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Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles with Spicy Honey Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 129 reviews

This Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe combines crispy, juicy fried chicken with golden, fluffy waffles, topped with a spicy honey butter sauce for a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and heat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Waffles

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 3/4 cups milk
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Spicy Honey Butter Sauce

  • 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup)
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brine the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Add the chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
  2. Coat the Chicken: In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Remove the chicken from the marinade and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat thoroughly.
  3. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Drain the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
  4. Prepare the Waffle Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently until just mixed; do not overmix.
  5. Cook the Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron and cook the batter according to the manufacturer’s instructions until the waffles are golden brown and crisp. Remove carefully and keep warm.
  6. Make the Spicy Honey Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, melted butter, hot sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
  7. Assemble and Serve: Place a waffle on each plate and top with a piece of fried chicken. Drizzle the spicy honey butter sauce generously over the chicken and waffles. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F.
  • Adjust the cayenne and hot sauce to control the heat level of the dish.
  • For extra crispy chicken, you can double dredge by dipping back into the buttermilk before the flour mixture.
  • Leftover waffles can be reheated in a toaster or oven to maintain crispness.

Keywords: Southern fried chicken, waffles, fried chicken and waffles, brunch, comfort food, spicy honey butter sauce

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/southern-fried-chicken-and-waffles-with-spicy-honey-butter-sauce-recipe/