Cool it, Sweetheart: Before you even think about storage, let that golden, crispy chicken cool down. We don’t want any steamy condensation making our chicken soggy, now do we?
- Separation is Key: Remove any leftover chicken from the bone to save space, and keep it from drying out.
- Airtight, Alright: Place your chicken pieces in airtight containers or zip-top bags. Press out as much air as you can—oxygen is not our friend here, darlings.
- Fridge or Freeze: Pop the container in the fridge if you’re planning a rematch within 3-4 days. For longer storage, the freezer is your go-to for up to 4 months. Just be sure to date the bags so you don’t forget when you cooked up that batch of deliciousness.
Waffles:
- Cool and Crispy: Let those waffles cool down completely to maintain their delightful crispiness.
- Prevent the Stick: Layer your waffles with parchment paper in between each piece, preventing them from sticking together and making it easier to take only what you need later.
- Bag ’em Up: Slide your waffle stack into a large zip-top bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Fridge or Freeze: They’re good in the fridge for 2-3 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months. Don’t forget to mark the date!
How to Reheat
- Chicken: To recapture that fresh-from-the-fryer magic, arrange your chicken pieces on a wire rack set on a baking sheet. Reheat in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven until they’re hot and crispy again, about 15-25 minutes depending on whether they’re fridge-cold or were frozen.
- Waffles: Pop these beauties in the toaster or a warm oven until they’re hot and maybe even crispier than the first time around!
More Recipe Ideas
If you love Fried Chicken recipes like my Buttermilk Fried Chicken or Big Mama’s Fried Chicken or even this Chicken Fried Steak, you will adore the wonderful crunchy and flavored texture of this recipe combined with the most delicious Buttermilk Waffles Recipe ever!
Also try my Spicy Chicken and Waffle Sliders!
If you love other amazing fried recipes, go HERE
Homemade Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Waffles
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs separated
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 6 tbsp salted butter melted
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Fried Chicken
- 8 chicken pieces
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons seasoned salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
Instructions
For the Waffles
- In one large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and ground cinnamon.
- Next whisk in egg yolks, buttermilk, melted butter and vanilla extract.
- Beat remaining egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold stiff egg whites into batter.
- Heat waffle maker, spray maker with non-stick spray and prepare waffles according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Once you finish your waffles, you can keep them warm in a preheated oven (around 200°F/95°C) while you fry the chicken.
For the Chicken
- In a medium sized bowl, whisk together eggs, hot sauce and worcestershire and set aside.
- Next add flour, cornstarch, seasoned salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder to a paper bag and shake to mix well.
- Dip each piece of chicken into egg wash coating both sides then dip into seasoned flour thoroughly coating each piece. Then add piece to baking sheet to rest.
- Finish coating all chicken and let sit for 10-15 minutes until coating has set.
- While coating sets, add 1-1/2 inches of oil to a cast iron skillet or heavy bottom skillet and heat over medium high heat. Also turn on oven to 275 degrees.
- This is my test for knowing when the oil is ready: Big Mama always tossed a tiny bit of flour in the oil and if it began to fry and sizzle, the oil was ready.
- Fry four pieces at a time on each side starting with dark meat since it takes longer. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan.
- After each side has turned slightly golden, put the top on the skillet to steam the inside of the chicken ensuring doneness. After a couple of minutes, remove the top and continue to fry until the crust is crispy again and completely golden brown.
- Remove chicken from oil and place on paper towels or rack to drain. Place chicken on a baking sheet covered with parchment and add to warmed oven while finishing the other chicken pieces.
- Fry the remaining chicken pieces and drain and add to oven. Add the remaining chicken to the oven.
To Assemble
- Add butter to waffles and allow to melt.
- Lastly, layer each finished waffle with two pieces of chicken, drizzle with warm pure maple syrup and sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar and parsley to serve.
Video
Notes
- Fridge: For the chicken, cool leftovers completely then line an airtight container with paper towels and carefully transfer the chicken. It lasts for 3-4 days. For the waffles, cool leftovers down then add them to an airtight container with a piece of parchment between them. That helps them not stick together. They last about 3 days.
- Freezer: For the chicken, store the same way as above and add to the freezer. It lasts up to 3 months. For the waffles, add to a freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: For the chicken, let it sit out at room temp for at least 30 minutes then preheat the oven to 400° F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spread out the chicken on the baking sheet and cover with another baking sheet to insulate. Heat for 20 minutes, and then let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy. If frozen, no need to thaw; just add a couple of minutes to the reheating time.
Emery Walsh says
Wonderful Recipe! Can you recommend any interesting beverage pairings to complement chicken and waffles?
Grandbaby Cakes says
Sweet tea is always a go-to!
Tomas Ortiz says
Amazing recipe! Any tips for a healthier version of this indulgent classic?
Grandbaby Cakes says
Thank you so much, Tomas! You can do oven baked chicken tenders if you want to skip on frying in oil.