Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles
A delicious fusion of crispy fried chicken served on fluffy waffles, drizzled with syrup, perfect for any family gathering.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces chicken thighs or breasts Use your preferred cut of chicken.
- 1 cup buttermilk For marinating the chicken.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour For coating the chicken.
- 2 tsp paprika Adds flavor to the coating.
- to taste salt and pepper For seasoning.
- as needed oil for frying Use vegetable or peanut oil.
For the Waffles
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour Base for the waffles.
- 1 tbsp baking powder Leavening agent for the waffles.
- 1 tbsp sugar Adds sweetness to the waffles.
- 0.5 tsp salt Enhances the flavor.
- 1.25 cups milk Liquid ingredient for waffles.
- 1 large egg Binding agent for waffle batter.
- 0.5 cup melted butter Adds richness to the waffles.
Instructions
Preparation
- Marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk, seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper, for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum flavor).
- While the chicken marinates, preheat your oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Coating and Frying the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a seasoned coating.
- Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat each piece in the flour mixture.
- Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil, frying until golden brown and cooked through, about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the piece size.
Preparing the Waffles
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
- Gradually stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Preheat your waffle iron and pour the batter into the center. Cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions until golden and crisp.
Serving
- Arrange the freshly fried chicken on top of the waffles, drizzle with maple syrup (or any syrup of your choice), and enjoy!
Notes
For even juicier fried chicken, marinate for a few hours or overnight. Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is the right temperature; too cool will result in soggy chicken. Feel free to add spices like cayenne for heat or herbs like thyme for a flavor twist. For lighter waffles, don’t overmix the batter; small lumps are okay!