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: 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; 6 chicken thighs; vegetable oil for frying (about 2 inches deep); 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

There’s something undeniably irresistible about a plate piled high with golden, crunchy chicken alongside warm, fluffy waffles. If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort food combo, look no further than this Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe—it’s a total game-changer for your next breakfast or brunch.

The image shows a white plate with a single golden-brown waffle at the bottom, having a crisp texture and deep grid pattern. On top of the waffle, there are two large pieces of fried chicken with a crunchy, textured coating that is shiny with a sweet syrup drizzled over it, creating a glossy finish. The syrup pools slightly around the base of the waffle. In the background, there is another white plate with a similar waffle and fried chicken, and small bottles of hot sauce are visible, placed on a blue and gray checkered cloth on a white marbled surface. The whole scene is brightly lit and clear. 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 remember the first time I tried making this recipe—it brought all those cozy Southern vibes right into my kitchen. Crispy chicken thighs marinated to juicy perfection, paired with fluffy, buttery waffles and topped with a warm, cinnamon-spiked maple syrup? Pure magic on a plate.

Perfectly Crisp & Juicy: The buttermilk brine tenderizes the chicken while that seasoned flour coating crisps up beautifully.
Light & Fluffy Waffles: Using buttermilk and melted butter, these waffles feel indulgent but never heavy.
Signature Cinnamon Maple Syrup: A simple spin on classic syrup that adds a warm, spiced sweetness to the dish.
Great for Gatherings: This recipe yields 6 substantial servings, perfect for sharing with friends or family.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before diving in, make sure you’ve got the right staples on hand. Quality buttermilk really makes a difference in both the chicken marinade and waffle batter for that authentic tang. Also, picking bone-in chicken thighs lends extra flavor and juiciness that you won’t want to pass up.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken thighs with skin, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of creamy buttermilk, a small white bowl of golden vegetable oil, a small white bowl filled with pale all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of pale cornstarch powder, a small white bowl of vibrant red paprika powder, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl of granulated white sugar, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a small white bowl of onion powder, a small white bowl of black pepper, a small white bowl of melted butter with golden-yellow color, a small white bowl of rich amber maple syrup, and a small white bowl of ground cinnamon—all arranged symmetrically 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

Buttermilk: Essential for tenderizing chicken and adding moisture to waffles with a subtle tang.
Eggs: Help bind the chicken brine and enrich the waffle batter for fluffiness.
Hot Sauce or Pickle Juice: Adds a kick and depth to the chicken marinade flavor.
Kosher Salt: The cornerstone of seasoning, balancing and enhancing every component.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These aromatics boost savory notes in both the chicken and coating.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
Black Pepper: For a mild heat that complements the spices.
Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful, perfect for frying crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point ideal for frying to golden perfection.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for both the chicken coating and waffle batter, providing structure and crispiness.
Cornstarch: Mixed with flour to deliver extra crunch in the chicken breading.
Baking Powder: Leavens the waffles, making sure they’re light and airy.
Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to complement the savory flavors.
Unsalted Butter: Gives richness and helps achieve crispy edges on the waffles.
Vanilla Extract: A subtle sweet note that rounds out the waffle and syrup flavors.
Pure Maple Syrup: The star drizzle that ties everything together with its natural sweetness.
Ground Cinnamon: Warming spice that spices up the syrup for a cozy finish.

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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 customizable it is — you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs without losing that classic Southern charm.

Gluten-Free Variation: I tried swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend in both the coating and waffles, and the results were surprisingly delicious. The texture was just as crispy and fluffy, perfect for friends with gluten sensitivities.
Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, adding a dash more hot sauce in the brine and sprinkling cayenne pepper into the flour coating gave my chicken that extra zing that kept everyone coming back for more.
Cheesy Waffles: Adding shredded sharp cheddar to the waffle batter was a fun twist one weekend. It paired beautifully with the savory fried chicken and added a wonderful depth of flavor.
Herb-Infused Syrup: For a more fragrant syrup, try infusing the cinnamon maple syrup with a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme while warming. It adds an unexpected but lovely herbal note.

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

A white plate sits on a white marbled surface, holding a golden waffle as the base layer with its grid texture visible. On top of the waffle, there are two large pieces of fried chicken with a crispy, dark golden-brown crust, glazed with a shiny brown syrup that drips over the edges onto the plate. The syrup adds a glossy, sticky texture that contrasts with the crunchy chicken skin and soft waffle beneath. In the blurred background, a bottle of hot sauce adds a pop of red color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Create the Flavorful Brine

Start by mixing together the Kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper in a large bowl. Then stir in the buttermilk, egg, and your choice of hot sauce or pickle juice until everything is well blended. The aroma of the spices instantly fills the kitchen, hinting at the rich flavors to come.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken for Tenderness

Submerge the chicken thighs fully in the buttermilk brine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This resting period is key — it tenderizes the chicken and infuses the meat with those bold Southern spices. If you can, allow the chicken to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before frying to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Flour Coating

In a large brown paper or freezer bag, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. This blend creates the perfect crispy crust when fried. Shaking the chicken in this bag later makes coating quick and mess-free. Tip: Discard excess buttermilk before coating to avoid clumps.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken Pieces Thoroughly

Take chicken pieces out of the brine one at a time, letting excess drip off. Add 3-4 pieces at once into the flour mixture bag and shake vigorously to coat every side. The flour should adhere evenly for that classic crunch we all love.

