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Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

Crispy Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles

The ultimate comfort food duo! Perfectly seasoned, golden-fried chicken meets light and fluffy waffles, all drizzled with warm maple syrup.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings 5
Calories 900 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowls

Ingredients
  

For the Buttermilk Brined Chicken

  • 3 lbs chicken pieces thighs and drumsticks preferred
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper

For the Seasoned Flour Coating

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp baking powder

For the Waffles

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ⅓ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs separated
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Frying and Serving

  • Vegetable or peanut oil for frying
  • Pure maple syrup
  • Butter
  • Optional toppings: honey hot sauce, powdered sugar, fresh berries

Instructions
 

Step 1: Brine the Chicken

  • Whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a large bowl.
  • Submerge the chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour

  • Mix all dry coating ingredients in a shallow dish.
  • Set aside 1 cup of seasoned flour, mix it with 3 tbsp buttermilk brine to create crispy clumps, and return to the flour mix.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

  • Remove chicken from the brine, dredge in seasoned flour, dip back into buttermilk, then coat again.
  • Let the coated chicken rest on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Waffle Batter

  • Whisk together dry ingredients in a bowl.
  • Mix milk, oil, egg yolks, and vanilla in another bowl.
  • Combine wet and dry ingredients gently.
  • Beat egg whites to stiff peaks, then fold them into the batter.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

  • Heat oil to 325°F (165°C).
  • Fry chicken in batches for 7-8 minutes per side, ensuring it reaches 175°F (80°C).
  • Drain on a wire rack and keep warm.

Step 6: Make the Waffles

  • Preheat the waffle iron and grease it lightly.
  • Cook waffles for 3-5 minutes, until golden brown.
  • Keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven.

Step 7: Serve

  • Place a waffle on each plate, top with fried chicken.
  • Serve with butter, warm maple syrup, and optional toppings.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Brine chicken overnight and mix waffle batter up to 1 hour in advance.
  • Reheating Tips: Crisp up leftover waffles in a toaster or oven. Reheat chicken in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
  • Dietary Adjustments:
    • Gluten-Free: Use cup-for-cup gluten-free flour.
    • Dairy-Free: Substitute buttermilk with coconut milk + vinegar, and use almond/oat milk for waffles.
    • Egg-Free: Replace eggs with 1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 900kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 45gFat: 40gSodium: 1200mgSugar: 10g
Keyword buttermilk fried chicken, crispy fried chicken, homemade waffles, Southern fried chicken
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