Chicken and waffles are the kind of meal that instantly turns an ordinary brunch into something special. You get crispy, golden fried chicken, fluffy homemade waffles, and a generous drizzle of sweet maple syrup in every bite. The combination of savory, crunchy, buttery, and sweet flavors is incredibly satisfying—and it is easy to understand why chicken and waffles have become such a beloved brunch favorite.
This recipe gives you everything you need to make restaurant-style chicken and waffles at home, including a flavorful chicken marinade, crispy coating, light and fluffy waffles, maple butter, serving ideas, make-ahead instructions, reheating tips, and plenty of variations.
The best part? You don’t need complicated ingredients or professional cooking equipment. With a few simple techniques, you can make chicken that stays juicy inside while becoming beautifully crisp outside, paired with waffles that are golden on the edges and soft in the center.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Waffles Recipe
There are plenty of reasons this recipe deserves a place on your weekend brunch menu.
Crispy and juicy chicken
The chicken is marinated in seasoned buttermilk before being coated in a flavorful flour mixture. The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken while also creating the perfect surface for the crispy coating to cling to.
Light and fluffy waffles
The waffles are made with a simple batter containing baking powder and a little baking soda. These ingredients help create waffles that rise beautifully without becoming heavy.
Sweet and savory perfection
The combination of crispy fried chicken, buttery waffles, and maple syrup creates a flavor contrast that is hard to resist.
Great for brunch
This recipe feels impressive enough for guests but is straightforward enough for a family weekend breakfast.
Easy to customize
You can make the chicken spicy, add hot honey, use chicken tenders, add bacon, or even turn everything into a chicken-and-waffle sandwich.
Complete Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Marinating Time: 2–12 hours
Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: About 3 hours including a short marinade, or overnight if preferred
Servings: 4–6
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
Cuisine: American-inspired
Difficulty: Moderate
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Chicken thighs are particularly good for this recipe because they remain juicy during frying. Chicken breasts work well too, especially if they are sliced into smaller pieces.
For the Crispy Chicken Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
The cornstarch is an important ingredient because it helps create a lighter, crunchier crust.
For Frying
- 6–8 cups neutral frying oil, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil
Use enough oil to allow the chicken pieces to cook without touching the bottom of the pan.
For the Waffles
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1¾ cups buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Maple Butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
For Serving
- Pure maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries, optional
- Butter
- Hot sauce
- Hot honey, optional
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives, optional
How to Make Chicken and Waffles
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If you are using chicken breasts, cut each breast horizontally into thinner pieces. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and makes the finished pieces easier to serve with waffles.
If using chicken thighs, trim away any large pieces of excess fat.
For larger pieces, you can gently pound the chicken to an even thickness. Avoid pounding it too thin because you want the chicken to remain juicy.
Place the chicken into a large bowl or resealable food bag.
Step 2: Make the Buttermilk Marinade
Pour the buttermilk into a large bowl.
Add:
- Egg
- Hot sauce
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Onion powder
Whisk everything together until well combined.
Add the chicken and make sure every piece is completely coated.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken for 8–12 hours.
Avoid marinating for excessively long periods because the texture can eventually become overly soft.
Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Coating
In a large shallow bowl, combine the flour and cornstarch.
Add:
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Cayenne pepper
- Baking powder
- Thyme
- Oregano
Whisk thoroughly.
Make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 4: Create Extra-Crispy Pieces
Here’s one of the easiest tricks for making exceptionally crispy chicken.
Take about 2 tablespoons of the buttermilk marinade and drizzle it into the seasoned flour mixture.
Use your fingers to rub the liquid into the flour.
This creates tiny irregular flour clumps.
Those clumps stick to the chicken and fry into crunchy little pieces, giving your chicken a restaurant-style crust.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Remove one piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade.
Let the excess drip off for a few seconds.
Place it into the seasoned flour.
Press the flour firmly onto the chicken.
Turn the chicken over and coat the other side.
For an especially thick crust, dip the chicken briefly back into the buttermilk and then into the flour again.
Press firmly.
Place the coated chicken on a clean tray.
Repeat with the remaining pieces.
Allow the coated chicken to rest for about 5–10 minutes before frying.
This helps the coating adhere better.
Step 6: Heat the Oil
Pour the frying oil into a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or deep, sturdy skillet.
Do not fill the pot more than halfway.
Heat the oil to approximately 350°F (175°C).
A cooking thermometer is strongly recommended.
The oil temperature is extremely important.
If the oil is too cool, the chicken can become greasy.
If the oil is too hot, the outside can burn before the inside is fully cooked.
Step 7: Fry the Chicken
Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil.
