There’s something magical about the combination of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles. Imagine biting into a piece of juicy, golden chicken resting on a warm, syrup-drizzled waffle. The contrast of textures and flavors creates a symphony in your mouth that sings comfort food like no other. You can practically hear the angels serenading you with every bite.
Now, let me take you back to a Sunday morning when my family decided to whip up our first chicken and waffles recipe together. The laughter was as abundant as the maple syrup, and let’s just say, we might have ended up with more flour on our faces than in the bowl. Trust me; this dish is perfect for brunch, lazy weekends, or even a late-night snack when you want to impress your friends—or maybe just yourself.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken and waffles recipe is simple to prepare, making it perfect for any skill level
- Each bite bursts with flavor, balancing savory and sweet effortlessly
- The golden-brown visuals are Instagram-ready and sure to wow your guests
- Enjoy it anytime—breakfast for dinner?
- Yes, please!
One time, I made this dish for my best friend’s birthday brunch. Let’s just say the sounds of “Mmm” and “Wow!” echoed through my kitchen like a culinary concert.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: You’ll need about 3-4 breasts; feel free to adjust based on your hungry crowd.
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All-Purpose Flour: This will be your secret weapon for achieving that perfect crispy coating on the chicken.
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Buttermilk: Use buttermilk for marinating; it adds moisture and tenderness that makes chicken irresistible.
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Waffle Mix: I prefer using a homemade batter; it’s fluffier than anything from a box.
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Syrup: Maple syrup is non-negotiable here—its sweetness pairs perfectly with savory chicken.
For the Seasoning:
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Paprika: Smoked paprika enhances flavor while giving that beautiful color to fried chicken.
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Garlic Powder: A must-have for adding depth to your seasoning mix without overwhelming the dish.
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Salt & Pepper: Simple yet essential; don’t skimp on these classic seasonings!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare your taste buds because we’re diving into making this mouthwatering dish!
Marinate the Chicken: Start by marinating your boneless chicken breasts in buttermilk mixed with salt and pepper for at least an hour. This step guarantees juicy goodness.
Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine flour with smoked paprika and garlic powder. This mixture will create that crunchy exterior we all crave.
Dredge the Chicken: Remove each chicken breast from buttermilk and coat it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour—nobody likes soggy breading.
Fry It Up!: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each piece of chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through—your kitchen should smell heavenly by now!
Make Waffles While Chicken Cooks: As soon as that chicken starts sizzling away, whip up your waffle batter according to package instructions or use your favorite homemade recipe. Pour batter into preheated waffle iron until golden brown.
Serve Together!: Stack one fluffy waffle on a plate, top with a piece of crispy fried chicken, then drizzle generously with maple syrup. Enjoy every bite!
Now you’re ready to serve up this incredible chicken and waffles recipe that will leave everyone craving more!
You Must Know
- This classic chicken and waffles recipe combines crispy chicken with fluffy waffles, offering a delightful sweet and savory experience
- The aroma of fried chicken will fill your kitchen, making it feel like a warm hug from your grandmother
- Serve with maple syrup for an unforgettable treat
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken to infuse flavors, then fry it while your waffle batter rests. This way, both components finish cooking around the same time for optimal enjoyment.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap buttermilk for yogurt for tangy flavor or add spices like paprika to your batter. Customize toppings with fresh berries or whipped cream for extra flair.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers. Reheat the chicken in the oven at 375°F for crispiness and warm the waffles in a toaster.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the crispiest chicken, let it rest after frying; this enhances flavor and texture
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing it’s fully cooked
- Try using flavored syrups like cinnamon or berry-infused for added depth in taste
My first attempt at this dish had my friends raving about how I was a culinary genius—until they realized I used frozen waffles!

FAQ
Can I use frozen waffles instead of homemade?
Yes, frozen waffles can save time but won’t have the same freshness.
What’s the best type of chicken for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, perfect for frying.
How do I make my waffles extra fluffy?
Separate egg whites from yolks, whip them until stiff, then fold into your batter gently.
Chicken and Waffles
Chicken and waffles is a heavenly comfort food that combines the crunch of perfectly fried chicken with the fluffiness of homemade waffles, all drizzled with sweet maple syrup. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also perfect for brunches, lazy weekends, or even late-night snacks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups waffle mix (or homemade batter)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk mixed with salt and pepper for at least 1 hour.
- In a bowl, combine flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove each chicken breast from buttermilk and dredge in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; fry each piece for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
- While frying, prepare waffle batter according to package instructions or your favorite recipe.
- Cook waffles in a preheated waffle iron until golden brown.
- Serve one waffle topped with crispy chicken and drizzle generously with maple syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 92g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 145mg

