Name: Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 2 cups buttermilk; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon hot sauce or pickle juice; 1 tablespoon Kosher salt; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 teaspoons paprika; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 6 chicken thighs; vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups to fill 2 inches in pan); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Kosher salt; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 teaspoons paprika; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 cups buttermilk; 2 eggs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup real maple syrup; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

If you’re craving a soul-satisfying combo that’s crispy, juicy, and downright irresistible, let me introduce you to this classic Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of savory fried chicken and fluffy waffles drizzled with cinnamon maple syrup—trust me, you’re going to want to make this ASAP.

A white plate holds a thick, golden waffle as the bottom layer with deep square pockets, topped by two large pieces of fried chicken that are crispy and golden brown with a shiny layer of syrup dripping over them, pooling slightly onto the plate. In the blurred background, another white plate shows a similar dish with waffle and fried chicken. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with two small hot sauce bottles with red caps lying near the plate, adding a touch of color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this recipe is one of my all-time favorites to whip up when friends come over or when I just want a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Rich Flavor Explosion: The buttermilk brine packed with spices makes the chicken incredibly tender and bursting with flavor.
Perfectly Crispy: The crispy flour coating hits just right without being greasy or heavy.
Fluffy Waffles: Homemade waffles with a hint of vanilla and buttermilk that are soft inside and golden outside.
Irresistible Syrup: A warm cinnamon maple syrup drizzle ties it all together with a sweet and spicy kick.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, a quick note on ingredients: fresh buttermilk and quality chicken thighs really make a difference. Grab everything fresh from your local market, and don’t skip the spices—they’re what give this dish its signature southern charm.

Flat lay of six fresh raw chicken thighs with skin, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy buttermilk, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red hot sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl of garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of cornstarch, a simple white ceramic plate with two uncooked square buttermilk waffles stacked, a small white ceramic bowl of real amber maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl of white granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of light golden vanilla extract, and a small white ceramic bowl of warm brown ground cinnamon, all arranged in perfect symmetry with realistic proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Buttermilk: Essential for the brine and waffle batter, it tenderizes chicken and makes waffles tender with a subtle tang.
Eggs: Help bind the brine and enrich the waffle batter for a fluffy texture.
Hot Sauce or Pickle Juice: Adds a gentle kick and depth to the chicken marinade.
Kosher Salt: Balances flavors and helps draw moisture in the brine for juicy chicken.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Staples for that savory base flavor in both chicken and coating.
Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and beautiful color to the crust.
Black Pepper: Gives a subtle heat that complements the spices.
Chicken Thighs: Skin-on, bone-in thighs stay juicy and crisp up beautifully.
Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil with a high smoke point—perfect for frying.
All-purpose Flour: Forms the crispy coating for the chicken and the structure for the waffles.
Cornstarch: Added to coating to boost that extra crispiness.
Baking Powder: Gives the waffles their lift and lightness.
Sugar: Balances the waffle batter with a touch of sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to waffles and syrup.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth to the waffles and syrup, complementing the flavors.
Real Maple Syrup: The soul of the dish’s sweet finish—pure and delicious.
Ground Cinnamon: Infuses the syrup with cozy, aromatic spice.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste buds and occasions. Whether you want to add a savory spin or a little sweetness, the foundation lets you play around and still come out with a winning dish every time.

Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, I like to double the hot sauce in the chicken brine or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the flour coating. It adds just the right amount of warmth that sneaks up on you in the best way.
Cheesy Waffle Delight: A personal favorite variation is mixing shredded sharp cheddar into the waffle batter. It turns these waffles into a more savory, indulgent treat—perfect for brunch with friends.
Sweet & Fruity Twist: For a fresher take, add blueberries or chopped pecans into the waffle batter before cooking. It adds bursts of flavor and texture that brighten up the plate beautifully.
Gluten-Free Option: You can swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in both the coating and waffles. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
Maple Syrup Remix: Feel free to play with the cinnamon maple syrup by adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of bourbon for grown-up coziness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe

A close-up view of two pieces of crispy fried chicken with a golden brown, crunchy textured crust, placed on top of a thick, light golden waffle with a soft texture and grid pattern. Both chicken pieces are glistening with a sticky, shiny syrup that drips slightly over the edges of the waffle and onto the white plate beneath. The background shows a blurred bottle with red accents and a blue and white cloth, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Buttermilk Brine

Start by combining 1 tablespoon Kosher salt, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons paprika, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl. Stir in 2 cups of buttermilk, 1 egg, and 1 tablespoon of hot sauce or pickle juice until everything is evenly mixed. This brine is the magic base that tenderizes and flavors the chicken deeply.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place 6 chicken thighs directly into your buttermilk brine, making sure they’re completely submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This rest time is key for juicy, flavorful chicken, so don’t rush it! Pro tip: Take the chicken out of the fridge about 30 minutes before frying to bring it closer to room temperature—this helps it cook evenly.

