The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles: Crispy, Fluffy & Flavorful

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Southern comfort food with this exceptional recipe for **Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles**. This iconic dish, a harmonious blend of savory and sweet, offers the perfect combination of textures and flavors. Imagine golden, unbelievably crispy fried chicken paired with light, airy, and perfectly fluffy waffles, all generously drizzled with a warm, spiced maple syrup. Whether you’re planning a hearty breakfast, a satisfying brunch, a comforting lunch, or an unforgettable dinner, this meal truly transcends traditional mealtimes and delivers an experience you’ll crave again and again.

My first encounter with this magical duo was during a trip to Louisiana, and it was love at first bite. The moment I tasted the tender, juicy chicken encased in its perfectly seasoned, crunchy crust, followed by the soft, yielding waffle, I knew I had to bring this experience home. I dedicated myself to perfecting my own version, combining my most beloved and fail-proof recipes for buttermilk fried chicken and fluffy buttermilk waffles. The result? A truly incredible meal that will undoubtedly become a family favorite. I love serving it with plenty of rich cinnamon maple syrup, a refreshing glass of cold milk, or a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Southern fried chicken and waffles on a white plate, ready to be enjoyed. — A delicious plate of Southern fried chicken and waffles, perfectly golden and inviting.

The Story Behind the Dish
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Storage and Reheating Suggestions
Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe

The Story Behind the Dish: A Southern Classic

The combination of fried chicken and waffles might seem unusual to some, but its roots run deep in American culinary history, particularly in Southern and African-American communities. While the exact origin is debated, the dish gained significant popularity in the Harlem jazz clubs of the 1930s and 40s, evolving from a simple breakfast item to a hearty meal enjoyed at any time of day. The genius lies in the delightful contrast: the savory, crispy, and often spicy fried chicken beautifully complements the sweet, soft, and fluffy waffles. It’s a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of Southern cooking, transforming humble ingredients into an extraordinary comfort food experience that continues to captivate palates worldwide.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

What makes this particular Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe stand out from the rest? It’s all about the details and the combination of proven techniques:

The Buttermilk Brine: Our secret to incredibly tender and flavorful fried chicken lies in a simple yet powerful buttermilk brine. This marinade not only infuses the chicken with rich flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat, ensuring every bite is succulent.
Perfectly Seasoned Coating: The flour coating is a meticulously balanced blend of spices and a touch of cornstarch, guaranteeing an extra-crispy, golden crust that adheres beautifully to the chicken. It’s seasoned just right, creating that signature Southern crunch.
Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles: We use buttermilk in our waffle batter too, resulting in waffles that are exceptionally light, fluffy, and tender on the inside, with a slight crispness on the outside. They are the ideal sweet counterpart to the savory chicken.
Homemade Cinnamon Maple Syrup: While store-bought syrup works, our simple homemade cinnamon maple syrup elevates the dish to another level. The warmth of cinnamon and richness of butter add a gourmet touch that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
Tried and True: This recipe has been developed and refined to be absolutely “fail-proof,” ensuring success even for those new to frying chicken or making waffles from scratch.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and detailed instructions.

Chicken: For this recipe, you can use up to 4 pounds of chicken. I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and quicker cooking time, making them a fantastic choice for this dish. However, bone-in, skin-on thighs are also excellent and offer a richer flavor; just be aware they will require a longer cooking time. If using bone-in, cook for approximately 10 minutes per side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer. For boneless, skinless thighs, aim for 6-7 minutes per side. Chicken breasts can also be used, but ensure they are pounded to an even thickness to cook evenly and prevent drying out.
Buttermilk: This is a non-negotiable ingredient for both the chicken brine and the waffles. For the best results in terms of flavor and texture, use good quality store-bought buttermilk. If you don’t have any on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then filling the rest with regular milk until it reaches 1 cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.
Vegetable Oil for Frying: A neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point is essential. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all excellent choices. Ensure you use enough oil (at least 2 inches deep) to properly submerge and fry the chicken.
Syrup: While any good quality store-bought maple syrup will work beautifully, I highly recommend trying the simple cinnamon maple syrup recipe provided below. The added warmth of cinnamon and richness of butter truly elevate the entire dish. You can also experiment with other syrups like hot honey or a berry compote for a different twist.
Hot Sauce or Pickle Juice (for Brine): This ingredient adds a subtle tang and a touch of heat, contributing to the complex flavor profile of the fried chicken without making it overtly spicy. Feel free to adjust the amount to your preference or omit if you’re sensitive to spice.
Cornstarch (in Flour Coating): The addition of cornstarch to the flour mixture is a game-changer for achieving an extra-crispy crust. It helps to absorb moisture and creates that irresistible crunch.

