There was a particular evening a few months back when I was craving something both comforting and a little special but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s when this Crispy Chicken Waffle really found its place in my baking life. I had tried making crispy chicken and waffles before at home, but something just didn’t click—until that night. Finally, after a little tweaking and some heartwarming taste tests, I nailed the perfect balance of crunchy, tender chicken paired with fluffy, golden waffles. From that moment, this Crispy Chicken Waffle became my go-to for a cozy yet impressive meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
What makes this recipe so joyful for me is how approachable it is. It doesn’t ask for fancy ingredients or complicated steps—just good ol’ homemade goodness with a southern chicken waffle flair. There’s something so satisfying about pulling a hot, crispy chicken waffle from the kitchen, drizzling on a bit of syrup, and savoring each bite. I know many friends and family members who always ask for this fried chicken waffle when they come over, and it never disappoints.
If you’re someone who loves the idea of a crispy chicken and waffles combo but hesitates because it feels tricky, don’t worry! This homemade chicken waffles recipe is here to change that. You don’t have to be a pro to get genuinely crispy chicken and perfectly cooked waffles on your plate. Join me as we go through every step—because this crispy chicken waffle is about sharing joy, simplicity, and delicious moments. I can’t wait for you to try it and feel that same excitement when your kitchen fills with the smell of a southern chicken waffle coming together. Trust me, you’re going to love it.
What You’ll Need for This Crispy Chicken Waffle:
Getting your ingredients ready makes all the difference with this Crispy Chicken Waffle. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb) – cut into pieces for easy frying
- 1 cup buttermilk – great for tenderizing; if you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – for that crispy coating
- 1 tsp paprika – adds a mild smoky flavor
- 1 tsp garlic powder – for savory depth
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper – optional, but I love a little heat in this crispy chicken and waffles combo
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying (about 3 cups) – you can find this easily in most grocery stores and it’s budget-friendly
- 2 cups waffle mix – if you want, I like using my favorite homemade chicken waffles batter for that fresh breakfast with chicken touch
- 1 ½ cups milk (or as required by your waffle mix instructions)
- 2 eggs – for the waffle batter
- Butter and maple syrup – for serving and finishing touches
Here’s a quick prep tip: I always season my chicken well in the buttermilk marinade overnight or at least a few hours. That makes a huge difference in flavor and tenderness for the southern chicken waffle taste. Plus, while the chicken is marinating, it’s the perfect time to gather your other ingredients and get the waffle batter ready.
For storage, keep your flour and dry spices in airtight containers to stay fresh longer. If you’re using buttermilk, it stores well for about a week in the fridge. Having these ingredients handy means this crispy chicken waffle can be whipped up anytime you’re craving that perfect crispy chicken and waffles experience without fuss.
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything exactly as listed. This Crispy Chicken Waffle is forgiving—simple ingredient swaps won’t throw it off. Just trust that with these basics, your homemade chicken waffles will come out delicious every time.
How to Make This Crispy Chicken Waffle:
Let’s dive into making this Crispy Chicken Waffle step-by-step. From start to finish, it takes about an hour, but much of that is hands-off time.
- Marinate your chicken: Place your cut chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Season with a bit of salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours but preferably overnight. This step tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor essential for crispy chicken and waffles.
- Prepare the seasoned flour: In a shallow dish, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This mixture will coat the chicken, giving it that irresistible crispy texture.
- Heat your oil: Pour at least 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy pan or deep fryer and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one; maintaining the right temp is key to crispiness.
- Dredge the chicken: Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then coat generously in the flour mixture. For an extra crispy coating, dip back into the buttermilk quickly and then re-dredge in flour again. This double dredge makes your fried chicken waffle batter truly crunchy.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, so you don’t crowd the pan. Fry 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through (internal temp should hit 165°F/75°C). Place fried chicken on a rack or paper towels to drain extra oil.
- While your crispy chicken fries, move on to the waffles:
- Make the waffle batter: Combine the waffle mix with milk and eggs, stirring just until smooth. Avoid overmixing to keep those waffles light and fluffy.
- Cook the waffles: Preheat your waffle iron and spray lightly with non-stick oil. Pour batter into the iron and cook according to your machine’s instructions until golden and crisp. Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly—the blend of fried chicken and warm waffles is unbeatable.
- Serve: Stack a warm waffle, top with your crispy chicken, add a pat of butter, and drizzle generously with maple syrup. This is your crispy chicken waffle moment.
A helpful note: if your crispy chicken waffle looks like the pictures here, with golden bits and no soggy spots, you’re on the right track. Don’t rush frying—patience here pays off!
