Crispy Chicken and Waffles

Name: Crispy Chicken and Waffles
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 8 chicken tenders or boneless thighs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 1/2 cups flour; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; salt and pepper; oil for frying; 8 prepared waffles; maple syrup or hot honey; butter

Crunchy buttermilk fried chicken stacked on fluffy golden waffles and drizzled with hot honey or maple syrup. Sweet, salty and a brunch showstopper.

Prep30 min

Cook30 min

Total1 hr

Serves4

What you'll need

Enameled cast-iron Dutch ovenFor soups, stews and braises

Amazon Walmart

Instant-read thermometerFor knowing when meat is done

Amazon Walmart

Mixing bowl setFor mixing and marinating

Amazon Walmart

Store links go to the same item at each retailer, checked November 13, 2026. Want to compare? See the Top 50 Kitchen gear rankings.

Steps

Marinate the chicken in buttermilk 1 hour or more.

Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken.

Fry in 350°F oil, 5 to 7 minutes, until 165°F and deep golden. Drain on a rack.

Warm the waffles, stack with the chicken and finish with butter and syrup.

TipKeep finished chicken on a rack in a 200°F oven so it stays crisp while the rest fry.