Irresistible Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe

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by Olivia

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The aroma of crispy, golden-brown chicken wafting through the air paired with fluffy, warm waffles is enough to make anyone’s heart skip a beat. Imagine sinking your teeth into that perfect marriage of savory and sweet; it’s a culinary love affair that can brighten any day. This Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe is not just comfort food; it’s a delightful experience you’ll want to replicate time and again.

Jump to:

Picture this: Sunday brunch with friends, laughter echoing around the table, and that first bite of crispy chicken nestled atop a fluffy waffle drizzled with maple syrup. That moment? Pure bliss! This dish captures the essence of cozy gatherings and makes any meal feel special. Get ready to make some unforgettable memories as you dive into this flavor-packed adventure.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Enjoy an effortless dish that brings together the best of both worlds: savory fried chicken and sweet waffles.
  • The flavor profiles are perfectly balanced, making every bite a delight.
  • Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, this dish will impress at any gathering.
  • Versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients for Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Opt for thighs for juicier meat; about 3-4 should do depending on your crowd.
  • Buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken and adds a rich flavor; you can easily make your own by mixing milk with vinegar.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Essential for dredging; it gives the chicken that irresistible crunch when fried.
  • Cornstarch: A secret ingredient for extra crispiness; mix it with flour for unbeatable texture.
  • Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika): Basic but essential; these enhance the flavor profile beautifully.
  • Maple Syrup: The classic topping for waffles; choose pure maple syrup for an authentic taste.
  • Waffle Mix: You can use store-bought or homemade; just ensure it’s ready to whip up some fluffy goodness!

For serving:

  • Fresh Fruit (Optional): Berries or banana slices add color and freshness that complement the dish perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation

How to Make Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine boneless chicken thighs with buttermilk. Let them soak in all that creamy goodness for at least an hour—overnight is even better! This step ensures juicy meat that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredging Mixture

In another bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika. This mixture is your ticket to crispy perfection! Set it aside while you dream about how good this will taste.

Step 3: Heat Up That Oil

Fill a large skillet with oil (about an inch deep) and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). You want it hot enough so your chicken sizzles when it hits the pan!

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

Take your marinated chicken out of the buttermilk bath one piece at a time. Coat each thigh generously in your flour mixture before gently placing them into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides—about 6-8 minutes per side—then transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Whip Up Those Waffles

While your chicken cools down slightly (and while you’re trying not to eat them all), prepare your waffle mix according to package instructions or whip up your homemade batter. Pour batter into a preheated waffle iron and cook until they’re golden brown and fluffy—about 4-5 minutes.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Now comes the fun part! Stack those warm waffles high on each plate topped with crispy fried chicken. Drizzle generously with maple syrup and toss on some fresh fruit if you’re feeling fancy.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with syrup for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every last bite of this delicious Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe—it’s comfort food at its finest!

You Must Know

  • This amazing chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
  • You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
  • The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
  • Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to infuse flavor while heating your waffle iron. Next, cook the chicken until golden brown and crispy, then whip up your waffle batter. Finally, serve both warm for an unforgettable meal.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out spices in the marinade or use a different type of flour for your waffles. You can also add fruits like blueberries or chocolate chips into the waffle batter for a delicious twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover chicken and waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring that crispy texture returns.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Keep your oil temperature steady to avoid soggy chicken; this ensures that each piece crisps beautifully.
  • Always let your chicken rest after frying to lock in moisture, enhancing flavor.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; it should reach 165°F for safe eating.

It reminds me of that one time I made this dish for my friends’ brunch party, and they raved about it all morning! Seeing their happy faces made all the cooking chaos worth it.

FAQs :

What is the best alternative to pork in a Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe?

When creating a Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe, you can substitute pork products with chicken, turkey, or even beef. Using chicken breast or thighs provides a juicy and flavorful base for this dish. Season the chicken well to maintain the dish’s authentic flavor. If you want to keep it rich and satisfying, consider using dark meat like chicken thighs. This ensures your meal remains hearty while staying true to the essence of Southern cooking.

Can I use plant-based ingredients instead of alcohol for marinades?

Absolutely! For marinades in your Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe, opt for fruit juices, vinegars, or broths instead of alcohol. Apple cider vinegar or orange juice can add tanginess and depth to your marinade without the need for any alcoholic content. These alternatives not only enhance flavors but also help tenderize the meat, ensuring that your fried chicken remains moist and delicious.

How do I achieve crispy skin on my fried chicken?

To get perfectly crispy skin on your Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe, start by using a dry brine with salt before frying. This technique draws out moisture from the skin, leading to a crunchier texture. Additionally, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; about 350°F (175°C) is ideal. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve that golden-brown perfection.

What can I use instead of animal-derived gelatin in my recipes?

If your Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe requires gelling agents for sauces or toppings, consider using plant-based alternatives such as agar-agar, pectin, or carrageenan. These options are excellent for binding ingredients while keeping your dish vegetarian-friendly. Agar-agar works particularly well as it sets similarly to gelatin but is derived from seaweed, making it a great plant-based substitute.

Conclusion for Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe :

In conclusion, mastering the Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe is all about choosing the right ingredients and techniques. Substituting pork with chicken or turkey can create a deliciously satisfying meal without compromising flavor. Remember to enhance marinades with fruit juices or vinegars instead of alcohol for added zest. Achieving that iconic crispy skin comes down to proper brining and frying techniques. With these tips in mind, you will surely impress family and friends with this delightful Southern comfort food classic!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles is a delightful fusion of crispy, golden-brown chicken and fluffy waffles, drizzled with rich maple syrup. This comfort food classic brings savory and sweet together, making it perfect for brunch or dinner. Experience the joy of this mouthwatering dish that promises to impress family and friends—creating unforgettable moments around the table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Maple syrup (for serving)
  • Waffle mix (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
  2. In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  3. Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture and fry until golden brown (6-8 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
  5. Prepare waffles according to instructions or make your own batter.
  6. Serve warm waffles topped with fried chicken and drizzle generously with maple syrup.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 840mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

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