Southern Fried Chicken Buttermilk Waffle Extravaganza
Southern Fried Chicken Buttermilk Waffle Extrava
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever had one of those days where you just crave chicken and waffles ? Honestly, it's the ultimate comfort food mashup.
It's a perfectly sweet and savory combination. Trust me, this is the best chicken and waffle recipe you'll find!
Brief Overview
This southern comfort food classic brings together crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles. The origin? Well, it's debated, but it's undeniably a soul food staple! This recipe is medium difficulty.
It takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to make. This recipe yields 4 servings.
Main Benefits
Imagine biting into super crispy chicken , then a soft buttermilk waffle , all drizzled with maple syrup . Oh my gosh! It's the perfect chicken and waffle brunch dish.
It's a true delight! What makes this so special? The brined chicken is super juicy and packed with flavour.
Crispy Chicken Prep
Alright, let's talk fried chicken recipe . The secret? A good brine! Mix 4 cups of cold water with 1/4 cup of kosher salt and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
Add a teaspoon each of crushed black peppercorns, garlic powder, and paprika. Pop in 4 chicken breasts (or thighs) and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Honestly, up to 4 hours is even better!
Waffle Wonder
Now, for the buttermilk waffles . You will need 2 cups of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
Then, grab 2 eggs (separated), 1 ¾ cups of buttermilk, 6 tablespoons of melted butter, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
It's the ultimate waffle recipe
Time to Fry
While the chicken is brining, get your breading ready. Mix 1 ½ cups of flour with spices. Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper – all 1 tablespoon each, except for pepper (½ teaspoon).
Then, whisk 2 eggs with a cup of buttermilk. Dredge that chicken, and get frying! Get your oil to 350° F ( 175° C) and cook for about 6- 8 minutes per side.
Ingredients & Equipment for Epic Chicken and Waffles
Okay, let's talk about what you actually need to make some seriously good chicken and waffles . This ain't just some slap-dash brekkie; we're going for southern comfort food gold.
Main Ingredients for Your Chicken and Waffles Adventure
First up, the stars of the show!
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz or 170g each). If you prefer, use bone-in thighs.
- Brine: 4 cups (950 ml) cold water, 1/4 cup (50g) kosher salt, 2 tablespoons (30g) sugar, 1 teaspoon crushed black peppercorns, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika. Good quality chicken makes a massive difference. If you can, get free-range or organic. It just tastes better, you know?
- Chicken Breading: 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 large eggs (beaten), 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, 2 cups (480ml) vegetable oil.
- Waffles: 2 cups (256g) all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons (24g) sugar, 4 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 large eggs (separated), 1 ¾ cups (420ml) buttermilk, 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter (melted), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Serving: Maple syrup (duh!), hot sauce (optional), fresh thyme sprigs (optional).
For the fried chicken recipe , the quality of your spices matters. Freshly opened spices have way more flavour. Honestly, that's a pro tip!
Seasoning Secrets for Crispy Chicken
Let's get those flavours poppin'!
The essential combo for the crispy chicken is paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Thyme and oregano give it that extra somethin'-somethin'.
Don't skip them. A pinch of cayenne pepper in the flour will add a kick .
Buttermilk is the key for tender chicken . No buttermilk? Mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
Equipment Needed for Your Chicken and Waffle Brunch
Keep it simple, innit?
You'll need a big bowl for brining. Shallow dishes for breading the chicken, a large cast-iron skillet (or deep fryer, if you're fancy), a wire rack, a meat thermometer ( Crucial! Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) to avoid any nasty surprises), a waffle iron, whisk, and mixing bowls.
Don't have a fancy waffle iron? A George Foreman grill might work in a pinch, but honestly, invest in a proper waffle iron. Your buttermilk waffles will thank you.
Let's Fry and Waffle: Making Epic Chicken and Waffles
Oh my gosh, you guys, let's talk chicken and waffles ! Honestly, this is my ultimate southern comfort food . It's the perfect sweet and savory combo for chicken and waffle brunch , a lazy weekend, or honestly, whenever you just need a hug in food form.
This fried chicken recipe with buttermilk waffles will blow your mind.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
First things first, prep is key! Get your ingredients measured out. It makes life so much easier. Honestly, I once tried to make this without prepping and ended up with flour everywhere.
Also, remember that brining the chicken is going to take a little bit of planning.
To save time, measure your spices into a small bowl. Got your maple syrup ready to go? Good. Safety tip: Always be careful when handling hot oil! And finally, don’t skip out on the buttermilk! It's what gives our waffles the distinctive tang, and the chicken becomes so tender.
Step-By-Step: Chicken and Waffle Magic
- Brine that Chicken: Mix water, salt, sugar, peppercorns, garlic powder, and paprika. Submerge chicken for 30 minutes to 4 hours in the fridge.
- Breading Time: Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge chicken in flour, then egg, then back in flour.
- Fry Baby Fry: Heat oil to 350° F ( 175° C) . Fry chicken for 6- 8 minutes per side, until it reaches 165° F ( 74° C) inside.