Do not overcrowd the pot.
Depending on the size of your pan, cook approximately 2–4 pieces at a time.
The oil temperature will drop when you add the chicken. Adjust the heat as necessary to keep it roughly between 325°F and 350°F while cooking.
Fry until the chicken is deeply golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Depending on the thickness, this can take approximately 5–8 minutes per piece, although exact cooking time will vary.
Use a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken to verify doneness.
Step 8: Drain the Chicken Properly
Remove the chicken from the oil using tongs or a spider strainer.
Place it on a wire rack positioned over a baking sheet.
This is better than placing the chicken directly on paper towels.
Why?
Because when hot fried chicken sits directly on paper towels, steam can become trapped underneath and soften the crust.
A wire rack allows air to circulate around the chicken, helping it remain crisp.
Sprinkle lightly with salt while the chicken is still hot.
Step 9: Make the Waffle Batter
While the chicken rests, prepare the waffles.
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
In another bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Buttermilk
- Melted butter
- Vanilla extract
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Gently stir until combined.
Do not overmix.
A few small lumps are completely fine.
Overmixing develops gluten and can result in tough waffles.
Step 10: Rest the Batter
Allow the waffle batter to rest for about 5 minutes.
This gives the flour time to hydrate and allows the leavening ingredients to begin working.
Meanwhile, preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 11: Cook the Waffles
Lightly grease the waffle iron if necessary.
Pour an appropriate amount of batter into the center.
Close the lid and cook until the waffle is golden brown and crisp on the outside.
Cooking time varies depending on the waffle maker, but many machines take approximately 3–5 minutes.
Do not open the waffle maker too early.
If you open it before the waffle has set, it can tear apart.
When steam coming from the waffle maker begins to decrease significantly, check the waffle.
Remove it carefully and place it on a wire rack.
Do not stack freshly cooked waffles immediately because the trapped steam can soften them.
Step 12: Make the Maple Butter
Add softened butter to a small bowl.
Pour in the maple syrup.
Add a pinch of salt.
Whip together using a fork, whisk, or hand mixer until smooth.
The maple butter can be spread directly onto the hot waffles or served alongside the finished dish.
Step 13: Assemble the Chicken and Waffles
Place one or two waffles on each plate.
Top with a piece of crispy fried chicken.
Add a small pat of maple butter.
Drizzle generously with warm maple syrup.
For a spicy-sweet finish, add a little hot honey or a few drops of hot sauce.
Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.
Serve immediately.
The Secret to Truly Crispy Chicken
Getting crispy chicken is not difficult, but several small details make a major difference.
Don’t skip the cornstarch
Cornstarch reduces the amount of gluten in the coating and helps create a crisp, delicate crust.
Don’t overcrowd the pan
Too many pieces lower the oil temperature.
The chicken may then absorb oil instead of frying properly.
Maintain the oil temperature
Try to keep the oil around 325–350°F while cooking.
Use a wire rack
This prevents the bottom crust from becoming soggy.
Let the coating rest
After flouring the chicken, allow it to sit for several minutes before frying.
This helps the coating hydrate slightly and adhere to the chicken.
How to Make Extra-Fluffy Waffles
Waffles can easily become dense if the batter is handled incorrectly.
Here are some important techniques.
Don’t overmix
Stir just until the ingredients are incorporated.
Small lumps are perfectly acceptable.
Use fresh leavening ingredients
Old baking powder or baking soda may not provide enough lift.
Don’t make the batter too thin
A moderately thick batter usually produces waffles with a better texture.
Keep finished waffles warm correctly
If you’re preparing several waffles, place them on a wire rack in a low oven rather than stacking them.
An oven around 200°F (95°C) can help keep them warm while preserving some crispness.
What Type of Chicken Is Best?
You can use several different cuts.
Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs are my favorite option because they are naturally juicy and flavorful.
They are also more forgiving if you accidentally cook them slightly longer than necessary.
Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts create larger, leaner pieces.
For best results, cut them into thinner portions so they cook evenly.
Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are excellent for a family-friendly version.
They are smaller, cook quickly, and are easy to serve.
Chicken Wings
For a fun party version, use fried chicken wings instead of larger pieces.
Serve them with mini waffles.
How to Make Spicy Chicken and Waffles
If you love heat, this recipe is easy to transform.
Increase the cayenne pepper in the flour mixture.
You can also add:
- Crushed red pepper
- Cayenne hot sauce
- Smoked paprika
- Chipotle powder
For the ultimate spicy-sweet combination, drizzle the finished chicken with hot honey.
The sweetness of honey helps balance the heat.
Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles
Hot honey is one of the easiest upgrades.
