How to Make Classic Chicken and Waffles: A Simple Guide
There are few meals more comforting than chicken and waffles. With the perfect balance of savory, crispy fried chicken and sweet, fluffy waffles, this dish is a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. The best part? You can make it at home with just a few simple ingredients. In this blog, we’ll guide you step-by-step to create classic chicken and waffles in simple English.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 4-6 pieces of chicken (thighs, wings, or drumsticks work best)
- 2 cups of buttermilk
- 1 cup of flour
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (optional but adds extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Cooking oil (for frying)
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups of milk
- 1/3 cup of melted butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Maple syrup (a must-have for sweetness)
- Butter (adds richness)
- Hot sauce (if you like some spice)
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s start cooking!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Chicken needs to be flavorful and crispy, and the secret is in the preparation! Here’s how to start:
- Marinate the chicken:
- Pour the buttermilk into a large bowl.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the buttermilk for flavor.
- Place the chicken pieces into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged.
-
Cover and let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the fridge. If you have time, marinate it overnight—you’ll thank yourself later because the chicken will be extra juicy!
-
Prepare the coating:
- In another bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch (if using), paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
-
This flour mixture will form the crispy coating for your chicken.
-
Coat the chicken:
- After marinating, remove the chicken from the buttermilk.
-
Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well. Shake off excess flour.
-
Fry the chicken:
- Heat cooking oil in a deep frying pan or skillet over medium heat. You’ll need enough oil to cover the chicken halfway.
- Once the oil is hot (test it by dropping a tiny bit of flour—if it sizzles, it’s ready), carefully add the coated chicken pieces.
- Fry for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy. Thicker pieces like drumsticks may take a little longer. Check the inside to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Remove and place the fried chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 2: Make the Waffles
While the chicken is frying, it’s time to whip up the waffles. Follow these steps:
- Mix the dry ingredients:
-
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
-
Mix the wet ingredients:
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
-
Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
-
Combine wet and dry ingredients:
-
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your waffles dense rather than fluffy.
-
Cook the waffles:
- Preheat your waffle iron. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Pour a ladleful of batter onto the waffle iron and close the lid.
- Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the waffle is golden and cooked through.
- Repeat until all the batter is used.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Now comes the fun part: assembling and enjoying your chicken and waffles! Here’s how to bring it all together:
- Place a warm waffle on a plate.
- Top it with one or two pieces of crispy chicken.
- Drizzle with maple syrup. Add a pat of butter or a splash of hot sauce if desired.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect combination of sweet and savory.
Tips for Success
- Plan ahead: Marinating the chicken the night before will make a huge difference in taste and texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches to keep the oil at the right temperature and ensure even crispiness.
- Keep waffles warm: Place cooked waffles in a preheated oven at 200°F (90°C) to stay warm while you finish cooking the rest.
Conclusion
Classic chicken and waffles is a simple but impressive dish that brings comfort to any meal. With crispy golden chicken, fluffy homemade waffles, and maple syrup tying it all together, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Now that you know how to make it step-by-step, give it a try this weekend—you deserve a delicious treat!
Let us know how your chicken and waffles turned out in the comments below, and don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings! Happy cooking!
