Name: Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 6 chicken thighs; vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches depth); 2 cups buttermilk; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon hot sauce or pickle juice; 1 tablespoon Kosher salt; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 teaspoons paprika; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Kosher salt; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 teaspoons paprika; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 cups buttermilk; 2 eggs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup real maple syrup; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

If you love the irresistible combo of crispy, juicy chicken and fluffy waffles, you’re in for a treat with this Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe. Trust me, it’s the perfect blend of savory meets sweet that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

A white plate holds a thick, golden waffle as the bottom layer with deep square pockets, topped by two large pieces of fried chicken that are crispy and golden brown with a shiny layer of syrup dripping over them, pooling slightly onto the plate. In the blurred background, another white plate shows a similar dish with waffle and fried chicken. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with two small hot sauce bottles with red caps lying near the plate, adding a touch of color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Southern classic more times than I can count, and it never fails to impress at brunch or anytime you want to feel comforted with a bit of indulgence.

Crisp & Flavorful Chicken: A spicy buttermilk brine tenderizes the chicken while the seasoned flour creates the crispiest crust.
Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles: Light, tender waffles made with buttermilk and baking powder that soak up syrup beautifully.
Warm Cinnamon Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup enhanced with cinnamon, vanilla, and butter for a luscious finish.
Great for Gatherings: Feeds 6 servings, perfect for brunch with friends or family.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering the right ingredients for this Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe is key. I always look for fresh chicken thighs and real buttermilk which make all the difference in flavor and texture.

Flat lay of six fresh raw chicken thighs with skin, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy buttermilk, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red hot sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of cornstarch, a simple white ceramic plate with two uncooked square buttermilk waffles stacked, a small white ceramic bowl of real amber maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl of white granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of light golden vanilla extract, and a small white ceramic bowl of warm brown ground cinnamon, all arranged in perfect symmetry with realistic proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken thighs: Bone-in pieces give juiciness and extra flavor for frying.
Vegetable oil: Perfect for achieving that crispy golden crust through deep frying.
Buttermilk: The magic tenderizer for juicy, flavorful chicken and light waffles.
Eggs: Help bind the chicken brine and enrich the waffle batter.
Hot sauce or pickle juice: Adds a zesty kick to the chicken marinade.
Kosher salt and spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper build layers of flavor.
Flour and cornstarch: The coating mix for the perfect crunchy crust.
Baking powder and sugar: Essential for fluffy waffles with a touch of sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness to both waffles and syrup.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the batter and syrup.
Real maple syrup: The sweet, authentic syrup that ties it all together.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses the syrup with comforting spice.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you like a little more heat, a touch of sweetness, or a completely different flavor twist, there’s room to get creative while keeping that comforting, classic vibe.

Spice it Up: I love adding extra cayenne pepper to the flour coating for a noticeable kick that complements the rich flavors of the fried chicken.
Sweet and Savory Twist: Try folding shredded sharp cheddar into the waffle batter before cooking—it adds a lovely savory contrast that's unexpected but delicious.
Chocolate Chip Waffles: For a brunch crowd or kids especially, tossing chocolate chips into the waffles makes for a sweet surprise that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon maple syrup.
Healthier Option: Swap out the vegetable oil for avocado oil, which has a higher smoke point and is a bit healthier, while still giving you that perfectly crisp crust.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Use almond or oat milk in place of the buttermilk and a dairy-free butter substitute. You’ll want to add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to mimic the tang in the batter and brine for best results.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe

A close-up view of two pieces of crispy fried chicken with a golden brown, crunchy textured crust, placed on top of a thick, light golden waffle with a soft texture and grid pattern. Both chicken pieces are glistening with a sticky, shiny syrup that drips slightly over the edges of the waffle and onto the white plate beneath. The background shows a blurred bottle with red accents and a blue and white cloth, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Craft the Creamy, Flavorful Brine

Start by mixing 1 tablespoon Kosher salt, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons paprika, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl. Then stir in 2 cups buttermilk, 1 egg, and either 1 tablespoon hot sauce or pickle juice until well blended. This brine is the secret to tender, juicy chicken packed with flavor. Make sure to fully submerge all 6 chicken thighs in the mixture, cover, and pop it in the fridge to marinate for at least 1 hour. I usually let mine sit just over an hour for extra tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating for Maximum Crunch

While the chicken marinates, combine the coating ingredients in a large paper or freezer bag: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons paprika, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Shake or mix thoroughly so the spices are evenly distributed. This seasoned flour mix is what creates that irresistible crispy crust you’re craving.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Like a Pro

Once your chicken has marinated, take it out and discard any extra liquid. Working in batches of 3–4 pieces, add the chicken to the flour bag, seal it, and give it a good shake. Make sure every side of each piece is thoroughly coated for that perfect crunch. Don’t rush this part—it’s worth giving the chicken a nice, even coat.