Simply combine:
- ½ cup honey
- 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce
- Pinch of cayenne
- Tiny pinch of salt
Warm gently until fluid.
Do not boil.
Drizzle over the fried chicken immediately before serving.
The result is sweet, spicy, sticky, and incredibly flavorful.
Southern-Style Chicken and Waffles
For a more traditional Southern-inspired presentation, serve the chicken and waffles with:
- Butter
- Maple syrup
- Hot sauce
- Powdered sugar
- Crispy bacon
- Fresh fruit
You can also add a little country-style gravy on the side for an extra savory option.
Can You Make Chicken and Waffles Ahead of Time?
Yes.
This recipe is excellent for preparing ahead.
Chicken
Fry the chicken earlier in the day.
Allow it to cool completely.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Waffles
Waffles can also be prepared ahead of time.
Cool them completely before refrigerating.
For longer storage, freeze them.
When you’re ready to serve, reheat both components separately.
How to Reheat Fried Chicken
For the best texture, use an oven or air fryer rather than a microwave.
Oven method
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place chicken pieces on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
Heat for approximately 10–20 minutes, depending on their size, until hot throughout.
Air fryer method
Place the chicken in the air fryer in a single layer.
Heat at approximately 375°F (190°C) for several minutes until hot and crisp.
Exact timing depends on the size and thickness of the chicken.
The microwave is convenient but usually makes the crust soft.
How to Reheat Waffles
Place refrigerated waffles directly into a toaster or toaster oven.
You can also reheat them in an oven at approximately 350°F (175°C).
Avoid microwaving them if crisp edges are important.
Frozen waffles can usually go directly into a toaster or oven without thawing.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow chicken and waffles to cool before storing.
Keep the chicken refrigerated in an airtight container.
Store waffles separately.
For best quality, consume refrigerated leftovers within a few days.
For longer storage, freeze the waffles and chicken separately.
When reheating, use an oven or air fryer to restore crispness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using cold oil
If the oil isn’t hot enough, the coating can absorb excess oil.
2. Overcrowding the pan
This causes the temperature to drop dramatically.
Cook in batches.
3. Overmixing waffle batter
This produces chewy, dense waffles.
Mix gently.
4. Putting hot waffles in a stack
Steam gets trapped between the waffles and softens them.
Use a wire rack.
5. Cutting the chicken immediately
Give the chicken a few minutes to rest after frying.
This helps the juices redistribute.
6. Guessing when the chicken is done
Color alone isn’t enough.
Use a thermometer and ensure the thickest portion reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Pouring cold syrup over everything
Warm maple syrup creates a much more enjoyable eating experience.
Delicious Toppings and Add-Ons
The classic combination is already delicious, but you can make your plate unique.
Sweet toppings
- Maple syrup
- Honey
- Hot honey
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh strawberries
- Blueberries
- Bananas
- Whipped cream
Savory toppings
- Crispy bacon
- Fried egg
- Cheddar cheese
- Green onions
- Chives
- Hot sauce
Spicy toppings
- Jalapeños
- Cayenne
- Buffalo sauce
- Chili crisp
- Spicy honey
Chicken and Waffle Sandwich
Want to make this recipe even more fun?
Turn it into a sandwich.
Place a piece of fried chicken between two small waffles.
Add maple syrup, hot honey, and a little butter.
You can also add bacon and a fried egg.
Secure everything with a toothpick and serve as a handheld brunch sandwich.
Buffalo Chicken and Waffles
For a completely different flavor profile, toss the fried chicken lightly with buffalo sauce.
Serve it over waffles with:
- Ranch dressing
- Blue cheese
- Green onions
- Maple syrup
The tangy buffalo sauce and sweet waffle create an exciting sweet-and-spicy combination.
Bacon Chicken and Waffles
Crispy bacon is a natural partner for this recipe.
Add two or three strips of cooked bacon to each serving.
You can also crumble bacon into the waffle batter.
If adding bacon to the batter, make sure it is cooked and cooled first.
Fried Egg Chicken and Waffles
For an extra-hearty brunch, add a sunny-side-up fried egg.
When you cut into the egg, the creamy yolk runs over the chicken and waffle.
Add maple syrup and hot sauce for an unforgettable breakfast.
What to Serve With Chicken and Waffles
Although chicken and waffles are substantial on their own, you can serve several sides.
Good options include:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Hash browns
- Crispy breakfast potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Fried eggs
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Coleslaw
- Simple green salad
For brunch, fresh fruit is especially useful because it adds a refreshing contrast to the rich fried chicken and waffles.
Beverage Pairings
A cold drink or warm beverage can complete the meal.
