Crispy Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe You’ll Love

There’s something downright magical about that first bite of crispy fried chicken paired with fluffy waffles. The crunch, the sweetness, the savory richness—it’s comfort food at its finest. For me, this dish brings back memories of cozy weekend mornings when the kitchen smelled like sizzling butter and golden batter. If you’ve ever craved a meal that feels indulgent yet homey, you’re in for a real treat with this Southern classic.

And here’s the best part: fried chicken and waffles aren’t just for fancy brunch spots—you can make them right at home with a few simple steps. Whether you’re cooking for family, treating yourself, or impressing friends at brunch, this recipe delivers that perfect sweet-and-savory balance. If you love exploring iconic comfort foods, you might also enjoy checking out Food52’s guide to Southern cooking—it’s packed with background and inspiration to make dishes like this even more special.

Ingredients for Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this soul-warming dish to life. Each ingredient comes with a little tip so you know exactly why it matters and how to get the best results.

For the Fried Chicken

• Chicken pieces (bone-in thighs or drumsticks) – Dark meat stays juicy and flavorful when fried.
• Buttermilk (2 cups) – The secret to tender, flavorful chicken. It works as a marinade and keeps the meat moist.
• Hot sauce (2–3 tablespoons) – Adds a subtle kick; adjust based on your heat preference.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups) – The base of that golden, crunchy crust.
• Cornstarch (½ cup) – Helps the coating crisp up even more.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon) – Adds depth of flavor to the breading.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon) – Brings a smoky, Southern touch.
• Salt and black pepper (to taste) – Essential for balancing all the flavors.
• Vegetable oil (for frying) – Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like peanut or canola.

For the Waffles

• All-purpose flour (2 cups) – The base of light, fluffy waffles.
• Sugar (2 tablespoons) – Just enough sweetness to balance the savory chicken.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons) – Ensures your waffles puff up perfectly.
• Salt (½ teaspoon) – A pinch keeps the flavor balanced.
• Eggs (2 large) – Whipped into the batter for structure and richness.
• Milk (1 ¾ cups) – Keeps the batter smooth; whole milk adds the most flavor.
• Butter (½ cup, melted) – Gives waffles that irresistible golden crispness.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – Adds a hint of sweetness and warmth.

For Serving

• Maple syrup (warm) – The classic drizzle that ties sweet and savory together.
• Honey butter or hot honey – Optional, but adds an extra indulgent touch

Instructions: How to Make Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

Now comes the fun part—bringing everything together! I’ll walk you through each step so you can practically smell the crispy chicken and fresh waffles coming out of your kitchen.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• Place your chicken pieces in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
• Pour in the buttermilk and hot sauce, making sure each piece is fully coated.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is best for maximum tenderness and flavor.
  Tip: The longer the chicken sits in the buttermilk bath, the juicier and more flavorful it will be.

Step 2: Prepare the Waffle Batter

• In one bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
• In another bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
• Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined—don’t overmix or your waffles may turn out dense.
  Tip: A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine!

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

• Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You’re aiming for 350°F (a kitchen thermometer really helps here).
• In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess buttermilk drip off, then dredge each piece in the flour mixture until well coated.
• Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook 12–15 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
• Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain.
  Tip: Listen for that sizzle—the chicken should sound lively but not furious. If it’s splattering too much, your oil is too hot.

Step 4: Make the Waffles

• While the chicken rests, preheat your waffle iron.
• Pour the batter into the hot waffle iron (amount depends on your waffle maker), and cook until golden brown and crisp.
• Keep finished waffles warm in a low oven (200°F) until all are ready.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Stack warm waffles on each plate, top with a piece (or two!) of fried chicken, and drizzle generously with maple syrup.
• Add honey butter or hot honey for a little extra indulgence.
  Close your eyes for that first bite—it’s crispy, fluffy, sweet, savory, and everything a comfort meal should be.

Tips & Variations for Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

One of the best things about this dish is how customizable it is. Here are some ways you can tweak it to fit your taste buds, mood, or even what you’ve got in the pantry.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Twist – Add cayenne pepper to the flour mix or drizzle with hot honey for a fiery kick.
• Savory Waffles – Stir shredded cheddar, chopped chives, or even crispy bacon bits into the waffle batter for a more savory base.
• Herb-Infused Chicken – Mix dried thyme, oregano, or rosemary into the breading for a fragrant, earthy flavor.

Sauce & Syrup Ideas

• Classic Maple Syrup – You can’t go wrong with this golden sweetness.
• Honey Butter – Whip softened butter with honey for a silky topping.
• Spicy Maple Glaze – Stir hot sauce into warm maple syrup for a sweet-heat drizzle.
• Fruit Compotes – Blueberry, peach, or strawberry compote adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich chicken.

