Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

This Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe is indulgent and satisfying. It’s that kind of good for the soul food that can be served for breakfast, brunch, lunch or supper. Finish it off with a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup, honey or maple butter for a taste of the South.

What Exactly is Chicken and Waffles?

Homemade chicken and waffles is a sweet and savory dish that consists of breaded or battered fried chicken pieces that are served on top of fluffy buttermilk waffles or Belgian-style waffles. After piling the chicken onto the waffles the chicken is usually drizzled with warm maple syrup. It can be served for breakfast, brunch, lunch or supper.

Easy Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe

Southern-style chicken and waffles has became a staple in the South and has been for many decades. Some say that it’s popularity grew in the deep south during the Jazz era when musicians would look for very late suppers that nearly collided with breakfast after playing late nights in clubs. Hence the combination of waffles topped with deep fried chicken.

The actual origin is always a source of heated debate among food historians with some claiming that it’s invention ranges from Harlem in New York to Pennsylvania Dutch country, and even California. Fried chicken is inherently Southern, and regardless of the origin of the combination of chicken and waffles, this is a recipe about how to make homemade Southern style chicken and waffles that’s crispy, juicy and melts in your mouth.

Checkout this quick list of key ingredients you’ll need to make Southern Chicken and Waffles Recipe: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Chicken – Two pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into two strips lengthwise.
• Spices – Seasoned salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Liquid – Soaking the chicken in a buttermilk brine adds flavor and tenderizes the chicken.
• Dry Ingredients for the Breading – Two cups all purpose flour, cornstarch, granulated garlic or garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and cayenne pepper.
• Whole Eggs – Three large eggs for the dredging station. Eggs help the breading adhere.
• Hot Sauce – For a hint of spice.
• Oil – Vegetable or peanut oil for frying.
• Waffles – One recipe Belgian Waffles.
• Chives – Chopped chives for a mild onion flavor and for garnishing.
• Syrup – Warm maple syrup for serving.

How to Make the Best Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

• Chicken – Season chicken pieces on all sides with seasoned salt and black pepper.
• Marinate Seasoned Chicken – Place into an oblong baking dish and cover with 2 ½ cups buttermilk. Turn to coat. Chill overnight, turning occasionally. 30 minutes before frying remove chicken from buttermilk.
• Dredging Station – On a plate use a whisk to sift together flour, cornstarch, seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and cayenne. In a separate bowl whisk together the wet ingredients eggs, salt, black pepper, buttermilk and hot sauce. 
• Coat Chicken – Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture, into egg wash then into seasoned flour again. Place onto a baking sheet and let stand to set. 
• Prepare Pan and Heat Oven – Preheat oven to 200 degree f. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with an oven safe wire rack.
• Heat Oil – Using a deep 6 quart pot heat oil. Fry in batches per the recipe until golden brown and the chicken has a crispy crust. Remove pan. Place into the oven to keep warm. (You can also drain chicken on paper towels).
• Waffles – Keep chicken warm in 200 degree f oven while you prepare the waffle batter. (Belgian Waffles).
• Serve – Divide chicken tenders among among waffles. Serve drizzled with warm maple syrup, honey or hot honey garnished with fresh chives. You can also serve with hot sauce and maple butter or cinnamon butter for the waffles.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Chicken and Waffles

• You will need a waffle iron or waffle maker to cook the waffles.
• Large bowl.
• Balloon whisk.
• Shallow dish.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Deep pot or Dutch oven or similar heavy bottomed pot to fry the chicken.
• Fry thermometer to monitor the temperature of the hot oil.
• Stainless steel spider or slotted spoon.
• Sheet pan fitted with a wire rack if keeping warm in the oven or lined with paper towels to drain excess oil after frying.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Best Chicken Substitutions – You can use boneless chicken thighs in place of chicken breasts for this chicken and waffles recipe. Dark meat will take longer to cook.
• Can I Use Chicken Tenders? Yes, you can. They will require less time to cook so adjust the time accordingly.
• Bone-In Chicken – The piece of chicken I prefer is reflected in this recipe using boneless chicken breasts. You can also use bone-in chicken or wings, but the frying time will need to be adjusted to accommodate. Bone-in chicken will take longer to fry, in particular the dark meat, and requires a slightly different technique. See how to make my popular Southern Fried Chicken Recipe here.
• Why Brine the Chicken? The chicken breast pieces in this recipe are seasoned and marinated in buttermilk for added flavor.
• How Do You Keep Crispy Fried Chicken Warm? When frying chicken in batches, it’s helpful to have nearby a baking sheet fitted with an oven safe rack. Place it into a 200F oven to keep the chicken tenders warm while you make the waffles.
• Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken and Waffles – You can serve with a side of collard greens, fried eggs or scrambled eggs or any of your favorite chicken sides.  While it’s not typical to see chicken and waffles served with strawberries and whipped cream in the south, preserves would be tasty.  
• Gluten Free Option – You can see how to make Gluten Free Waffles here on Bob’s Red Mill. You would also need to adapt the chicken breading using gluten free flour.
• Waffles – You can serve this fried chicken on Fluffy Waffles or fluffy Belgian Waffles. The trick to fluffy waffles is beating the egg whites separate from the egg yolks until stiff peaks form. 

Serving Options

• Are You Supposed to Eat Chicken and Waffles with Syrup? Typically this is served with a generous drizzle of maple syrup, but I’ve seen it served drizzled with gravy, too. You can also serve chicken and waffles with scrambled eggs and a plethora of other options, the choice is yours.
• How To Turn Into A Waffle Sandwich – You can turn this chicken and waffles recipe into a sandwich. Place boneless chicken pieces on a waffle, drizzle it with syrup, gravy, eggs or whatever your heart desires, then place another waffle on top. Pick up and enjoy.
• Can I Turn This Recipe Into Sliders? Yes, you can! Make smaller waffles and assemble them like a sandwich. Secure with a toothpick and serve.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store southern-style chicken and waffles in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat fried chicken and waffles separately in the oven or an air fryer.
• Freezer Storage – Store leftover chicken and waffles frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Southern Fried Chicken Recipes to Make

• This Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken comes with easy clean-up, too.
• Cajun Fried Chicken is a flavor twist on classic Southern Fried Chicken.
• Nashville Hot Chicken Strips are a boneless version of the famous Nashville hot chicken recipe.
• When you make this homemade Crispy Chicken Sandwich no drive thru is required.
• This recipe for bite size Easy Popcorn Chicken are how to make chicken nuggets even better at home.
• My recipe for Buttermilk Fried Chicken is tender and moist on the inside.
• The kiddos will love these Fried Breaded Chicken Tenders.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Candy/Fry Thermometer
• Dutch Oven
• Belgian Waffle Maker
• Measuring Set