A four-photo collage showing the preparation steps for fried chicken and waffles: marinating chicken, coating chicken in flour, frying chicken, and pouring waffle batter into a waffle iron. — Follow these visual steps to prepare your perfect fried chicken and waffles.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Achieving restaurant-quality Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:

Temper Your Chicken: Always remove the chicken from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before frying. Frying cold chicken can drastically lower the oil temperature, leading to greasy chicken that cooks unevenly. Room temperature chicken will cook more consistently and achieve a crispier exterior.
Oil Temperature is Key: For perfectly cooked fried chicken with a golden-brown, crispy crust and juicy interior, maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial. Use a reliable kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil stays consistently at 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the crust will burn before the inside cooks. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Cook over medium heat and adjust as needed to maintain the temperature.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches of 3-4 pieces at a time. Overcrowding the skillet will drop the oil temperature and prevent the chicken from frying properly, leading to a soggy crust. Give each piece enough space to crisp up beautifully.
Shake Off Excess Flour: Before placing the chicken into the hot oil, give each piece a good shake to remove any excess flour. This prevents flour from burning in the oil and ensures a cleaner fry and crispier coating.
Don’t Overmix Waffle Batter: Mix the waffle batter just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to tough, dense waffles instead of the light and fluffy texture we’re aiming for.
Grease Your Waffle Iron: Always spray your waffle maker generously with nonstick spray or brush with melted butter before adding batter, even if it claims to be nonstick. This ensures easy release and prevents sticking.
Timing is Everything: I highly recommend cooking the waffles as soon as the chicken comes out of the fryer. The fried chicken needs to rest for 4-5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness. This resting period provides just enough time to cook your waffles, which typically cook quickly. This way, everything is hot and fresh when served.
Get Creative with Waffles: Don’t be afraid to experiment! For a sweet twist, add chocolate chips or blueberries to your waffle batter. For a savory surprise, try shredded cheddar cheese or cooked bacon bits.
Serve Warm & Generously: This dish is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. Serve warm with an abundance of your favorite maple syrup, especially the homemade cinnamon maple syrup from this recipe.

Close-up shot of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles generously drizzled with syrup. — The irresistible combination of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles, drenched in sweet syrup.

Storage and Reheating Suggestions

To enjoy your Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles at their best, it’s ideal to consume them fresh. However, if you find yourself with leftovers, here’s how to handle them:

Leftover Fried Chicken: Store any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, avoid the microwave if you want to retain crispiness. Instead, an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes or an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes will yield the best results, ensuring the chicken becomes crispy again.
Leftover Waffles: Waffles tend to lose their crispness and can become soggy quickly when stored. For this reason, it’s best to enjoy them immediately after cooking. If you absolutely must store them, allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be reheated in a toaster, toaster oven, or air fryer to regain some crispness, though they might not be as good as fresh.
Waffle Batter: You can prepare the waffle batter ahead of time! Place any leftover waffle batter in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Give it a gentle whisk before using, adding a splash of milk if it seems too thick.
Cinnamon Maple Syrup: Store any leftover homemade syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

If you tried this mouth-watering recipe, please take a moment to leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or share your thoughts in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! And for more delicious recipes, consider following me on Facebook or Pinterest!

