Southern Chicken and Waffles Recipe

Chicken and waffles is a beloved Southern dish that combines the savory flavors of fried chicken with the sweetness of waffles. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for a weekend brunch or a comforting dinner. This recipe captures the essence of Southern cooking with its buttermilk-fried chicken, fluffy waffles, and a touch of spice.
Don't be intimidated by the combination of frying chicken and making waffles. This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, and the results are well worth the effort. The chicken is brined in buttermilk for extra flavor and tenderness, then coated in a crispy breading. The waffles are light and fluffy, with a hint of sweetness from the buttermilk and vanilla extract.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts, if preferred)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• For the Waffles:
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil spray

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
2. Make the Waffle Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, milk, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the waffle batter.
3. Bread the Chicken: Preheat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and cayenne pepper (if using). Remove the chicken from the marinade and dredge in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip the chicken in the beaten egg, then dredge again in the flour mixture.
4. Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil and fry for 10-12 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Cook the Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. Spray the waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour batter into the waffle iron and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve: Serve the chicken and waffles immediately, drizzled with maple syrup and your favorite hot sauce (optional).