Description
A classic Southern dish combining crispy, marinated fried chicken thighs with fluffy homemade waffles. The chicken is soaked in a flavorful buttermilk marinade, dredged in a seasoned flour mixture, and pan-fried to a golden crisp. Paired with light, buttery waffles and finished with maple syrup and hot sauce, this recipe offers the perfect sweet and savory comfort food experience.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
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
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Coat each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully add the chicken thighs. Fry for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Waffle Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Cook the Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron. Pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Plate the waffles and top with a fried chicken thigh. Serve with maple syrup or honey and hot sauce on the side.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature to ensure crispy, fully cooked chicken.
- Don’t overmix the waffle batter to keep waffles light and fluffy.
- Serve immediately for best texture; the chicken is crisp and the waffles are warm.
- Leftover waffles can be reheated in a toaster or oven.
