Print

Crispy Chicken and Fluffy Waffles

crispy chicken and fluffy waffles recipe - featured image

A quick and easy recipe combining extra crispy fried chicken with light, fluffy waffles, perfect for brunch or dinner. This homemade dish uses simple ingredients and a unique baking powder coating for irresistible crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (190 grams) for chicken coating
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (for chicken coating)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • About 2 cups vegetable or canola oil for frying
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 grams) for waffles
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder (for waffles)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 3/4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113 grams), melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Maple syrup for serving
  • Optional: hot sauce or honey for a sweet-spicy kick

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with buttermilk and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat well, cover, and set aside for at least 15 minutes (or up to an hour).
  2. Prepare the coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer or test with a pinch of flour to check readiness.
  4. Coat and fry the chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Fry in batches, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C), about 7-8 minutes per side. Drain on a wire rack.
  5. Make the waffles: While chicken fries, whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, beat eggs with milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined. Preheat waffle iron and cook waffles until golden and crisp, about 4-5 minutes per waffle.

Notes

Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for perfect frying. Keep fried chicken on a wire rack to maintain crispiness. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking flour blend. For dairy-free, use almond or oat milk for waffles and coconut yogurt with lemon juice as buttermilk substitute. Baking the chicken at 425°F for 25-30 minutes on a wire rack is a healthier alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, fluffy waffles, fried chicken, brunch recipe, easy homemade, comfort food, baking powder coating