Try serving chicken and waffles with:
- Fresh orange juice
- Iced tea
- Lemonade
- Coffee
- Cold brew
- Hot chocolate
- Fresh fruit smoothies
For a brunch gathering, a fruit-based drink can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes.
If you don’t have buttermilk, add approximately 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes before using.
The flavor won’t be exactly the same as commercial buttermilk, but it works well.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, although the texture will be different.
For a baked version, place the coated chicken on a greased wire rack over a baking sheet.
Spray or lightly brush the coating with oil.
Bake at approximately 425°F (220°C) until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
The crust won’t be identical to deep-fried chicken, but it can still be delicious.
Can I air fry the chicken?
Absolutely.
Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in a preheated air fryer.
Lightly spray the coating with cooking oil.
Air fry around 375°F (190°C) until crisp and cooked through, turning according to your air fryer’s instructions.
Always verify the internal temperature with a thermometer.
Why is my fried chicken not crispy?
The most common causes are:
- Oil temperature is too low
- Pan is overcrowded
- Coating is too wet
- Chicken isn’t given time to rest after coating
- Finished chicken is placed directly on a flat surface
- Chicken is covered while still hot
Use a wire rack and maintain the oil temperature carefully.
Why are my waffles not fluffy?
The batter may have been overmixed, or your baking powder and baking soda may not be fresh.
Also make sure your waffle iron is fully preheated before adding the batter.
Can I freeze chicken and waffles?
Yes.
Freeze the cooked chicken and waffles separately.
Place parchment paper between waffles if stacking them.
Store everything in freezer-safe containers or bags.
Reheat directly from frozen using an oven, toaster oven, or air fryer.
Nutrition Notes
The nutritional value will vary depending on the exact ingredients, portion size, amount of oil absorbed during frying, and toppings.
Because this is a rich brunch recipe, portion size can make a significant difference.
For a lighter plate, serve one smaller waffle with one piece of chicken, plenty of fresh fruit, and a moderate amount of maple syrup.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Waffles Every Time
1. Marinate the chicken.
Buttermilk gives the chicken better flavor and tenderness.
2. Season every layer.
Don’t rely only on the sauce or syrup for flavor.
3. Add cornstarch to the coating.
It helps create a crispier crust.
4. Create flour clumps.
A little buttermilk mixed into the flour creates crunchy bits.
5. Keep your oil temperature controlled.
This is one of the most important factors in successful fried chicken.
6. Use a thermometer.
It removes the guesswork.
7. Keep waffles on a rack.
This prevents them from steaming themselves soft.
8. Warm your syrup.
Warm syrup spreads more easily and complements the hot chicken.
9. Serve immediately.
Chicken and waffles are at their best while the chicken is hot and crisp and the waffles are fresh.
Complete Recipe Card
Viral Chicken and Waffles
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Coating
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1½ teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon oregano
Waffles
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1¾ cups buttermilk
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Maple Butter
- ½ cup softened butter
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
For frying
- 6–8 cups neutral oil
For serving
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Butter
- Hot honey or hot sauce, optional
- Fresh fruit, optional
Cooking Instructions at a Glance
- Cut chicken into even pieces.
- Whisk together buttermilk, egg, hot sauce, and seasonings.
- Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours.
- Combine flour, cornstarch, and seasonings.
- Add a little marinade to the flour to create crispy clumps.
- Coat each chicken piece thoroughly.
- Rest coated chicken for 5–10 minutes.
- Heat oil to approximately 350°F.
- Fry chicken in batches until golden and cooked to 165°F internally.
- Drain chicken on a wire rack.
- Mix dry waffle ingredients.
- Mix wet waffle ingredients separately.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently.
- Rest batter for about 5 minutes.
- Cook waffles in a preheated waffle iron.
- Whip together maple butter.
- Place waffles on plates.
- Add crispy chicken.
- Top with maple butter and warm maple syrup.
- Finish with powdered sugar, hot honey, or fresh fruit if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Final Thoughts
This Viral Chicken and Waffles recipe brings together everything you want in an unforgettable brunch: juicy seasoned chicken, an incredibly crisp coating, fluffy golden waffles, creamy maple butter, and sweet maple syrup.
The secret isn’t one complicated ingredient. It’s the combination of simple techniques: marinating the chicken, adding cornstarch to the coating, controlling the frying temperature, avoiding overcrowding, and gently mixing the waffle batter.
Once you master those steps, you can customize the recipe in countless ways. Make it spicy with cayenne and hot honey, add bacon and a fried egg for a hearty brunch, or turn it into a fun chicken-and-waffle sandwich.