- Drain that Grease: Place chicken on a rack to drain.
- Make Waffle Batter: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Yolks : Whisk egg yolks, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Whites : Whip egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Mix wet and dry: Fold wet into dry, then fold in egg whites.
- Waffle Time: Cook waffles until golden and crispy.
Pro Tips for Chicken and Waffle Glory
Don't overcrowd the pan when frying! Fry in batches. Also, to make this meal ahead of time, you can fry the chicken and make the waffles, then keep them warm in a 200° F ( 95° C) oven until you're ready to serve.
People will think you're a wizard.
The most common mistake? Overmixing the waffle batter. It makes them tough! Honestly, I sometimes add a splash of hot sauce to the buttermilk waffles batter for a little kick.
I've had so much joy with this recipe and I hope you do too! After all this crispy chicken and waffle recipe , you are going to enjoy some authentic soul food !
Recipe Notes for the Ultimate Chicken and Waffles Experience
Right, so you're about to dive into the wonderful world of chicken and waffles , eh? Before you get your pinny on, let’s run through some essential bits and bobs.
This isn’t just a fried chicken recipe thrown on top of some buttermilk waffles . We're aiming for soul food perfection!
Serving Suggestions – Level Up Your Chicken and Waffle Brunch
Honestly, the presentation is half the fun. I love stacking the crispy chicken high on the waffles. A good drizzle of maple syrup is essential.
Don't be shy. Maybe a dash of hot sauce if you're feeling brave! A sprig of thyme adds a touch of fancy.
For sides? A simple coleslaw is a winner. It cuts through the richness. Or, if you are like me, Mac and cheese is a must to have more of that southern comfort food .
Wash it all down with iced tea or lemonade for that proper Southern vibe.
Storage Tips – Keeping the Dream Alive
If you manage to have leftovers of this sweet and savory dish, then color me impressed! Keep the fried chicken recipe and waffles separate in the fridge.
The chicken will be good for about 3 days. Waffles will last for 2 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) to get it nice and crispy again.
Pop the waffles in the toaster. Freezing is tricky. The chicken can get a bit sad.
Variations – Make it Your Own
Fancy a twist? Add some cayenne pepper to the crispy chicken breading for a spicy kick. Trust me, it's lush .
Or, use sweet potato puree in your waffle recipe for a healthier, seasonal take on chicken and waffles .
For my gluten-free mates, use a gluten-free flour blend for both the chicken and waffles. It works a treat!
Nutrition Basics – The Good Stuff (Sort Of)
Okay, let's be real. This isn't exactly a salad. But it is soul-satisfying! Expect around 800-950 calories per serving. There's a decent whack of protein (50-60g), and those essential fats (40-50g).
Carbs are around 70-80g. This is an estimate, mind you. Exact numbers depend on what you chuck in.
So, there you have it. All you need to know before you make this chicken and waffle brunch masterpiece. It's easier than it looks, and the result is unbelievable .
Get in the kitchen and get cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the big deal about chicken and waffles anyway? Is it really worth the hype?
Oh, absolutely! Think of it as the best of both worlds: savoury, crispy fried chicken meeting sweet, fluffy waffles. It's a delightful dance of textures and flavors that's surprisingly addictive, like a good episode of 'The Great British Bake Off' – comforting and satisfying. Once you try a good plate of chicken and waffles, you'll understand why it's a classic.
Can I make chicken and waffles ahead of time? What's the best way to store them?
You can prep parts of the recipe! The chicken can be fried ahead of time and reheated in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until crispy. Waffles are best fresh, but can be made ahead, cooled completely, and reheated in a toaster or oven. Store leftover chicken and waffles separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Help! My chicken isn't crispy enough. What am I doing wrong when making chicken and waffles?
Crispy chicken is key! Make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F/175°C) before adding the chicken. Don't overcrowd the pan; fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature. Also, ensure your chicken is thoroughly coated in the breading and don't skip the brining step – it adds flavour and helps with crispiness. Think of it like building a proper cuppa – attention to detail matters!
What are some fun variations I can try with this chicken and waffles recipe?
Let your culinary creativity shine! Try adding a spicy kick by incorporating cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the chicken breading. You could also experiment with different waffle flavors, like sweet potato or cornbread waffles. And don't forget the toppings! Honey, hot honey, fruit compotes, or even a fried egg can elevate your chicken and waffles game. The possibilities are as endless as flavours of crisps Walkers put out each year!
Is there a healthier way to make chicken and waffles without sacrificing flavor?
Absolutely! Consider baking the chicken instead of frying it for a lower-fat option, or use an air fryer for that crispy texture with less oil. For the waffles, try using whole wheat flour or adding mashed banana to the batter to increase the fiber content. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the waffle recipe. Even Mary Berry would approve of these sensible swaps!
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for my chicken and waffles?
Yes, definitely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative. They tend to be more flavorful and stay juicier than chicken breasts, even with a bit of overcooking. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It's a bit like choosing between a malty biscuit and a digestive - different strokes for different folks!