Step 3: Mix the Flour Coating

Grab a large brown paper bag or freezer-safe plastic bag, then add 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons paprika, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Give it a good shake or stir to combine these fragrant spices evenly.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken thighs from the brine one at a time, letting the excess drip off (discard the brine). Place 3 to 4 pieces in the flour mixture bag at a time, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously so every bit is coated with that seasoned flour. This creates the signature crispy crust we all love.

Step 5: Heat the Oil and Fry

Pour about 4 cups of vegetable oil into a deep frying pan—enough to fill it about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium until it reaches 350°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy because proper oil temperature means perfectly golden, crispy chicken without greasy or undercooked spots.

Carefully add 3-4 pieces of chicken without crowding the pan. For bone-in chicken thighs, fry for about 10 minutes on each side, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, transfer to paper towels to drain and rest for 4-5 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Prepare the Buttermilk Waffle Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 cups buttermilk, and ½ cup melted unsalted butter until smooth. Add 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt, mixing gently to combine. A few lumps are totally fine here — overmixing makes waffles tough!

Step 7: Cook the Waffles

Preheat your waffle iron, then spray generously with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Pour about ¾ cup of batter per waffle and cook until golden brown and cooked through, usually around 3-5 minutes depending on your iron. I like to cook the waffles while the chicken rests to save time and serve everything piping hot.

Step 8: Make the Cinnamon Maple Syrup

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 1 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir occasionally until the butter melts completely and the syrup is warm. This drizzle ties everything together with cozy sweetness and spice.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your fluffy waffles, top them with the crispy fried chicken thighs, then drizzle generously with that warm cinnamon maple syrup. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience. Trust me, the first bite is worth every minute of the prep and patience!

Top Tip

Getting the perfect balance between crispy chicken and fluffy waffles takes a little know-how. These tips will help you nail the texture and flavor every time!

Brine Patience: Marinating the chicken for at least one hour in the buttermilk brine not only tenderizes it but also infuses it with flavor, so don’t skip or shorten this step.
Oil Temperature Control: Maintaining the frying oil at a steady 350°F ensures a golden-brown crust without undercooking the inside — a thermometer is your best friend here.
Shake It Up: Using a bag to coat the chicken with the flour mixture makes sure every nook and cranny gets covered evenly without a messy countertop.
Rest Before Waffle: Let the chicken rest for 4–5 minutes after frying; this little break helps keep it juicy and gives you just enough time to whip up those waffles.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe

The image shows four stages of making fried chicken and waffles. In the top left, raw chicken pieces sit in a clear glass bowl filled with light beige batter. The top right shows raw chicken pieces partially covered in white flour inside a white bowl. At the bottom left, two pieces of golden brown fried chicken with crispy texture bubble in hot oil inside a black cast iron skillet. The bottom right displays a round, golden brown waffle with square indentations, cooked in a black waffle iron on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note. A dusting of powdered sugar on the waffles adds a touch of sweetness and visual delight. For a little heat, consider some thinly sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot honey alongside the cinnamon maple syrup.

Side Dishes

Keep it classic and comforting with creamy coleslaw or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness. For something heartier, baked mac and cheese or collard greens make fantastic Southern-inspired companions. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or peaches can add brightness and contrast, making your Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe a full, satisfying meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, wrap leftover fried chicken tightly with foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store waffles separately in an airtight container or zip-top bag to keep them from getting soggy.

Freezing

Both the fried chicken and waffles freeze well. Wrap chicken pieces individually in plastic wrap then foil to prevent freezer burn, and place waffles in a single layer inside a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

To keep that crunchy exterior on the chicken, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. For waffles, pop them in a toaster or warm them in the oven wrapped in foil for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make things soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can! However, chicken breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily. If using breasts, fry for about 6-7 minutes per side and watch the internal temperature carefully to reach 165°F without overcooking.

Why is buttermilk used for the brine and waffles?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, resulting in juicy meat. In waffles, it provides a tangy flavor and reacts with baking powder to create light, fluffy texture.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken the day before to deepen the flavor, and you can mix the waffle batter in the morning and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking.

What if I don’t have a thermometer for the oil temperature?

If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small bit of flour or batter in — it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately. Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the coating or undercooking the chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe brings together the heartwarming comforts of Southern cooking with a touch of sweet and spice magic. From the tender, perfectly seasoned chicken thighs to the fluffy homemade waffles drizzled with warm cinnamon maple syrup, it’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor every bite, and share good times around the table. Whether it’s a cozy brunch or a satisfying dinner, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Happy cooking and even happier eating!