Step 5: Heat Your Oil to Perfection

Fill a deep skillet with about 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat over medium until reaching 350°F. Maintaining this temperature ensures a crispy, golden crust without burning. Use a thermometer here — it’s your best friend for flawless frying!

Step 6: Fry the Chicken Until Golden and Juicy

Gently add 3 to 4 coated chicken thighs to the hot oil without crowding the pan. Fry boneless pieces for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, or bone-in for roughly 10 minutes per side, turning carefully. Ensure the internal temperature hits 165°F for safe, juicy chicken. Once done, transfer to a wire rack to rest — this keeps the crust crispy.

Step 7: Whip Up the Fluffy Buttermilk Waffle Batter

While the chicken is resting, mix together sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and melted butter in a large bowl until smooth. Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt, taking care not to overmix — overworked batter can toughen waffles. Your batter should be slightly lumpy but well combined.

Step 8: Cook the Waffles Golden and Perfect

Preheat your waffle iron and lightly spray with nonstick spray. Pour about ¾ cup of batter onto the surface and cook according to your machine’s instructions until golden brown. Repeat with remaining batter. These waffles turn out tender with a crisp exterior, a perfect partner for your fried chicken.

Step 9: Make the Warm Cinnamon Maple Syrup

In a small saucepan on medium-low, combine real maple syrup, butter, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir occasionally until the butter melts and everything is heated through. The warm, spiced syrup is the crowning touch that ties the whole dish together.

Step 10: Assemble Your Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe

Place a golden waffle on each plate, top with a crispy chicken thigh, and drizzle generously with the cinnamon-infused maple syrup. Serve immediately and indulge in this perfect harmony of textures and flavors — crispy, fluffy, sweet, and savory all in one bite!

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect balance of crispy chicken and fluffy waffles takes a few insider tricks that really make a difference in your Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe.

Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness: Giving your chicken thighs at least one hour in the buttermilk brine is key to juicy, tender meat packed with flavor.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep your frying oil steady at 350°F. Too hot and the crust burns; too cool and the chicken sogs. This consistency was a game changer for me.
Shake It Up: Coating the chicken in a big bag allows for even, thorough flour coverage without the mess. Plus, it saves time – trust me!
Cook Waffles While Chicken Rests: While the chicken rests after frying, prepare your waffles. It’s the perfect timing hack to have everything hot and fresh on the plate.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe

The first image shows raw chicken pieces soaking in a creamy light orange batter inside a clear bowl. The second image has the same chicken pieces placed on a white plate filled with a layer of white flour, with the chicken coated in the flour. The third image shows two chicken pieces frying in hot oil in a black pan, bubbling and turning golden brown. The fourth image displays a golden brown waffle with a crispy texture, divided into four sections, in a black waffle maker. The background for all images is a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar over the waffles for a hint of sweetness and a pretty presentation. Fresh berries like blueberries or strawberries add delightful bursts of tartness that cut through the richness. For a touch of heat, some thinly sliced pickled jalapeños lend a subtle kick. A few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary can also brighten up your plate with herbal notes.

Side Dishes

Classic Southern sides like creamy coleslaw or buttery sautéed greens pair beautifully. For something lighter, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness. Sweet potato fries or roasted baby potatoes are fantastic heartier accompaniments that keep the comfort food vibe going strong.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover fried chicken and waffles in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. To keep the chicken crust from getting soggy, separate the chicken and waffles if possible.

Freezing

You can freeze both the cooked fried chicken and waffles. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or use freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken and waffles will keep for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat fried chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10–15 minutes or until hot and crispy again. Waffles reheat nicely in a toaster or toaster oven to regain their crisp exterior while staying fluffy inside. Avoid microwaving as it can make both soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in thighs will take a bit longer to cook—about 10 minutes per side—to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F while staying juicy inside.

What if I don’t have buttermilk for the brine and waffles?

No worries! You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

How do I keep the chicken crispy after frying?

Place fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels to let air circulate and prevent sogginess. Also, avoid stacking pieces while resting.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Waffle batter is best made fresh but can be mixed an hour ahead and stored in the fridge, just give it a gentle stir before cooking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the marriage of crispy fried chicken and warm, fluffy waffles smothered in cinnamon maple syrup. This Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe is a love letter to Southern comfort food that I always come back to when I want a feast that feels both indulgent and soul-satisfying. Take your time with each step, savor the aromas, and share the delicious results with people you care about. Trust me — it’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience you’ll want to make again and again.