Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles is the ultimate combination of sweet and savory comfort food — crispy, golden fried chicken served on top of fluffy, buttery waffles, drizzled with warm maple syrup. This Southern classic brings together two beloved dishes in one perfect bite: the crunch of seasoned fried chicken with the sweetness of tender waffles.

This dish’s roots trace back to the American South, though it became widely popular in Harlem, New York, during the jazz era of the 1930s. Musicians returning from late-night gigs wanted something hearty enough to be dinner but comforting enough to feel like breakfast — and thus, chicken and waffles became a symbol of soulful satisfaction.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it feels like a celebration in every bite. The chicken is perfectly seasoned — juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside — while the waffles are light, fluffy, and slightly sweet. When you drizzle warm maple syrup or a pat of honey butter over both, it’s pure bliss.

Another reason I adore this dish is that it brings people together. Whether it’s brunch with family, a weekend get-together with friends, or a cozy date-night-in, chicken and waffles has that “wow” factor that turns any meal into something special.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a Southern classic that everyone should experience at least once. Here’s why:

1. The Flavor Contrast: Sweet, salty, crispy, and fluffy — all in one bite.
2. A Complete Meal: Protein, carbs, and flavor all in one dish.
3. Perfect Anytime: Breakfast, brunch, dinner, or even late-night comfort food.
4. Customizable: You can spice it up, sweeten it, or make it lighter.

It’s indulgent, it’s delicious, and it’s unforgettable — everything a comfort food should be.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Marinating Time: 2–4 hours (or overnight for best results)
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: About 3 hours (including marination)

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~780 calories per serving (approximate)
• Course: Main Course / Brunch
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

For the Fried Chicken:

• 8 pieces of chicken (legs, thighs, or breasts)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional, for spice)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Waffles:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1¾ cups whole milk
• ½ cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving:

• Maple syrup or honey butter
• Fresh fruit (optional)
• A sprinkle of powdered sugar (optional)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Rinse and pat the chicken pieces dry.
2. In a large bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours, or overnight for best flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

1. In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and dredge in the flour mixture.
3. For extra crispy chicken, double-dip: return chicken to buttermilk, then dredge again in flour.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. In a large cast-iron skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 12–15 minutes (depending on size).
3. Place cooked chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Waffles

1. Preheat your waffle iron.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed (do not overmix).
5. Pour batter into waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden brown.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Place a warm waffle on a plate.
2. Top with a piece or two of crispy fried chicken.
3. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey butter.
4. Add optional toppings like powdered sugar or fresh fruit.

How to Serve

Serve Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles immediately while hot and crispy. It’s perfect for:

• Brunch gatherings with family or friends
• Special weekend breakfasts
• Dinner with a Southern twist

Pair it with:

• Creamy coleslaw or pickles for contrast
• A side of scrambled eggs or grits
• Freshly brewed sweet tea or iced coffee

Recipe Tips

• Use buttermilk: It tenderizes the chicken and adds tangy flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the fryer: This ensures crispy chicken and even cooking.
• Keep the chicken warm: Place fried pieces in a low oven (200°F) while finishing batches.
• Crispy waffles tip: Avoid stacking waffles so they don’t get soggy — keep them warm on a rack in the oven.
• Syrup options: Try flavored syrups like bourbon maple, honey chili, or pecan syrup for extra flair.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Nashville-Style: Toss fried chicken in spicy cayenne butter sauce for fiery heat.
2. Cheddar Jalapeño Waffles: Add shredded cheddar and chopped jalapeños to waffle batter.
3. Sweet and Savory: Add cinnamon or brown sugar to your waffle mix for extra sweetness.
4. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour blends for both chicken coating and waffles.
5. Oven-Fried Chicken: For a lighter version, bake chicken at 400°F for 40–45 minutes after dredging in seasoned flour and a drizzle of oil.
6. Mini Chicken & Waffles: Use chicken tenders and mini waffles for party appetizers.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration:
  • Fried chicken: Store up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • Waffles: Store up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Freezing:
  • Chicken: Freeze up to 2 months; reheat in the oven at 375°F until crisp.
  • Waffles: Freeze up to 2 months; reheat in a toaster or oven.
• Reheating Tip: Avoid microwaving fried chicken — it will lose its crispiness.

Special Equipment Needed

• Cast-iron skillet or deep fryer
• Cooking thermometer (to monitor oil temperature)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Waffle iron
• Cooling rack
• Baking sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use chicken tenders or boneless chicken?
Yes! Boneless chicken tenders or breasts cook faster and make the dish easier to eat.

Q2: Can I make the waffles ahead of time?
Yes, you can make waffles in advance and reheat them in a toaster or oven before serving.

Q3: Can I air fry the chicken instead of deep frying?
Absolutely! Coat the chicken lightly with oil spray and air fry at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until crispy.

Q4: What’s the best syrup for chicken and waffles?
Classic maple syrup works beautifully, but try honey butter, hot honey, or spicy maple for unique flavor twists.

Q5: How do I prevent soggy waffles?
Place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a warm oven (200°F) instead of stacking them.

Conclusion

Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles is more than just a dish — it’s an experience. The harmony between the crispy, savory fried chicken and the sweet, buttery waffles is pure culinary magic. It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down, savor each bite, and maybe even close your eyes in satisfaction.

Whether you’re cooking for brunch guests, treating yourself to comfort food, or exploring Southern cuisine, this recipe delivers big flavor and timeless charm. Once you try it homemade, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most beloved Southern dishes of all time.