Chicken and Waffles Recipe

Chicken and waffles is a classic Southern dish that combines the crispy, savory goodness of fried chicken with the fluffy, sweet delight of waffles. This iconic pairing is not only a staple of American cuisine but also holds significant cultural importance, often served at family gatherings and brunches. The combination of flavors and textures—crunchy fried chicken, light and airy waffles, and the sweetness of maple syrup—creates a culinary experience that is both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this recipe will guide you through creating a mouthwatering chicken and waffles dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

–

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins (about 6–7 pieces)

• 1 cup whole buttermilk

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground white pepper (or black pepper)

• 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika

• Hot sauce (optional)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• Vegetable oil, for frying

• For the Waffles:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 3–4 tablespoons sugar
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1–2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• For Serving:

• Pure maple syrup

• Softened butter

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinate:

   • In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add hot sauce if desired.
   • Place the chicken tenderloins in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

2. Prepare the Seasoned Flour:

   • In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper.

3. Bread the Chicken:

• Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
• Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour, pressing gently to adhere.

4. Fry the Chicken:

   • Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350°F.
   • Fry the breaded chicken for 6–8 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
   • Drain the chicken on a wire rack.

5. Make the Waffle Batter:

   • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
   • Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

6. Cook the Waffles:

• Preheat a waffle iron and spray with non-stick spray.
• Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the center of the iron and cook until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes.

7. Serve:
   • Serve the fried chicken atop the waffles with maple syrup and butter.

Top Tips

• Marinate Ahead: Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness.
• Don’t Overmix: Avoid overmixing the waffle batter to keep the waffles light and fluffy.
• Use the Right Oil: Choose an oil with a high smoke point for frying, like vegetable or peanut oil.
• Keep Waffles Warm: Keep cooked waffles warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while frying the chicken.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice blend in the seasoned flour to suit your taste.
• Bourbon Cream Sauce: Consider adding a bourbon cream sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Variations

• Spicy Chicken: Add more hot sauce to the marinade or use cayenne pepper in the seasoned flour for a spicy kick.
• Herb-Infused Waffles: Add chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to the waffle batter for extra flavor.
• Maple Bacon: Top the dish with crispy maple-glazed bacon for added smokiness.
• Fruit Compote: Serve with a fruit compote, like strawberry or blueberry, for a sweet contrast.
• Bourbon Glaze: Drizzle a bourbon glaze over the chicken for a rich, caramelized flavor.
• Vegan Version: Substitute the chicken with breaded and fried tofu or tempeh for a vegan option.

Nutritional Guide

This dish is rich in protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the waffles, making it a satisfying meal. However, it is also high in calories and fat due to the frying process. To make it healthier, consider baking the chicken or using a lighter batter. Additionally, using whole wheat flour for the waffles can increase the fiber content.