The Ultimate Crispy Southern Fried Chicken Sweet Cream Waffles

My Secret Weapon for Seriously Satisfying Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

Right then! I can still smell it now that glorious aroma hitting you right in the kitchen. It’s the sound of sizzling oil mixing with the sweet scent of rising dough. That first bite of proper Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles ? Pure heaven, mate.

It’s that perfect collision of salty, crisp goodness against something sweet and fluffy.

Unpacking Your Top Kitchen Worries

Look, I know what you’re thinking before you even start. People always ask me three things about this Chicken N Waffles Recipe . First: “How do I get the crust super craggy?” Second: “Is this going to be a grease bomb?” And third: “Can I actually make this without deep frying oil everywhere?” Absolutely, we’ll tackle all that.

Unlike those other rushed posts, we’re focusing on deep flavour and manageable technique to make brilliant Homemade Chicken And Waffles .

Mastering the Flavour Foundation

This isn’t just throwing chicken in flour; it’s an exercise in patience that pays off tenfold. The key to getting that deep, satisfying seasoning in the meat itself lies entirely in the soak. We need that chicken to be tender from the inside out before it even sees the hot oil.

That buttermilk brine tenderizes the meat beautifully and helps the coating stick like glue.

The Ingredient Breakdown for Waffle Fried Chicken

Before we get deep into the steps, let’s look at what we need. Forget complicated shopping trips; most of this is cupboard standard. Remember, the cornstarch in the flour mix is non-negotiable it’s what keeps the crust shatteringly crisp against the fluffy waffle.

If you want to take it up a notch later, we can explore making a killer Spicy Honey Butter Sauce for Fried Chicken .

Essential Steps for Golden Crunch Success

When we get to the actual frying stage, remember this golden rule: temperature control is everything. I learned the hard way that cold oil equals soggy chicken. We need that oil humming nicely at 325°F (160°C) .

Don't rush removing the chicken from the fryer; those last few minutes are crucial for ensuring that beautiful, deep colour and perfect internal temp. You want that audible crunch when you cut into it!

Serving Up the Ultimate Comfort Dish

Once your Fried Chicken And Waffles Recipe is complete, don't let it sit around getting soggy. Serve it immediately! I love piling mine high, maybe with some pickled onions on the side for a little zing.

This is proper soul food, the kind that makes you put your feet up and forget about any worries. This Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles combination is officially going to become your weekend favourite.

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Right then! Pull up a chair, grab your apron, and let’s talk about the quintessential American comfort food mash-up: Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles . This isn't just breakfast; it’s an occasion! It’s the perfect balance of salty, crispy, sweet, and fluffy.

We're going to nail that deep, satisfying flavour profile you usually only find down South.

Here is the backbone the blueprint for turning your kitchen into a proper soul food haven, giving you the best Homemade Chicken And Waffles experience ever.

The Ultimate Crispy Southern Fried Chicken & Sweet Cream Waffles

Brief Flavour Snapshot

Prepare yourself for a culinary triumph! This recipe pairs unbelievably juicy, buttermilk marinated chicken, coated in a deeply seasoned, craggy crust, with light, fluffy, slightly sweet waffles. It’s the iconic sweet and-savoury dance made famous by Harlem's jazz era supper clubs, elevated for the home cook.

Think proper crunch, tender meat, and a Spicy Honey Butter Sauce for Fried Chicken drizzle that ties the whole glorious mess together.

Level of Kitchen Commitment

Why Medium? While frying isn't inherently tricky, deep frying requires attention to oil temperature for safety and optimal crispness. The buttermilk brine and the waffle technique add a couple of necessary steps that take this beyond a simple weeknight throw together.

It’s worth the effort, trust me! Getting that crust right on your Fried Chicken And Waffles Recipe takes practice.

Timeframe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes active prep, plus 4– 12 hours for chicken brining/marinating (chilling).
• Cook Time: 45– 60 minutes (This accounts for batch frying the chicken and cooking the waffles simultaneously).
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (Active time after marination).

Core Shopping List

We need the good stuff here. For the chicken, grab pieces with skin on; that fat equals flavour. Aim for chicken that looks fresh, not greyish. You’ll need 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) of mixed bone-in chicken parts.

For the coating, we use 2 cups (240g) of plain flour and 1/2 cup (60g) of cornstarch that cornstarch is key for that incredible crunch you want in a proper Waffle Fried Chicken .

For the waffles, stick to whole milk; skimmed milk won’t give you the richness needed here.

Flavor Architecture

The spices are what make this more than just breaded chicken. We are building serious Southern Fried Chicken flavour. Smoked paprika brings warmth, while garlic and onion powder provide that deep, savoury base note (umami). The cayenne pepper? That's your gentle kick.

If you can’t find good cayenne, you could swap it for a dash of chili powder, or for a real punch, try grinding some dried chipotle in with the coating mix. That’s my top tip for next level depth!

Essential Tools & Prep Ahead Tips

You must have a thermometer for frying it’s non-negotiable for safe, crispy results. A heavy Dutch oven works great if you don't have a dedicated deep fryer. For mise en place , get your dry coating mix done the night before; whisk it all together and seal it in a big Ziploc bag.

Then, your first job tomorrow is just pulling the chicken out of the brine and dredging. That makes the morning of making your Chicken N Waffles Recipe much less frantic.

What Food Network Shopping Editors Recommend Buying on Amazon Prime Day, Based on Years of Testing

When shopping online, look for high-quality, neutral frying oils like refined peanut or canola. If you’re keen on storage, leftovers of the Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles reheat best in a toaster oven, never the microwave! That soggy texture is the enemy of this dish.

Keep the waffles separate from the chicken until serving to maintain crispness.

Right then! Pull up a chair, grab your apron, and let’s talk about the quintessential American comfort food mash-up: Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles . This isn't just breakfast; it’s an occasion! It’s the perfect balance of salty, crispy, sweet, and fluffy.

We're going to nail that deep, satisfying flavour profile you usually only find down South. Here is the backbone the blueprint for turning your kitchen into a proper soul food haven.

The Ultimate Crispy Southern Fried Chicken & Sweet Cream Waffles

Brief Description

Prepare yourself for a culinary triumph! This recipe pairs unbelievably juicy, buttermilk marinated chicken, coated in a deeply seasoned, craggy crust, with light, fluffy, slightly sweet waffles. It’s the iconic sweet and-savoury dance made famous by Harlem's jazz era supper clubs, elevated for the home cook.

Think proper crunch, tender meat, and a maple syrup drizzle that ties the whole glorious mess together.

Difficulty Level: Medium

Why Medium? While frying isn't inherently tricky, deep frying requires attention to oil temperature for safety and optimal crispness. The buttermilk brine and the waffle technique add a couple of necessary steps that take this beyond a simple weeknight throw together.

It’s worth the effort, trust me!

Time Estimates

• Prep Time: 30 minutes active prep, plus 4– 12 hours for chicken brining/marinating (chilling).
• Cook Time: 45– 60 minutes (This accounts for batch frying the chicken and cooking the waffles simultaneously).
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (Active time after marination).

Ingredient List

For the Buttermilk Brined Chicken:

• Chicken: 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg) bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (mix of thighs, drumsticks, and breasts), trimmed.
• Buttermilk: 2 cups (475 ml) full fat buttermilk.
• Hot Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) your favourite cayenne based hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco or Frank’s).
• Salt: 1 tablespoon (15g) Kosher salt.
• Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

For the Crispy Coating:

• Flour: 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour.
• Cornstarch: 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch (the secret weapon for extra crispness!).
• Seasoning Blend:
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika.
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder.
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice tolerance!).
  • 1 teaspoon salt.
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
• Oil for Frying: 6 8 cups (1.4 1.9 L) neutral oil with a high smoke point (e.g., peanut, vegetable, or canola oil).

For the Sweet Cream Waffles:

• Flour: 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour.
• Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon.
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for that hint of sweetness).
• Salt: 1 teaspoon fine sea salt.
• Milk: 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) whole milk.
• Eggs: 2 large eggs, separated (yolks in one bowl, whites in another).
• Butter: 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.

Laying the Groundwork: Pre-Cooking Prep Essentials

This is where you stop hoping for good flavour and start guaranteeing it. The chicken needs time to get happy in its bath. Make sure you get the buttermilk marinade going for at least four hours overnight is best for that truly tender, slightly tangy meat.

If your chicken tastes bland later, you didn't salt the brine enough. Lesson learned the hard way! While the chicken chills, get your dry ingredients for the coating whisked up. You need everything ready to go before that oil gets hot.

Resting the coated chicken for 15 minutes before frying is a little trick it helps that gorgeous crust really stick on.

Guiding You Through the Cooking Process

First up, we tackle the hot stuff. Get that oil heating up slowly to 325° F ( 160° C) . Seriously, use a thermometer; it’s not optional for good Fried Chicken and Waffles .

Once you drop the first batch in, listen for a steady, lively sizzle that’s the sound of success. If it’s quiet, the oil is too cold. Aim for 6– 8 minutes per side. When the crust is that deep, rich golden brown, pull them out and place them on the rack.

While the chicken is resting, you whip up the waffles. For the waffles, the most critical bit is folding in those stiff egg whites at the end do it gently! You want air, not dense bread. Cook them until the steam stops puffing out of the iron.

Keeping It Good: Storage and Quick Fixes

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), the best way to store them is cooled down, layered between parchment paper in an airtight container, and kept in the fridge for up to three days. Reheating is key: skip the microwave!

Pop the chicken on a baking sheet in a 400° F ( 200° C) oven for 10 minutes until crisp again. For the waffles, a quick blast in the toaster works wonders.

Emergency fix time: if your final sauce say, a Spicy Honey Butter Sauce for Fried Chicken —looks a bit thin, just whisk in a tiny bit of cornstarch mixed with cold water, then heat gently until thickened. Too salty?

A squeeze of lemon juice can often balance it out by introducing needed acidity. Enjoy this incredible Chicken N Waffles Recipe !

Right then! Pull up a chair, grab your apron, and let’s talk about the quintessential American comfort food mash-up: Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles . This isn't just breakfast; it’s an occasion! It’s the perfect balance of salty, crispy, sweet, and fluffy.

We're going to nail that deep, satisfying flavour profile you usually only find down South.

Here is the backbone the blueprint for turning your kitchen into a proper soul food haven.

The Ultimate Crispy Southern Fried Chicken & Sweet Cream Waffles

Getting Started: The Mission Brief

Prepare yourself for a culinary triumph! This recipe pairs unbelievably juicy, buttermilk marinated chicken, coated in a deeply seasoned, craggy crust, with light, fluffy, slightly sweet waffles. It’s the iconic sweet and-savoury dance made famous by Harlem's jazz era supper clubs, elevated for the home cook.

Think proper crunch, tender meat, and a maple syrup drizzle that ties the whole glorious mess together.

Initial Thoughts on Difficulty

This one lands at Medium difficulty. Why? Because deep frying demands respect. You need to watch that oil temperature like a hawk for safety and that glorious, shatteringly crisp texture. Plus, the overnight brine for the chicken adds a few hours of planning.

But honestly, once you nail the temperature, the Chicken N Waffles Recipe is a doddle.

Time Checklist

You need to plan ahead for this, mate. Active prep is about 30 minutes, but the chicken needs to hang out in the fridge for at least four hours overnight is best. Cooking time, once everything is ready, clocks in around an hour while you juggle the frying and the waffle iron.

How Much Does This Make?

We are aiming for four generous servings here. If you’re feeding a mob, just scale up the ingredient ratios! Don't skimp on the brine time, though.

Flavour Tweaks and Next Level Garnishes

Right, so your Homemade Chicken And Waffles are cooked. How do we make them look like they jumped off a magazine cover? Forget just dumping syrup on top. A cheeky drizzle of Spicy Honey Butter Sauce for Fried Chicken makes people weep with joy. Seriously.

Plate them up stacked high chicken on the bottom, waffle on top and scatter some finely chopped chives or microgreens over the chicken for a pop of colour. I tried adding a dash of bourbon to the waffle batter once; it didn't quite work for breakfast, but it was fun!

We’re aiming for that proper Southern crunch here, which is miles better than those soggy attempts I had when I first tried making Waffle Fried Chicken years ago.

Fuel Stats and Swaps

For a proper indulgent portion (two pieces of chicken, two waffle squares), you’re looking at around 1000 calories. It's a weekend treat, not a Tuesday lunch! If you need lighter calories, skip the butter in the waffle recipe and use a non-dairy milk.

For gluten-free folks, swap the flour for a good 1:1 blend in both the coating and the waffle mix. The main trade off is that the gluten-free coating might not hold that beautifully craggy texture quite as well as the wheat flour version.

Beyond the Plate: Sides and Storage

This dish sings on its own, but it loves company. A sharp, tangy side salad or some quick pickled onions cuts right through the richness of the Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles . If you have leftovers (good luck!), store the chicken and waffles separately in the fridge for up to two days.

To reheat, the toaster oven or a conventional oven at 350° F ( 175° C) is your best bet for reviving that crispness. Avoid the microwave unless you enjoy rubbery chicken we aren't reheating yesterday's casserole here!

I learned that the hard way when I was trying to repurpose my first Fried Chicken And Waffles Recipe batch.

Seriously, get stuck into this Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe . You won’t regret mastering this beauty!

If you're craving more ideas, explore The Proper Job Tuna Salad Bright Zesty Sandwich Filling , The Ultimate NoSlop Tuna Sandwich Melt Recipe and Best Layered Chicken Biryani Recipe Authentic Dum Style .