5 from 1 vote

Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

By Julie Maestre

This recipe for Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles delivers incredibly crispy chicken and perfectly fluffy waffles, creating a balanced and utterly delicious meal perfect for any time of day.

Prep: 40 minutes

Cook: 15 minutes

marinate chicken: 1 hour

Total: 1 hour 55 minutes

Servings: 6

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Ingredients

▢ 6 chicken thighs , *boneless, skinless recommended; see notes for alternatives*
▢ vegetable oil for frying (enough for 2 inches deep)

Chicken Brine

▢ 2 cups buttermilk
▢ 1 large egg
▢ 1 tablespoon hot sauce, or pickle juice for tang
▢ 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
▢ 2 teaspoons garlic powder
▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
▢ 2 teaspoons paprika
▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper

Flour Coating

▢ 2 cups all-purpose flour
▢ 1 tablespoon cornstarch
▢ 1 tablespoon plus 1 tsp Kosher salt
▢ 2 teaspoons garlic powder
▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
▢ 2 teaspoons paprika
▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper

Buttermilk Waffles

▢ 2 cups all-purpose flour
▢ 1 tablespoon baking powder
▢ ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
▢ 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
▢ 2 cups buttermilk
▢ 2 large eggs
▢ 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Maple Syrup

▢ 1 cup real maple syrup
▢ 2 tablespoons butter
▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
▢ 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

For the Fried Chicken:

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of buttermilk, 1 large egg, and 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (or pickle juice). Add the seasonings for the brine: 1 tablespoon Kosher salt, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons paprika, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Add the chicken thighs to the buttermilk brine, ensuring each piece is fully submerged. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness. Remove chicken from the fridge 30 minutes before frying to bring it to room temperature.
Prepare the flour coating: In a large brown paper bag or a sturdy freezer bag, combine 2 cups of 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. Shake the bag vigorously to mix all the dry ingredients thoroughly.
Working in batches (3-4 pieces at a time), remove the chicken from the buttermilk brine, shaking off any excess liquid. Place the chicken into the bag with the flour mixture. Seal the bag and shake well until each piece of chicken is completely coated on all sides. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil reaches a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C). Maintaining this temperature is critical for crispy, evenly cooked chicken.
Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or until deeply golden brown and cooked through. If using bone-in chicken thighs, cook for about 10 minutes per side. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep crisp. Allow the chicken to rest for 4-5 minutes before serving.

For the Buttermilk Waffles:

In a large bowl, combine the wet ingredients: 2 cups buttermilk, 2 large eggs, ½ cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk them together until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Preheat your waffle iron and spray it generously with nonstick spray. Pour about ¾ cup of batter onto the hot waffle iron (or as directed by your manufacturer’s instructions) and cook until golden brown and crispy, typically 3-5 minutes. Repeat with the remaining batter. Cook waffles while the chicken is resting to ensure everything is warm.

For the Cinnamon Maple Syrup:

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup real maple syrup, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is completely melted and the syrup is warm and fragrant.

To Serve:

Arrange the crispy fried chicken pieces on top of the warm, fluffy waffles. Drizzle generously with the homemade cinnamon maple syrup and serve immediately. Enjoy this incredible sweet and savory comfort food!

Notes

For additional helpful tips and details, please refer to the “Pro Tips for Perfect Results” section above the recipe card. Here are some key reminders:

Ensure your chicken is at least 30 minutes out of the fridge before frying for even cooking.
Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer to achieve the crispiest chicken crust.
Avoid overmixing your waffle batter to keep your waffles light and fluffy.
Cook waffles while the chicken rests to ensure both components are served warm and fresh.
Feel free to customize your waffles with chocolate chips, cheese, or other add-ins.
Serve this dish warm with plenty of cinnamon maple syrup for the ultimate experience.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Julie Maestre

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes