🤤 Classic Chicken and Waffles Recipe | Easy Guide

by | Jun 3, 2024 | Chicken Recipes, Recipes

Imagine waking up on a lazy Sunday morning to the smell of crispy, golden chicken and fresh waffles. This recipe perfectly combines the flavors of savory chicken with sweet waffles. It became a favorite in my family when I needed to find meals that fit my child’s picky eating habits and avoided food allergies.

It all started with a friend’s post on Instagram about honey chicken and waffles. The post got 22 likes and got me curious about this beloved southern comfort food. So, I decided to try it out using my waffle iron and Instant Pot. I soon realized it was more than just food; it was a great way to gather friends and family.

My journey led me to create a simple guide for this beloved dish. It covers everything you need to know, from making buttermilk for the chicken to cooking waffles just right. This recipe is great for kids and adults alike. It combines the warmth of southern cooking with the ease of modern methods.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • This guide provides an easy-to-follow recipe for a beloved southern chicken and waffles dish.
  • Perfect for any occasion, especially brunch.
  • Kid-friendly and adaptable for picky eaters and food allergies.
  • Uses common kitchen appliances like a waffle iron, Instant Pot, and hand blender.
  • Includes instructions for freezing and reheating.

Ingredients Needed for Homemade Chicken and Waffles

Making great chicken and waffles starts with the right ingredients. Imagine the tasty combination: crispy buttermilk chicken and soft waffles. Here’s what you need to make this timeless favorite at home.

Chicken Ingredients

For the buttermilk fried chicken, you’ll need these ingredients:

  • 4 thin sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup buttermilk, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 1/2 cups peanut oil or frying oil of choice

Waffle Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for the waffles:

  • 2 cups Bisquick mix
  • 1 1/3 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Nutritional Data per Serving Amount
Calories 767 kcal
Carbohydrates 85 g
Protein 36 g
Fat 29 g
Saturated Fat 6 g
Cholesterol 163 mg
Sodium 1013 mg
Potassium 811 mg
Fiber 2 g
Sugar 11 g
Vitamin A 885 IU
Vitamin C 1.7 mg
Calcium 264 mg
Iron 3.7 mg

This detailed list of ingredients covers everything for a tasty chicken and waffles meal. Enjoy making the golden buttermilk chicken and light yet crunchy waffles. Add this recipe to your favorites for a delicious dinner anytime.

Preparing the Buttermilk Mixture for the Chicken

To make the best chicken and waffles, getting the buttermilk mixture right is key. Soaking the chicken in buttermilk keeps it moist and flavorful. This step ensures the chicken is juicy and rich with flavor.

Ingredients for Buttermilk Mixture

You’ll need a few key items for the buttermilk mixture chicken. Here’s the complete list:

  • 1 lb chicken tenderloin for brining
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Seasonings: garlic powder, sea salt, cajun seasoning, black pepper, paprika, parsley

Soaking the Chicken

soaking chicken in buttermilk

To soak the chicken, start with these steps:

  1. Combine one cup of buttermilk and a beaten egg in a bowl.
  2. Enhance the mixture’s taste with 1 Tbsp Kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, plus garlic powder, cajun seasoning, paprika, and parsley.
  3. Coat the chicken tenderloins in the buttermilk mixture. Make sure every piece is covered.
  4. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This makes the chicken tender and flavorful.

Getting the buttermilk mixture ready and giving the chicken enough soak time are important for this recipe. It ensures the chicken is juicy and tasty. Together with crispy waffles, this makes the best chicken and waffles dish.

Seasoning and Coating the Chicken

To make perfect crispy chicken and waffles, the right seasoning is key. First, we marinate the chicken in buttermilk. Then, we add a special mix of spices and flour to make it even better.

Dry Coating Mixture

The dry mix for chicken makes sure it’s crunchy. It’s a blend of cornstarch and flour. They’re a must for that crispy outside everyone loves.

Ingredient Quantity
All-Purpose Flour 2 cups
Cornstarch 1 cup
Salt 1 tablespoon
Black Pepper 2 teaspoons
Garlic Powder 1 tablespoon
Onion Powder 1 tablespoon
Smoked Paprika 1 teaspoon

Seasoning Tips

Great seasoning is key for tasty crispy chicken and waffles. Here are some helpful hints:

  1. Double Dredge: Dip the chicken thighs in buttermilk, then the flour mix, then buttermilk again, and finally flour. It makes your chicken super crispy.
  2. Temperature Control: Fry your chicken at 325°F. A thermometer makes sure your oil stays the right temperature for perfect cooking.
  3. Resting Time: Let the chicken sit for 10 minutes after you coat it. This makes the coating stick well when you fry it.
  4. Select Oils: Neutral oils like canola or grapeseed are best. They handle high heat and keep the chicken tasting great.

Using these tips will make your dish look and taste amazing. Enjoy a meal of unforgettable crispy chicken and waffles.

Cooking the Chicken in an Air Fryer

Cooking chicken in an air fryer is a healthy choice. It gives you crispy chicken without much oil. Let’s learn how to make crispy air fried chicken with 1 pound of chicken thighs.

Setting Up the Air Fryer

Get your air fryer ready before cooking. First, preheat it to 400°F for 5 minutes. This helps make sure your chicken cooks evenly.

Then, place your chicken in a single layer. Make sure they aren’t on top of each other.

Cooking Tips for Crispy Chicken

  • Cooking Time: To make your chicken crispy, cook it for 12 minutes. Flip it over halfway through. That’s 6 minutes each side.
  • Spray Tips: Use a little cooking spray on the chicken before cooking. But, don’t spray aerosol cans directly into the air fryer. It can harm the fryer.
  • Temperature Check: Check the chicken’s inside. It should be 165°F to make sure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
  • Seasoning: Season your chicken with a mix of 3 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. This makes it taste great.

Keep an eye on the chicken while it cooks. This recipe will make tasty, crispy chicken with ease. Just follow these steps.

Step Temperature Duration
Preheat air fryer 400°F 5 minutes
Cook first side 400°F 6 minutes
Flip chicken 400°F 6 minutes

With these tips, you’ll cook perfect air fried chicken every time. Enjoy your crispy chicken!

Making the Waffle Batter

Getting the waffle batter just right is key to making those perfect waffles. They should be crispy and golden on the outside but soft and airy inside. A good mix of dry and wet ingredients makes a batter that cooks up wonderfully.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

First, mix all your dry ingredients. You’ll use 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. These make a great base for your waffles, giving them their texture and flavor.

Preparing Wet Ingredients

Next, get your wet ingredients together. In a bowl, combine 2 cups of buttermilk, 2 large egg yolks, 6 tablespoons of melted salted butter, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Make sure it’s all mixed well. This part is essential for amazing waffle batter.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, mix your wet and dry ingredients. Make a well in the dry mix and pour the wet mix in. Gently fold this together. Don’t mix too much, or your waffles might be tough. A well-blended batter should be smooth and easy to pour.

Ingredients Quantity
All-purpose flour 2 ¼ cups
Sugar 3 tablespoons
Baking powder 1 ½ teaspoons
Ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon
Buttermilk 2 cups
Egg yolks 2 large
Melted salted butter 6 tablespoons
Vanilla extract 2 teaspoons

Now that your batter is ready, you can make delicious waffles. They pair perfectly with fried chicken for a classic meal. Just follow these steps precisely, and you’ll wow your guests.

Cooking the Waffles to Perfection

To get crispy waffles, you need to pay attention to detail. It’s essential to use a waffle maker the right way. Follow these steps for amazing crispy waffles that go well with chicken.

Using a Waffle Maker

Begin by preheating your waffle maker to 375°F. This temperature is best for a nice, even cook. It makes sure the outside is crunchy, and the inside is soft. Don’t forget to lightly oil the plates. This helps the waffles not stick.

Pour the batter in, close the lid, and wait. Don’t use too much batter, or it will overflow.

crispy waffles recipe

Cooking Tips for Crispy Waffles

Watch the steam to know when your waffle is ready. If the steam stops, it usually means it’s cooked. Open the lid gently to check the color. You want it to be a nice golden-brown.

For extra crisp, keep finished waffles in a warm oven. Make sure air circulates around them.

Don’t stack waffles right after cooking. Stacking traps steam and makes them soft. If your waffle maker lets you adjust settings, play around. See what browning setting you like best. But remember, don’t mix the batter too much. Overmixing can make the waffles tough.

Making the Brown Butter for Added Flavor

Creating brown butter lifts the flavor of your waffles high. This brown butter recipe is easy but makes the taste better. Start with 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat. As it melts, the butter foams; give it a light stir for even cooking.

Keep the butter on the heat until it’s a golden-brown color and smells nutty. This step makes the butter taste rich, with a texture perfect for flavored waffles.

Adding brown butter to your batter can enhance the waffle taste a lot. Mix it with flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and soda. Add sour cream, buttermilk, or a milk plus lemon juice combo, and eggs as wet ingredients.

Blend everything gently into a batter that’s ready to cook. You’ll get waffles that are crispy outside, soft inside, with the rich taste of brown butter in every bite.

Incorporating Bourbon into the Waffle Recipe

Bourbon in waffles boosts flavor and adds a unique twist, making any breakfast special. It makes the waffles moister and gives a nice, warm touch that goes perfectly with sweet toppings.

bourbon waffle recipe

To start your bourbon waffle recipe, mix flour, baking powder, sugar, and some salt. Then add buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and a bit of bourbon. The bourbon’s flavor cooks into the waffles, leaving a lovely aroma and taste.

Ingredient Quantity Purpose
Flour 2 cups Base of the batter
Baking Powder 2 tsp Helps the waffles rise
Sugar 1/4 cup Adds sweetness
Salt 1/2 tsp Balances flavors
Buttermilk 1 1/2 cups For moist and fluffy texture
Eggs 2 Provides structure
Bourbon 1/4 cup Adds unique flavor

Bourbon makes waffles unique because its rich taste complements different syrups. Try waffles with a blackberry bourbon maple syrup, mixing maple syrup with bourbon. It’s a great taste combination.

Making these waffles is simple: mix everything and pour the batter on a hot waffle iron. Cook until golden-brown, about 2 to 5 minutes. This way, the bourbon flavor stays in the waffles, making them delicious.

Experiment with bourbon waffles for a better breakfast. They’re great with fruit, cream, or even just maple syrup. Bourbon adds a classy touch to this classic dish.

Classic Chicken and Waffles Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

This section gives you everything you need to make classic chicken and waffles at home. It’s easy and only takes a few steps.

Step 1: Preparing the Buttermilk Chicken

First, mix buttermilk and egg in a bowl. Then, soak your chicken in the mixture. Let it sit for at least 24 hours. This makes the chicken tender and tasty.

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

To make crispy air-fried chicken, set your air fryer to 360 degrees. Cook the chicken for 10-15 minutes. You can also bake it at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes. Or, deep-fry for a classic crispy finish.

Step 3: Making the Waffles

Next, make the waffle batter. In one bowl, mix the dry ingredients. In another, mix the wet ingredients. Combine them to get a smooth batter. Cook it in a Belgian waffle maker until it’s golden and crispy, usually about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Serving Suggestions

Now, it’s time to plate up. Put your waffles on a plate and place the chicken on top. Drizzle maple syrup and sprinkle some powdered sugar over them. You’ll have a dish that looks and tastes like it’s from a restaurant.

Alternative Cooking Methods: Deep Fry or Oven-Bake

When you want to make the best chicken for chicken and waffles, you can choose deep fry or oven-bake methods. Both have their unique benefits, fitting different tastes and dietary needs.

Deep Fry Method

Deep frying is a top pick for golden, crunchy, and moist chicken. It involves dipping chicken pieces in hot oil. First, marinate the chicken for at least 6 hours. Overnight is even better for the flavors to soak in right.

Next, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Wing pieces will be ready in about 9 minutes. Thighs and drumsticks need around 12 minutes. After cooking, let them drain and rest. This crispy chicken complements sweet, airy waffles for a special treat.

Oven-Bake Method

Oven-baked chicken is a healthier, but still tasty, option. You layer marinated chicken in a breading mix of flour, egg, garlic powder, and Panko breadcrumbs.

Bake it at 390°F (200°C) for 25 minutes. Add broccoli and bake for another 20 minutes. This makes the chicken moist and crispy. With only 513 kcal per serving, it’s a good choice for those watching their health.

Both methods have their perks. Whether you go for the classic deep-fried taste or the healthier oven-baked option, your chicken and waffles will be delicious. Pick your favorite way and make your meal a culinary adventure.

alternative cooking methods

Best Toppings for Chicken and Waffles

Since the 1910s, chicken and waffles have won hearts, starting in small Chicago and California spots. They blew up during the 1930s Harlem Renaissance in New York City. The mix of sweet and savory toppings can really change the game. Let’s check out some great ideas for chicken and waffles.

Sweet Toppings

If you love sweets, there are many ways to top your chicken and waffles. Pouring on some maple syrup gives a sweet touch. Powdered sugar on top adds a nice twist. Also, fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries can make it fresher and more colorful.

Savory Toppings

Maybe you like your chicken and waffles on the savory side. You can try some different, tasty additions. Spicy honey mustard sauce brings a tangy and spicy flavor that goes well with the chicken. Fried sage gives an earthy taste that mixes with the sweet waffles. Adding creamy gravy makes each bite rich and comforting.

Mixing sweet and savory can take things up a notch. For example, using a little spicy sauce with some maple syrup can create a perfect balance. This makes every bite memorable.

“Some famous spots for chicken and waffles are Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles, Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Waffles, and more.”

Whether you like sweet, savory, or the best of both worlds, experimenting is key. With these tasty options, your chicken and waffles will be a hit with anyone.

Serving Classic Chicken and Waffles for Brunch

Pairing the old tradition of chicken and waffles with new ways of serving makes brunch special. You might think of Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles, or the Harlem scene of the 1930s, to set the mood. The key is to make your plate inviting to fully enjoy this southern favorite.

Plating Ideas

For a standout look, use a Belgian waffle iron. It creates big, fluffy waffles that are great for holding syrup. Put your chicken on top after brining and dredging it twice. Then, add a spicy honey butter sauce or maple syrup on top. For a final touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs for both looks and taste.

Side Dishes to Complement

It’s important to have balanced side dishes with your chicken and waffles. Fresh fruit like berries or melon offers a sweet, refreshing taste. Coleslaw adds crunch and tang, while a simple green salad cleans the taste buds. Offering different sides caters to varied preferences and diets.

Restaurant Specialty
Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles Classic Southern Style
Gladys Knight’s Chicken and Waffles Buttermilk-Brined Chicken
Dame’s Chicken and Waffles Unique Waffle Flavors
Hattie B’s Spicy Honey Butter Sauce
Lolo’s Chicken and Waffles Juicy Chicken Thighs
Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles Baking Powder and Cornstarch Crust

Making Gluten-Free Chicken and Waffles

Creating gluten-free chicken and waffles is simple and delicious. It uses special ingredients to keep the taste and texture great. You start by mixing 2 pounds of chicken wings with a blend of 1 1/2 cups of gluten-free flour and 1/4 cup of cornstarch. Add your favorite seasonings. For the juiciest chicken, let it sit in buttermilk for 2 hours before cooking.

You can fry the chicken or use an air fryer. To fry, heat oil to 350°F and cook each side of the chicken for 7-9 minutes until it’s crispy and the inside is 165º F. If you’re using an air fryer, like the Ninja Foodi or Corsori, set it to 370º F and cook for 15 minutes, flipping at 7 minutes.

The waffles are made with gluten-free flour, mixed with plant-based milk for a dairy-free option. Don’t forget the Maple Bourbon Glaze: mix 1 cup of maple syrup with 1/2 cup of bourbon. Let it simmer for 10 minutes for a tasty topping.

This recipe is great for many diets. You can use gluten-free bread crumbs from brands like Ians or Schar. The dish is free from dairy, soy, nuts, and oats. It keeps well in the fridge for 4 days. Reheat waffles in a toaster and chicken in the oven at 325º F for 15 minutes.

FAQ

What ingredients are needed for homemade chicken and waffles?

You’ll need chicken tenderloins, buttermilk, eggs, cornstarch, and flour for the chicken. A mix of savory spices is also needed. For the waffles, gather gluten-free flour, baking powder, buttermilk, eggs, and a maple cinnamon blend.

How do I prepare the buttermilk mixture for the chicken?

Mix buttermilk with eggs and spices. Soak the chicken in this mix. This step tenderizes and flavors the chicken.

What is the best way to season and coat the chicken?

After soaking, coat the chicken in a mix of cornstarch, flour, and spices. This step gives the chicken its crispy texture and full flavor.

How do I cook the chicken in an air fryer?

Preheat the air fryer. Put the chicken in it evenly for a crispy finish. Follow the fryer’s instructions for the best outcome.

What steps are involved in making the waffle batter?

Mix dry ingredients like flour and baking powder first. Then, blend buttermilk, eggs, and browned butter. Combine the dry and wet ingredients gently for a fluffy batter.

How do I cook waffles to crispy perfection using a waffle maker?

Set the waffle maker right for crisp waffles. Pour in the batter, but don’t overdo it. Flip the waffles at the right time for gold and no stick.

How do I make brown butter for added waffle flavor?

Heat butter gently until it’s golden-brown. Use this brown butter in your mix for a nutty waffle taste.

How can I add bourbon to the waffle recipe?

Add a bit of bourbon to the batter. It makes the waffles moister and adds a warm, rich flavor that goes great with syrup.

Can you provide a step-by-step guide for making classic chicken and waffles?

Sure! Start with buttermilk chicken, then fry it your chosen way. Make crispy waffles next. Finally, plate your meal and enjoy.

Are there alternative methods for cooking the chicken?

Yes, you can also deep fry or bake the chicken. Baking is healthy yet keeps the chicken as tasty and crunchy.

What are some of the best toppings for chicken and waffles?

Powdered sugar, maple syrup, and fresh fruit are good sweet toppings. For savory, try spicy honey mustard, fried sage, or creamy gravy.

How can I serve classic chicken and waffles for brunch?

Plate the dish elegantly with sides like fruit or salads. These choices balance the dish’s richness well.

How can I make gluten-free chicken and waffles?

Use gluten-free flour for the chicken and waffles. This keeps the dish tasty and friendly for those avoiding gluten.