Irresistible Chicken and Waffles Recipe for Perfect Brunch

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles. Imagine biting into a perfectly golden piece of chicken, its crunch giving way to tender, juicy meat, all while the warm, buttery waffle soaks up a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s sweet, savory, and downright delicious – a symphony of flavors that could make even your grumpy uncle smile at breakfast.

I still remember the first time I tried a chicken and waffles recipe at a brunch with friends. We were all skeptics at first, but one bite in, and we were instant believers. The dish has become a staple for special occasions and lazy Sundays – it brings people together over laughter and syrupy goodness. If you’re ready to experience this flavor explosion yourself, keep reading; I promise it will be worth every calorie!

My friends couldn’t stop raving about how the crispy chicken paired with the soft waffle was like a match made in culinary heaven.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts work too; just adjust cooking time accordingly.

• All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for coating the chicken; don’t skimp on seasoning.

• Buttermilk: Marinating chicken in buttermilk makes it incredibly tender and flavorful.

• Maple Syrup: Go for real maple syrup – it elevates the dish from good to heavenly.

• Baking Powder: This helps the waffles rise and become fluffy; freshness matters here!

• Eggs: They add richness to the batter for those delightful waffles.

• Cornstarch: A secret weapon for extra crispy fried chicken; trust me on this one.

For the Waffle Batter:

• Milk: Use whole milk for creaminess; it makes a difference in texture.

• Vanilla Extract: This adds a lovely warmth to your waffle batter; don’t skip it!

• Cinnamon: A pinch goes a long way in enhancing flavors; feel free to sprinkle more if you love it!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Chicken Marinade: Start by combining buttermilk with spices such as paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Submerge your chicken thighs in this mixture and let them marinate for at least one hour or overnight if you’re feeling adventurous.

Create Your Coating Mixture: In another bowl, mix flour with cornstarch and seasonings. The cornstarch helps achieve that coveted crunch when frying. Set aside once well combined.

Heat Oil for Frying: In a deep skillet or pot, heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test readiness by dropping in a small piece of bread – it should sizzle immediately.

Dredge Your Chicken Thighs: Remove each piece from the marinade and let excess liquid drip off. Coat them thoroughly in your seasoned flour mixture before placing them carefully into hot oil. Fry until golden brown and cooked through – about 7-8 minutes per side.

Make Your Waffle Batter: While your chicken is frying away happily, whisk together flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar until smooth. Don’t overmix; lumps are totally okay!

Cook Your Waffles**: Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions. Pour an appropriate amount of batter onto the preheated iron and cook until crisp – around 4-5 minutes usually does the trick. Keep warm while you finish frying other batches.

Now plate up! Stack those golden waffles high with crispy chicken perched on top. Drizzle generously with maple syrup because who doesn’t love that sweet touch?

This chicken and waffles recipe is sure to become a beloved part of your culinary repertoire! Enjoy every bite as you savor this delightful fusion of textures and flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

You Must Know

• This delightful chicken and waffles recipe combines crispy, juicy chicken with fluffy waffles, creating a sweet and savory experience
• The aroma of fried chicken mingling with the scent of warm maple syrup will make your kitchen feel like heaven
• Perfect for brunch or dinner, this dish never fails to impress!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour. While it marinates, whip up the waffle batter. Fry the chicken just before the waffles are ready, ensuring everything is hot and fresh.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment with seasonings in your marinade. Try hot sauce for spice or honey for sweetness. Adding cinnamon to your waffle mix can elevate flavors too!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through for crispy results.

Chef's Helpful Tips

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for perfect doneness
• Don’t overcrowd the frying pan; it helps achieve that sought-after crispiness
• Let the cooked chicken rest briefly before serving; it keeps it juicy and flavorful

Cooking this chicken and waffles recipe takes me back to family brunches, where laughter filled the air as everyone dug into my creations, always asking for seconds!

FAQ

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs ensures maximum flavor and juiciness.

Can I make the waffles ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare waffles ahead; just reheat them in the oven for freshness.

What can I serve with chicken and waffles?

Consider serving coleslaw or a side salad to balance out the meal’s richness.

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Chicken and Waffles Recipe

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Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with this Chicken and Waffles recipe. Crispy, juicy chicken thighs are perfectly fried to golden perfection and paired with fluffy waffles, all drizzled with rich maple syrup. Whether it’s a special brunch or a comforting dinner, this dish guarantees smiles around the table. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a meal that combines sweet and savory goodness in every bite!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup real maple syrup
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup whole milk (for waffle batter)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken thighs in a mixture of buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for at least 1 hour.
2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and seasonings for the coating mix.
3. Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
4. Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture and fry until golden brown (7-8 minutes per side).
5. For the waffles, whisk together flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sugar until smooth.
6. Preheat waffle iron and cook batter according to manufacturer instructions until crisp.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 355g)
• Calories: 740
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 1030mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 66g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 160mg