Chicken and Waffles

If you are craving crunchy, fluffy, sweet and savory flavor, then make Chicken and Waffles for the best breakfast, brunch, breakfast-for-dinner recipe! This made-from-scratch meal is always a family favorite because of the combination of the different flavors and texture.

As a busy mom of 8, this is my go-to meal when we want something rich and hearty for a weekend breakfast! For even more ideas make Paula Deen Breakfast Casserole Recipe or Chick-Fil-A Breakfast Bowl.

Why You’ll Love Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

• Crispy Crust and Juicy Chicken – Chicken tenders soak in a buttermilk mixture that packs in the flavor.
• Fluffy Belgian Waffles – Made from scratch to create the best base for this delicious recipe.
• Quick & Easy – Simple steps and pantry ingredients makes this southern dish always on the menu. You can even prepare the waffles ahead of time and freeze them!

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• Chicken Tenderloins – You can also make with boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast
• Buttermilk – Helps to create a crispy texture
• Simple Spices – All you need is Kosher Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Pepper, and paprika.
• Hot Sauce – Add more or less depending on how spicy that you prefer
• All Purpose Flour – Creates a crispy texture
• Vegetable Oil – Use a high smoke point oil

For the Waffles

• All Purpose Flour – You can substitute with cornstarch
• Granulated Sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness
• Baking Powder – Necessary leavening agent
• Ground Cinnamon – Adds warm flavors to the waffles
• Eggs – Add in the egg whites and yolk
• Buttermilk – Add extra moisture and a slight tang

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Easy Chicken and Waffles

Step 1 – Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl or sealable bag. Cover with the buttermilk, half of all the seasonings and the hot sauce.  

Step 2 – Stir to combine all the ingredients together and make sure that the chicken is fully coated.  Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.  

Step 3 – In a shallow bowl or pie pan, whisk together the flour with the remaining seasonings.  

Step 4 – Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk brine and shake off any excess liquid. Dip the chicken tenders in the flour mixture until fully coated.  Continue this process until all the chicken is coated. 

Step 5 – Heat the oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium high heat until the oil reaches a temperature of 350 degrees F. Carefully place the coated chicken tenders in the oil and cook until golden brown on all sides (approximately 3-5 minutes) and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature).

Step 6 – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and ground cinnamon until combined. 

Step 7 – In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk and vanilla extract until combined. 

Step 8 – Stir the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture until just combined.

Step 9 – Gently stir in the melted butter with a spatula until combined. Set the batter aside and let rest while you preheat the waffle iron. 

Step 10 – Preheat a Belgian-style waffle maker based on the instructions. You may need to spreay with cooking spray. Pour the waffle batter into the center of the iron making sure to leave a 1 inch batter around the outside edge of the iron as the waffles will spread as they cook. 

• Step 11 – Close the lid on the waffle iron and cook for 3-5 minutes (based on the waffle iron instructions) until cooked through and golden brown. 
• Step 12 – Carefully remove the waffles from the waffle iron and place them on a wire rack to prevent them from sagging as they cool. 
• Step 13 – Serve the waffles topped with unsalted butter. Layer the fried chicken pieces on top and drizzle the pure maple syrup on top. Serve warm and enjoy!  

Pro Tips for Amazing Results

• Brining Chicken – You can let the chicken tenderloins soak in the brine overnight if you prefer but for the best flavor make sure it soaks for at least 3 hours. 
• Cooked Waffles – When making the waffles, don’t stack them on top of each other when they are cooling or this will cause them to be soggy. We recommend placing on a wire rack or baking sheet to prepare for serving.
• Heating Oil – For the best crispy chicken tenders, you want to use a thermometer to check the oil temperature with a thermometer. Make sure that the oil reaches 350 degrees F again before frying each batch of chicken.  
• Cooking Chicken – Use a large deep skillet to cook the chicken but you will likely need to cook the chicken tenders in batches depending on the size of your pan. This will ensure that the chicken is fully cooked. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove from the oil and place on a plate lined with paper towels.  

Variations Ideas

• Spicy – If you prefer for a fiery kick, mixed together 2 tbls of melted butter with 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper then brush on the fried chicken.
• Add Toppings – This chicken and waffles are even better with your favorite toppings. We recommend adding Maple Syrup, Honey, Whipped Cream, Stovetop Candied Pecans and fresh berries.
• Savory Waffles – Feel free to put a twist on your waffles but giving them a savory flavor. Skip the sugar and mix a handful of shredded cheese and chopped bacon.

What to Serve with Chicken and Waffles

• Serving for Breakfast – Serve with Air Fryer Bacon, Fruit Salad Recipe and Over Hard Eggs for a complete breakfast idea.
• Brunch – Add a side of Bacon Cinnamon Rolls, Baked Pancakes, and Biscuits and Gravy Recipe.
• Serve for Dinner – We love to make this southern dish with a side of Crock Pot Collard Greens Recipe, Baked Mac and Cheese and Candied Yams Recipe.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storing – Store the leftover chicken and waffles separately. Refrigerate the leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 5 days.  Refrigerate the leftover waffles in an airtight container or bag for up to 4 days.  
• Freezing – Freeze the leftovers separately in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. See Can You Freeze Waffles for all the tips and tricks.
• Reheating – We like to reheat our leftover chicken in the air fryer to re-crisp the texture. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and reheat in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees for about 3 minutes. Reheat the waffles in the microwave or toaster for about 1 minutes.