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Crispy Fried Chicken and Fluffy Waffles with Maple Syrup Recipe

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4.3 from 53 reviews

Crispy fried chicken served over fluffy golden waffles, drizzled with butter and maple syrup. This Southern-inspired favorite offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal dish for brunch or a hearty dinner.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Fried Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut in half)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Oil for frying

For the Waffles:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 3/4 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving:

  • Butter
  • Maple syrup
  • Fresh herbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
  2. Prepare the Dredging Mixture: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoned coating for the chicken.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour to ensure a crispy, even crust.
  4. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  5. Preheat the Waffle Iron: While frying the chicken, preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  6. Make the Waffle Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs with milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry and stir just until incorporated to avoid overmixing.
  7. Cook the Waffles: Pour batter onto the preheated waffle iron and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions until the waffles are golden and crisp.
  8. Assemble and Serve: Place one waffle on each plate, top with a piece of fried chicken, add a pat of butter, and drizzle generously with maple syrup. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • For extra crispy chicken, double dredge by dipping in flour, then buttermilk, then flour again before frying.
  • To save time, use frozen waffles or cook the chicken in an air fryer instead of frying in oil.
  • Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicier chicken, or serve with hot honey in place of maple syrup for a sweet-heat contrast.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Comfort Food
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Southern American