Chicken and waffles is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly combines crispy fried chicken with fluffy, golden waffles. This sweet and savory comfort food has become a beloved staple for brunch lovers everywhere. If you’ve ever wondered how to make chicken and waffles at home, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through the steps to create this iconic dish with ease, using simple ingredients and tips to get that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Chicken and Waffles
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather everything you need. The recipe breaks down into two main parts: the fried chicken and the waffles.
For the Fried Chicken:
– 3 to 4 pounds of chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, drumsticks)
– 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 large egg
– 1/3 cup 2% milk
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice or hot sauce (optional for marinade)
– Oil for deep frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
For the Waffles:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 3 large eggs, separated
– 2 cups 2% milk or buttermilk
– ¼ cup canola oil or melted butter
– Optional: cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor
To Serve:
– Maple syrup
– Butter
– Optional: honey butter or spicy honey sauce for an extra kick
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chicken and Waffles
1. Prepare the Fried Chicken
Start by seasoning and breading your chicken for that crispy southern-style crust.
– Marinate (Optional): For juicier chicken, soak your pieces in a buttermilk brine or a mix of milk and lemon juice for at least 2 hours or overnight. This tenderizes the meat and adds flavor.
– Mix the Dry Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, thyme, paprika, salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
– Mix the Wet Coating: In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
– Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and back into the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour.
– Fry: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken pieces in batches for about 6-10 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels and keep warm in the oven if needed.
2. Make the Waffles
While the chicken is marinating or frying, you can prepare the waffles.
– Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. You can add cinnamon for a warm spice note.
– Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, milk (or buttermilk), and oil or melted butter.
– Combine: Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just moistened. Avoid overmixing to keep waffles light.
– Beat Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold these into the batter for extra fluffiness.
– Cook: Preheat your waffle maker and lightly grease it. Pour batter and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions until golden and crisp.
3. Assemble and Serve
– Place a warm waffle on a plate.
– Top with two or three pieces of fried chicken.
– Add a pat of butter on top.
– Drizzle generously with maple syrup.
– For an extra special touch, try adding honey-cinnamon butter or a spicy honey sauce for a sweet and spicy contrast.
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Waffles
– Don’t skip the brine: It makes the chicken juicy and flavorful.
– Use a thermometer: Keeping the oil at the right temperature ensures crispy chicken without greasy results.
– Fold egg whites gently: This keeps waffles airy and light.
– Keep everything warm: Use a low oven (around 200°F) to keep fried chicken and waffles warm while finishing the rest.
– Customize your syrup: Mix maple syrup with hot sauce or honey for a unique flavor twist.
Chicken and waffles bring together the best of both worlds: crispy, savory chicken and sweet, fluffy waffles. With this guide, you can easily recreate this southern classic at home and impress your family or friends with a delicious brunch or dinner that’s sure to satisfy every craving.
Enjoy your homemade chicken and waffles!