Best Easy Chicken and Waffles Recipe

Crispy fried chicken atop fluffy waffles drizzled with maple syrup is a sweet-savory American brunch icon. This indulgent, protein-rich dish is a family favorite for weekend gatherings.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 715 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • boneless skinless chicken thighs 1.5 lbs
  • buttermilk 1 cup
  • all-purpose flour 2 cups
  • large eggs 2 pieces
  • whole milk 1 cup
  • unsalted butter (melted) 6 tbsp
  • baking powder 2 tsp
  • granulated sugar 2 tbsp
  • vegetable oil (for frying) 2 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 2 tsp
  • ground black pepper 1 tsp
  • paprika 1 tsp
  • garlic powder 1 tsp
  • maple syrup 0.5 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 62 g 34%
Protein 34 g 19%
Fat 34 g 47%
Serving size 350g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Marinate chicken thighs in buttermilk, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator to ensure tenderness and flavor absorption.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Dredge marinated chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, pressing firmly to create a thick, even coating.

  3. 3

    Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry chicken in batches, turning once, for 7–8 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Place cooked chicken on a wire rack for optimal crispness.

  4. 4

    While the chicken is frying, prepare the waffle batter by whisking together eggs, milk, melted butter, baking powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt until just combined. Do not overmix to maintain fluffiness.

  5. 5

    Preheat waffle iron to medium-high and grease lightly. Pour batter (about 1/2 cup per waffle) onto iron and cook 3–4 minutes, until waffles are golden, crisp outside, and tender inside.

  6. 6

    To serve, place hot waffles on plates, top with fried chicken, and drizzle generously with maple syrup. Serve immediately for best texture contrast.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the core ingredient that defines Chicken and Waffles?
The core of Chicken and Waffles lies in the pairing of crispy fried chicken thighs with soft waffles. The chicken brings savory flavor and protein, while the waffles provide a tender, slightly sweet base—the combination is what gives the dish its signature American brunch appeal.
Q. How do you ensure the chicken stays crisp while frying?
For extra-crispy chicken, thoroughly coat the marinated pieces in seasoned flour and press the coating onto the surface. Fry at 350°F, turning once, and drain cooked chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This prevents steam from softening the crust and keeps it crispy.
Q. How can you get the waffles fluffy and not dense?
Do not overmix the waffle batter—instead, mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to dense waffles. Also, using enough baking powder and melted butter helps produce a tender, airy texture.
Q. What is the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?
Each serving contains 34g of protein and 62g of carbohydrates, giving a protein-to-carb caloric ratio of approximately 19% protein to 34% carbs. The recipe offers substantial protein thanks to the chicken.
Q. How many calories are in each serving of this recipe?
Each serving of Chicken and Waffles provides about 715 kcal, with balanced contributions from protein, fats, and carbohydrates. The chicken and waffles together make this a satisfying and energy-dense brunch dish.
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