Chicken And Waffles Recipe Recipe

This Chicken And Waffles Recipe is a crispy and savory recipe, which is made with chicken tenderloins and buttermilk. It’s the ultimate sweet and savory brunch, ready in about 1 hour.

Jump to Recipe

Chicken And Waffles Recipe Ingredients Recipe

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 2 tsp garlic powder, divided
• 1½ tsp onion powder, divided
• 1½ tsp white pepper or black
• 1½ tsp smoked paprika, divided
• Hot sauce (optional, but adds a kick)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Buttermilk waffles (use a mix or homemade)
• Maple syrup + soft butter, for serving

How To Make Chicken And Waffles Recipe

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, ¾ tsp onion powder, ¾ tsp white pepper, ¾ tsp smoked paprika, and a few dashes of hot sauce. Add the chicken tenderloins and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
2. Prepare the Dredge: On a large plate or in a shallow dish, combine the 1 cup of flour with the remaining 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, ¾ tsp onion powder, ¾ tsp white pepper, and ¾ tsp smoked paprika. Whisk well to combine.
3. Heat the Frying Oil: Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) on a thermometer.
4. Cook the Waffles: While the oil is heating, prepare your buttermilk waffles according to the package or your homemade recipe. To keep them warm, place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven.
5. Dredge the Chicken: Remove one chicken tender from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place it in the seasoned flour and toss to coat, pressing the flour mixture onto the chicken to get a thick, even coating. Repeat with all tenders.
6. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place 3-4 dredged chicken tenders into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is a deep golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
7. Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked chicken from the oil and place it on a clean wire rack to drain. Serve the crispy chicken tenders immediately on top of the warm waffles, topped with soft butter and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.

Recipe Tips Recipe

• How do I keep my chicken from being bland? Seasoning is key. This recipe seasons both the buttermilk marinade and the flour dredge. Do not skip seasoning both components, as this builds layers of flavor.
• How do I keep my waffles from getting soggy? Do not stack your cooked waffles on a plate. Stacking traps steam and makes them soft. Instead, place them in a single layer on a wire rack in a warm oven. The air circulation will keep them fluffy and crisp.
• What’s the secret to extra crispy chicken? For a thicker, crispier crust, you can double-dredge. After dredging in the flour, dip the tender back into the buttermilk marinade and then back into the flour a second time before frying.
• What’s the best oil for frying? Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils won’t burn at 350°F and won’t add a strong flavor to your chicken.

What To Serve With Chicken And Waffles Recipe

This is a complete meal, but if you’re building a full Southern-style brunch, these sides are perfect.

• A side of collard greens
• Creamy macaroni and cheese
• A simple fruit salad (to cut the richness)
• Extra hot sauce (or a hot honey)

How To Store Chicken And Waffles Recipe

Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze: You can freeze the fried chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Waffles can also be frozen, separated by parchment paper. Reheat: The best way to reheat is in an oven or air fryer. Place the chicken and waffles in a 375°F (190°C) air fryer for 4-6 minutes, or in an oven for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is crispy and everything is hot. Avoid the microwave, as it will make both items soggy.

Chicken And Waffles Recipe Nutrition Facts Recipe

(Per serving, assuming 4 servings, not including syrup/butter)

• Calories: ~750 kcal
• Total Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 130mg
• Sodium: 1800mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 58g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 42g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs