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Crispy fried chicken atop golden waffles with maple syrup

Crispy fried chicken over fluffy buttermilk waffles

Chicken and Waffles

Prep Time

25 min

Cook Time

30 min

Total Time

55 min

Servings

4

4 servings

Difficulty

Medium

Cost

Moderate

$$

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Chicken and Waffles

Crispy fried chicken over fluffy buttermilk waffles

★4.4(13)

Crispy buttermilk fried chicken tenders served over golden Belgian waffles with maple syrup and hot sauce. The sweet-and-savory brunch icon.

25m

Prep Time

30m

Cook Time

55m

Total Time

4

Servings

Medium

Difficulty

Moderate $$

Cost

American CuisineBreakfast
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

February 15, 2026(Updated March 15, 2026)

This dish marries the crunch of perfectly fried chicken with the pillowy sweetness of buttermilk waffles. A drizzle of maple syrup and a dash of hot sauce tie the two together.

This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.

Why This Recipe Works

Using boneless thighs ensures the chicken cooks fast and stays juicy. Separating egg whites and folding them into the waffle batter creates an extra-light, crispy waffle.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk for marinating
  • 1.5 cups flour seasoned with paprika, salt, and pepper
  • 2 cups waffle mix or buttermilk waffle batter
  • Maple syrup for serving
  • Hot sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    Marinate chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 1 hour in the fridge.

  2. 2

    Preheat waffle iron and prepare waffle batter according to your recipe or package instructions.

  3. 3

    Dredge marinated chicken in seasoned flour; fry in 350°F oil for 4-5 minutes per side until golden.

  4. 4

    Cook waffles in the iron until golden and crisp, keeping finished waffles warm in a 200°F oven.

  5. 5

    Stack fried chicken on waffles and serve with maple syrup and hot sauce on the side.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side

  • Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges

  • Serve alongside fresh fruit and your favorite morning beverage

  • Pair with crispy bacon or sausage links for a hearty start

Substitutions

Buttermilk waffle batterFrozen waffles for a shortcut

Toast them extra crispy

Maple syrupHoney or hot honey

Hot honey adds a sweet-spicy kick that works beautifully

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Add a pinch of cayenne to the waffle batter for a subtle heat that complements the maple syrup.

  • Keep finished chicken on a wire rack in a warm oven so it stays crispy while you cook waffles.

  • Preheat your pan or griddle properly. An evenly heated surface is the difference between golden perfection and uneven cooking.

  • Room temperature eggs cook more evenly than cold ones. Pull them from the fridge 15 minutes before cooking.

Storage

Store chicken and waffles separately—refrigerate up to 2 days.

Reheating

Reheat chicken at 375°F for 10 minutes and toast waffles in a toaster for best texture.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (105mg) · 4 servings

Calories620
LowModerateHigh

A hearty, energy-rich serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein32g
Carbohydrates28g
Fat58g
Fiber810mg
Sugar1g
Sodium14g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier. Pound breasts thin for faster, more even cooking.
Can I make waffles ahead?
Yes—freeze cooled waffles and reheat in a toaster or oven.

Explore More

More American RecipesMore BreakfastStovetop Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

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