Chicken in a waffle –There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of crispy fried chicken served alongside fluffy waffles. This combination is a delightful fusion of flavors that will satisfy your cravings any time of day. Picture this: the crunch of the succulent chicken contrasts beautifully against the sweet, warm waffles, topped with syrup or fresh fruit. Today, I’m excited to share a mouthwatering recipe for fried chicken and waffles that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen.
Crispy Fried Chicken
Your journey to crispy fried chicken starts here! This recipe promises juicy chicken enveloped in a golden, crunchy crust. Perfect as the centerpiece for your dish.

Ingredients for Fried Chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions for Fried Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces and ensure they are well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken pieces, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 12-15 minutes on each side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Fluffy Waffles
The second star of this delicious dish is the waffles! Light and fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness to complement the savory chicken.
Ingredients for Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
Instructions for Waffles:
- Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, blend the eggs, milk, and vegetable oil or melted butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined, but be careful not to overmix.
- Spoon the batter onto the preheated waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically around 5 minutes, until golden brown.
Now it’s time to assemble! On a warm plate, stack a fluffy waffle and top it with a crispy fried chicken piece. Drizzle with maple syrup or your favorite topping and enjoy this scrumptious dish that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!