Southern-Style Chicken and Waffles

Chicken and Waffles is the ultimate sweet-and-savory comfort food combo. Crispy, golden fried chicken meets fluffy, buttery waffles in a dish that feels both indulgent and soulful. It’s where brunch meets dinner, where syrup meets spice, and where every bite hits salty, sweet, crispy, and soft all at once.

This iconic dish has deep Southern roots and a legendary reputation—from soul food kitchens to gourmet brunch menus. In this version, juicy buttermilk-marinated chicken gets fried to perfection and laid right on top of thick homemade waffles. Drizzle everything with warm maple syrup or hot honey, and you’ve got a plate that’s bold, beautiful, and unforgettable. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday brunch, a special dinner, or just spoiling yourself because you deserve it, Chicken and Waffles brings joy with every forkful.

Ingredients

For the Fried Chicken:
• 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks or boneless chicken tenders
• 1½ cups buttermilk
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional for extra heat)
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Waffles:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1¾ cups buttermilk
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: ¼ tsp cinnamon for warmth

For Serving:
• Warm maple syrup
• Hot honey or spicy syrup
• Butter for waffles
• Optional: powdered sugar, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of cayenne

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

In a large bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken pieces and mix to coat.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for juicy, flavorful results.

Prepare the Waffle Batter:

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix.
Let the batter rest while you fry the chicken.

Fry the Chicken:

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pot or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge in flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
Fry chicken in batches, turning occasionally, for 10–14 minutes depending on size, until golden and crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined tray to drain and stay crispy.

Cook the Waffles:

Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
Pour batter into waffle iron (amount depends on your model) and cook according to manufacturer’s instructions until golden brown and crisp on the edges.
Keep waffles warm in a low oven if needed while finishing remaining batches.

Assemble and Serve:

Place a hot waffle on each plate and top with a crispy piece of fried chicken.
Drizzle generously with warm maple syrup or hot honey.
Add a pat of butter on top and dust with powdered sugar or cayenne if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy every sweet-savory bite.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with creamy scrambled eggs or cheese grits for a full Southern-style brunch
• Add pickled jalapeños or candied bacon on top for a flavor twist
• Offer sides of fruit salad or mimosas for brunch parties
• Use spicy maple syrup or honey sriracha drizzle for heat lovers
• Pair with iced coffee, sweet tea, or fresh lemonade

Tips for Best Results

• Use buttermilk for both the chicken and waffles—it tenderizes and adds tangy richness
• Don’t overcrowd the fryer—fry in batches for the crispiest results
• Cornstarch in the dredge gives the chicken an extra light, crispy crust
• Let waffle batter rest for 10 minutes before cooking for fluffier texture
• Make waffles last to keep them warm and crisp when serving
• For a shortcut, use boneless chicken tenders—they cook faster and stack neatly

Why You’ll Love It

This Chicken and Waffles recipe is the perfect collision of comfort food and flavor bomb. You get the crunchy, savory depth of golden fried chicken, paired with the soft, sweet warmth of fluffy waffles. The maple syrup ties everything together, drenching both components in buttery, sugary bliss. It’s equal parts soul food, brunch food, and special occasion treat—and totally worth every bite.

Final Thoughts

Chicken and Waffles isn’t just a meal—it’s a whole moment. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary day into something unforgettable, that satisfies every craving at once, and that makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a warm, buttery hug. So whether you’re cooking for brunch guests or just showing up for yourself, this recipe delivers.