Description
This homemade Chicken and Waffles recipe features super crispy and perfectly spiced buttermilk fried chicken paired with fluffy and tender golden waffles. It’s one of the most iconic and scrumptious Southern pairings.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken tenderloins (about 6–7 pieces)
1 cup whole buttermilk
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
2 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons ground white pepper (or black pepper), divided
1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika, divided
Hot sauce, optional
1 cup all-purpose flour
Vegetable oil, for frying
Buttermilk waffles (click link for full waffle recipe)
Pure maple syrup & softened butter, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the buttermilk waffles as directed in their recipe. Reheat the waffles as needed to serve with the fried chicken.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Place tenders in a resealable plastic bag or container, cover with buttermilk, 1 teaspoon each of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, white pepper, and smoked paprika (add hot sauce if desired). Coat chicken in the buttermilk mixture, seal, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- In a shallow pie plate, combine flour with the remaining 1 teaspoon each of salt and garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon each of onion powder, white pepper, and smoked paprika. Whisk to combine.
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven to 350°F using a deep fry thermometer.
- Take chicken from the buttermilk mixture, shake off the excess, and dredge in the seasoned flour. Coat thoroughly and set on a baking sheet. Repeat for all chicken pieces.
- Allow chicken to rest while oil reaches temperature. Fry chicken in batches (4-5 at a time) for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F. Place fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towel to drain.
- Repeat frying process for all chicken, reheating oil to 350°F between batches.
- Serve warm waffles topped with fried chicken, softened butter, warm maple syrup, or fresh fruit. Best served immediately.
Notes
For best results, marinate chicken overnight.
Use a deep fry thermometer for precise oil temperature.
Serve immediately for optimal taste.
Fresh fruit can be added as an optional garnish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
