Crispy, golden Southern Fried Chicken served over fluffy, buttery homemade waffles—this dish is the ultimate comfort food! The crispy, well-seasoned chicken pairs perfectly with soft, slightly sweet waffles and a drizzle of warm maple syrup.
Perfect for brunch, dinner, or special occasions, this Southern classic brings together sweet, savory, crispy, and fluffy in every bite. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles
- Crispy & Juicy Fried Chicken – A golden, crunchy coating with tender, flavorful meat.
- Fluffy, Buttery Waffles – Light and airy with the perfect hint of sweetness.
- Sweet & Savory Combination – A perfect blend of flavors in every bite!
- Great for Brunch or Dinner – A versatile dish that’s great any time of the day.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food – A favorite for family gatherings and weekend treats!
What Does Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Taste Like?
Imagine crispy, well-seasoned fried chicken with a juicy interior, served over warm, fluffy waffles. The buttery sweetness of the waffles pairs beautifully with the crunchy, savory chicken, especially when drizzled with warm maple syrup or honey butter.
It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, crispy, and soft textures!
Ingredients for Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles
For the Fried Chicken:
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (for extra crispiness)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Honey butter
- Hot sauce (optional)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Deep skillet or Dutch oven (for frying)
- Tongs
- Wire rack (for draining chicken)
- Waffle iron
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- No Buttermilk? – Use regular milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice for a similar effect.
- Gluten-Free? – Use gluten-free flour for both the chicken and waffles.
- Extra Heat? – Add more cayenne or a drizzle of hot honey.
- Lighter Version? – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and air-fry instead of deep frying.
How to Make Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for the best flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In another bowl, mix together flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and baking powder.
Step 3: Coat & Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat well.
- Fry in batches for 8-10 minutes per side (depending on size), or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove and drain on a wire rack to keep crispy.
💡 Pro Tip: Let the coated chicken sit for 5-10 minutes before frying—this helps the breading stick better!
Step 4: Make the Waffle Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined (don’t overmix!).
Step 5: Cook the Waffles
- Preheat and lightly grease your waffle iron.
- Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 3-4 minutes until golden brown).
- Remove and keep warm.
Step 6: Assemble & Serve!
Place one or two pieces of fried chicken on top of a warm waffle. Drizzle with maple syrup, a dollop of honey butter, or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
Expert Tips for the Best Fried Chicken & Waffles
- Marinate for Extra Flavor – The longer the chicken sits in buttermilk, the more tender and flavorful it will be.
- Keep Chicken Crispy – Place fried chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet instead of paper towels.
- Don’t Overmix the Waffle Batter – A few lumps are okay! Overmixing makes waffles tough.
- Preheat the Waffle Iron – A hot waffle iron ensures a crispy, golden waffle every time.
- Use Fresh Oil – Old frying oil can affect the flavor and crispiness of the chicken.
What to Serve with Chicken and Waffles
- Hot Honey or Spicy Syrup – For a sweet & spicy kick.
- Coleslaw – A refreshing, tangy side.
- Mac & Cheese – For the ultimate Southern comfort meal.
- Scrambled Eggs – Makes it more of a breakfast dish.
- Pickles – A crunchy, tangy contrast to the rich flavors.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze waffles and fried chicken for up to 2 months.
- Reheat Chicken:
- Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to re-crisp.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Reheat Waffles: Toast in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the chicken overnight, and pre-cook the waffles ahead of time—just reheat before serving.
2. Can I bake or air-fry the chicken instead?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway. Or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
3. What’s the best waffle iron to use?
Any standard or Belgian waffle maker works—Belgian waffles are fluffier!
4. Can I use pancake batter for waffles?
You can, but waffle batter has more fat for crispiness. Add 1-2 tablespoons of extra melted butter if using pancake mix.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe is the perfect combination of crispy, fluffy, sweet, and savory. Whether for brunch or dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out! Share your creations on Pinterest and leave a review below—I’d love to hear from you!