While you wait, tidy up or pour yourself a cup of tea; this crispy chicken and waffles recipe is as much about enjoying the process as it is the result.
Serving Your Crispy Chicken Waffle:
This Crispy Chicken Waffle really shines when shared with others. I love serving it as a crowd-pleasing weekend brunch or a fun weeknight dinner. It’s perfect for family when you want something that feels special but still homemade and heartwarming.
My go-to pairing? A simple side of crisp greens or a light slaw to cut through the richness. If you’re celebrating a gathering, adding a fresh fruit salad on the side balances the crispy chicken waffle beautifully. I’ve also tried topping the chicken with a spicy honey drizzle for a southern chicken waffle twist—that sweet heat combo is a family favorite.
For decoration, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on the plate adds color without fuss. Leftovers, if you have any, are fantastic reheated in an oven or air fryer to keep the crispiness intact. I’ve even sandwiched leftover crispy chicken inside waffles like little sliders—a delicious creative take on homemade chicken waffles.
This waffle breakfast with chicken truly brings the family to the table, leaving everyone happy and full. It’s been loved at holiday breakfasts, casual dinners, and even as a treat after a slow weekend morning. If you want more inspiration for fried chicken waffle styles, check out this southern fried chicken and waffles recipe from Sweet Tea + Thyme or the buttermilk-brined southern fried chicken & waffles video—both great companions to this recipe.
Common Questions About This Crispy Chicken Waffle:
Can I make this Crispy Chicken Waffle ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead and fry it just before serving. Waffles can be made earlier too—keep them warm in a low oven or reheat in a toaster or waffle iron later.What’s a good substitute for buttermilk in this Crispy Chicken Waffle?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix a cup of regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit 5 minutes before using. It works beautifully to tenderize the chicken like true buttermilk.How do I get my fried chicken waffle extra crispy?
Double dredging your chicken in the seasoned flour and maintaining consistent oil temperature around 350°F is key. Avoid overcrowding the frying pan so the chicken fries evenly and crisps up perfectly.Can I make this Crispy Chicken Waffle gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and choose gluten-free waffle mix. The texture might be a tad different but still delicious.What if I have a smaller waffle iron?
No problem! Just adjust the chicken and waffle portion sizes to fit. You can make multiple smaller waffles or chicken pieces. Cooking times stay about the same.Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
You can, though frying gives that unmistakable crispy southern chicken waffle crunch. If baking, coat well and bake at 425°F until golden and cooked through, about 25-30 minutes.Are there variations of this Crispy Chicken Waffle I can try?
Definitely! Try adding spices like smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky twist. For a sweeter side, pair your waffle breakfast with chicken with honey butter or a spicy honey drizzle. If you like, check out my crispy chicken schnitzel alfredo for another take on crispy chicken or the crispy Peking beef bowl for a flavorful meal idea.
Final Thoughts on This Crispy Chicken Waffle:
This Crispy Chicken Waffle has a special corner of my recipe collection because it brings together comfort, fun, and dependable results every time I bake it. Friends and family always want seconds, and it’s the cozy meal that never gets old here.
My Top Tips for This Crispy Chicken Waffle:
- Always marinate your chicken for tenderness and flavor.
- Keep your oil at the right temperature to get that perfect crispiness.
- Don’t overmix waffle batter to keep waffles light and fluffy.
Some variations I adore include a spicy honey drizzle, swapping buttermilk for coconut milk for a subtle twist, or adding fresh herbs to the chicken flour mixture for an herby southern chicken waffle twist. The classic version with straightforward seasoning, though, gets requested most often.
I encourage you to make this Crispy Chicken Waffle your own. Play with seasoning, sides, or even the waffle batter. The joy is in sharing your results with those you love.
When you try this recipe, I hope you find the same satisfaction I did—the warmth in your kitchen and the smiles around your table. If you enjoy this, you might love my crispy chicken schnitzel Alfredo or even something different like chicken wings appetizers and drinks for your next gathering.
Enjoy your baking and happy cooking with this Crispy Chicken Waffle—it’s worth every delicious bite!
Crispy Chicken Waffle
Enjoy a delicious blend of crispy fried chicken paired perfectly with a golden waffle, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for brunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine milk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined.
- Preheat waffle iron and lightly grease it.
- Pour batter onto waffle iron and cook until golden and crisp. Set waffles aside.
- Place chicken thighs in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup flour, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Fry chicken pieces in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve each crispy chicken thigh on top of a warm waffle with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Notes
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dredging flour, or serve with hot sauce on the side.