Fried Chicken & Waffles
Smart Cookie Score ●●●○○
Golden, crispy fried chicken served atop buttery waffles, drizzled with syrup for the ultimate combo of salty, sweet, and crunchy — a Southern soul food favorite with serious brunch energy.
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
2 lbs chicken (wings, drumsticks, or thighs – bone-in or boneless)
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp cayenne (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
Oil for frying (vegetable, peanut, or canola)
For the Waffles:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 ¾ cups milk or buttermilk
½ cup melted butter (or oil)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
Maple syrup
Hot honey
Whipped butter
Powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Combine chicken, buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best for flavor).
2. Make the Waffle Batter:
In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat eggs, then mix in milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed (don’t overmix).
Set aside while frying chicken.
3. Fry the Chicken:
Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and a pinch of salt.
Remove chicken from marinade, let excess drip off, dredge in seasoned flour.
Fry chicken in batches for 10–14 minutes (until golden and internal temp hits 165°F/75°C).
Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
4. Make the Waffles:
Preheat waffle iron and spray with nonstick spray if needed.
Pour batter into iron and cook until golden brown (about 4–5 minutes).
Keep warm in a low oven if needed.
5. Assemble & Serve:
Place a waffle on a plate, top with 1–2 pieces of fried chicken.
Drizzle with warm maple syrup or hot honey.
Add a pat of butter and a dusting of powdered sugar if you like.