Step 4: Heat the Oil to Just the Right Temperature

Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed frying pan and heat it to 350°F over medium heat. Use a thermometer for accuracy—this step is crucial to avoid greasy, soggy chicken. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when the chicken goes in, but not so hot that it burns the crust.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken Until Golden and Juicy

Add 3–4 pieces of your coated chicken to the hot oil, shaking off excess flour to prevent clumping. Fry bone-in thighs for about 10 minutes per side, or boneless pieces for 6–7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature hits 165°F and the crust is beautiful and golden brown. Carefully drain on paper towels and set aside while you cook the rest.

Step 6: Whip Up a Tender Buttermilk Waffle Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 cups buttermilk, and ½ cup melted unsalted butter until smooth. Next, gently fold in 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt. Be careful not to overmix—you want tender, fluffy waffles, not dense ones.

Step 7: Cook Your Waffles to Golden Perfection

Preheat your waffle iron and spray it with nonstick spray before each batch. Pour about ¾ cup batter onto the iron, close, and cook for about 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through. I find it helps to keep the waffles warm in a low oven while finishing up the rest.

Step 8: Warm Up the Cinnamon Maple Syrup

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 1 cup real maple syrup, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and the syrup warms through—this creates a heavenly drizzle that ties the whole dish together.

Step 9: Assemble and Enjoy!

Stack your crispy fried chicken right on top of the warm, fluffy waffles. Generously drizzle with your homemade cinnamon maple syrup and enjoy immediately. This blend of savory, sweet, and spice is the kind of comfort food that warms your soul—and tastes absolutely incredible every time.

Top Tip

These tips will help you master your Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe, guaranteeing a meal that's bursting with flavor and perfectly textured every time.

Marinate Properly: I always make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour in that tangy buttermilk mix. It’s the secret to juicy, tender chicken packed with flavor.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Using a thermometer to keep the oil steady at 350°F made all the difference for me—crisper crust and no greasy chicken!
Shake to Coat Evenly: Shaking the chicken pieces in the flour mixture inside a sealed bag really helps coat every nook and cranny without a mess.
Don’t Overmix Waffle Batter: From my experience, mixing just until combined keeps waffles light and fluffy instead of dense and tough.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe

The image shows four stages of making fried chicken and waffles. In the top left, raw chicken pieces sit in a clear glass bowl filled with light beige batter. The top right shows raw chicken pieces partially covered in white flour inside a white bowl. At the bottom left, two pieces of golden brown fried chicken with crispy texture bubble in hot oil inside a black cast iron skillet. The bottom right displays a round, golden brown waffle with square indentations, cooked in a black waffle iron on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your dish, try sprinkling chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness. A dash of flaky sea salt over the chicken just before serving adds a delightful crunch. For an extra touch of indulgence, top with a pat of butter melting slowly over the warm waffles and drizzle generously with the homemade cinnamon maple syrup.

Side Dishes

Classic Southern-style collard greens or sautéed green beans make wonderful light sides. For something heartier, creamy mac and cheese or crispy fried okra pair beautifully. Don't forget a refreshing coleslaw to balance the richness with a crisp tang.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover fried chicken and waffles in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing too much of their crispiness and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken and waffles separately. Wrap each chicken piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Do the same for waffles. Store up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To bring back that crispy magic, reheat the chicken in a 375°F oven on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes until hot and crisp. Warm the waffles in a toaster or oven just until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them from getting soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well. Just reduce the frying time to about 6-7 minutes per side, making sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What kind of oil is best for frying chicken?

Vegetable oil is a great choice due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. Other options include canola or peanut oil. Just make sure you have about 2 inches of oil for proper frying depth.

How can I make the waffles fluffier?

The key is not to overmix the batter. Stir gently until the dry ingredients are just combined. Also, using buttermilk and baking powder helps create that tender, fluffy texture.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for more flavor. The syrup can be made ahead and warmed when ready to serve. Waffles and fried chicken are best cooked fresh but can be reheated as noted.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about the combination of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles drizzled with warm cinnamon maple syrup. Whether you’re making this Southern classic for a special brunch or a cozy dinner, these helpful tips and serving ideas will make your Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe shine. Enjoy the delicious balance of savory and sweet with every bite — it’s sure to become a family favorite!