Storage & Reheating

• Chicken – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 375°F until crispy again.
• Waffles – Freeze extra waffles by laying them flat on a baking sheet first, then storing in freezer bags. Reheat in a toaster or oven for that just-made crispiness.
• Make-Ahead Tip – Marinate the chicken the night before and mix the dry waffle ingredients in advance. That way, you’ll save time when you’re ready to cook.

Serving for a Crowd

If you’re cooking for brunch guests, keep fried chicken warm on a wire rack in the oven (200°F) and stack waffles in a towel-lined basket to hold heat without losing texture. This way, everyone gets hot, crispy, and fluffy goodness at the same time.

Serving Suggestions for Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

This dish is a showstopper all on its own, but the way you serve it can take it from “delicious” to “unforgettable.” Here are some tasty ideas to round out your plate and wow your guests.

Classic Presentation

• Stack It High – Place a golden waffle on the plate, top it with a crispy piece of chicken, then drizzle generously with maple syrup. Add a small dollop of honey butter for that Southern diner vibe.
• Brunch Board Style – Arrange chicken, waffles, little bowls of syrups, jams, and fruit on a big wooden board so everyone can build their own plate.

Pairing Ideas

• Fresh Fruit – Sliced peaches, strawberries, or blueberries add a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
• Greens on the Side – A light arugula or spinach salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the heaviness beautifully.
• Eggs Any Style – Sunny-side-up eggs make the plate heartier and brunch-ready.

Drinks to Match

• Sweet Tea – Keep it classic with iced Southern sweet tea.
• Mimosas – Perfect for brunch with friends—bubbly, light, and festive.
• Coffee or Cold Brew – That rich flavor pairs beautifully with both the savory chicken and the sweet waffles.

Hosting Tip

Want to make it extra fun? Offer a little toppings bar with flavored syrups (maple, blueberry, bourbon), different butters, and even hot sauces so everyone can mix and match.

Serving Suggestions for Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

This dish is a showstopper all on its own, but the way you serve it can take it from “delicious” to “unforgettable.” Here are some tasty ideas to round out your plate and wow your guests.

Classic Presentation

• Stack It High – Place a golden waffle on the plate, top it with a crispy piece of chicken, then drizzle generously with maple syrup. Add a small dollop of honey butter for that Southern diner vibe.
• Brunch Board Style – Arrange chicken, waffles, little bowls of syrups, jams, and fruit on a big wooden board so everyone can build their own plate.

Pairing Ideas

• Fresh Fruit – Sliced peaches, strawberries, or blueberries add a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
• Greens on the Side – A light arugula or spinach salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the heaviness beautifully.
• Eggs Any Style – Sunny-side-up eggs make the plate heartier and brunch-ready.

Drinks to Match

• Sweet Tea – Keep it classic with iced Southern sweet tea.
• Mimosas – Perfect for brunch with friends—bubbly, light, and festive.
• Coffee or Cold Brew – That rich flavor pairs beautifully with both the savory chicken and the sweet waffles.

Hosting Tip

Want to make it extra fun? Offer a little toppings bar with flavored syrups (maple, blueberry, bourbon), different butters, and even hot sauces so everyone can mix and match.

FAQs About Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

Here are some of the most common questions readers ask about making this dish at home—answered in a way that’ll make your cooking smoother and more fun.

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or drumsticks?

Yes! Chicken breasts work, but they can dry out faster than dark meat. If you go this route, cut them into smaller fillets and keep a close eye on cooking time so they stay juicy.

2. Do I need a deep fryer to make the chicken?

Not at all. A heavy skillet or Dutch oven does the trick perfectly. Just make sure the oil is deep enough (about 2 inches) and keep the temperature steady around 350°F.

3. How do I make the waffles extra fluffy?

Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Whip the whites until soft peaks form, then fold them gently into the batter at the end. This trick gives your waffles a cloud-like lift.

4. Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Fry the chicken a few hours ahead, then reheat it in the oven at 375°F until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving—it’ll make the crust soggy.

5. What’s the best oil for frying chicken?

Neutral oils with high smoke points are best. Peanut oil is a Southern favorite, but canola or vegetable oil works just as well.

6. How do I keep everything warm until serving?

Place fried chicken on a wire rack in a low oven (200°F) and keep waffles stacked in a towel-lined basket. This way, both stay warm without losing their texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Southern fried chicken and waffles have become such a beloved comfort food—it’s that irresistible balance of flavors and textures. Crispy, golden chicken meets fluffy, buttery waffles, and the sweet drizzle of syrup ties everything together in a way that feels both indulgent and cozy. Whether you’re making this dish for a slow weekend brunch, a special family dinner, or just because the craving hits, it’s one of those meals that instantly makes the table feel warm and inviting.

The best part? You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to pull it off. With a little prep and some simple techniques, you can create a plate that looks as good as it tastes. If you’re interested in diving deeper into classic Southern dishes, Southern Living’s collection of recipes is a great place to get inspired for your next kitchen adventure. So grab your waffle iron, heat up that skillet, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s sure to earn you rave reviews

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