Crispy Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles

Chicken and Waffles is a classic Southern dish that combines the savory, crispy goodness of fried chicken with the sweet, fluffy decadence of waffles. The origins of this iconic pairing are debated, with tales stretching from the South to Harlem to the Pennsylvania Dutch. Regardless of its roots, Chicken and Waffles has become a beloved comfort food across the United States, popping up on brunch and dinner menus from coast to coast.

The key to nailing this dish at home is achieving the perfect contrast of textures and flavors. The chicken should be juicy and tender on the inside with a shatteringly crisp, well-seasoned crust. The waffles need to be crisp on the outside and pillowy soft within to soak up the chicken’s juices and maple syrup without getting soggy. When executed properly, it’s a combination that can’t be beat.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp seasoned salt
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Waffles:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Serving:

• Softened butter
• Warm maple syrup
• Honey hot sauce (mix equal parts honey and hot sauce)

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne.
3. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Place on a wire rack and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
4. Heat 2 inches of oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on a wire rack.
5. For the waffles, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt and sugar in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg yolks, melted butter and vanilla.
6. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Make a well in the dry ingredients, pour in the buttermilk mixture and gently mix. Fold in the beaten egg whites until just incorporated.
7. Cook waffles in a preheated waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions until crisp and golden.
8. Serve the crispy chicken on top of the waffles, drizzled with warm maple syrup and honey hot sauce. Add a pat of butter if desired.

Can Breadcrumb Toppings Be Used to Enhance Buttermilk Chicken?

Breadcrumb toppings can absolutely elevate buttermilk chicken by adding a crispy texture and savory depth. Similar to how a baked cod recipe with breadcrumb topping enhances flavor, coating the chicken with seasoned breadcrumbs creates a golden crust that contrasts perfectly with tender, juicy meat, turning a simple dish into a crowd-pleaser.

Variations

• Herbs and Spices: Add fresh thyme, rosemary or sage to the chicken’s flour dredge for an herbal note. Spike the waffle batter with cinnamon, nutmeg or lemon zest.
• Cheese Waffles: Fold shredded sharp cheddar, gruyere or parmesan into the waffle batter for a savory twist.
• Bacon Waffles: Chop cooked bacon and add it to the waffle batter for a smoky, meaty flavor.
• Pandan Waffles: For a Malaysian-inspired spin, infuse the waffle batter with pandan essence and top with coconut syrup.
• Chicken Tenders: Use chicken breast tenders instead of thighs for easier eating, especially for kids.
• Boneless Wings: Toss the fried boneless thighs in buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce or honey mustard for a chicken wing vibe.
• Waffle Toppings: Get creative with toppings like flavored butters, fruit compotes, whipped cream, chopped nuts or fried eggs.

Whether you stick with the classic or mix it up, Chicken and Waffles is a fun and indulgent dish that will satisfy any time of day. The combination of juicy Southern fried chicken and crisp, fluffy waffles is simply unbeatable.