If comfort food had a shining star, it would be the irresistible combination of crispy fried chicken paired with fluffy, golden waffles drenched in sweet maple syrup. This Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup Recipe brings together the best of savory and sweet in one unforgettable dish that quickly becomes a household favorite. Whether you’re craving brunch, lunch, or dinner, this recipe delivers that perfect balance of crunchy, tender, and syrupy goodness that makes every bite pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating those signature textures and flavors that make Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup Recipe so iconic. From the spices that infuse the chicken with boldness to the buttermilk that lends tender moisture, each component is simple yet indispensable for the ultimate taste experience.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts): Perfectly sized pieces for juicy, tender fried chicken.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances seasoning throughout.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a subtle heat and depth to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smokiness and a warm color to the crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a savory aroma and gentle punch of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning with a hint of sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Delivers a mild kick to balance the richness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for the crunchy coating on the chicken.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Helps crisp up the chicken’s exterior perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds lightness to the coating for extra crunch.
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil (for frying): The ideal frying medium to get golden-brown perfection.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (for waffles): The foundation for tender, airy waffles.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savoriness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps waffles rise fluffy and light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures waffles have perfect texture and rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out the sweetness and balances the batter.
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk (for waffles): Contributes moistness and tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the waffle batter.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Adds buttery flavor and crisp edges on waffles.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Delivers a warm, sweet aroma to the waffles.
- Maple syrup: The crowning glory that ties the entire dish together with sweetness.
- Butter: Optional but delightful for richness on warm waffles.
- Hot sauce (optional): Adds a zesty kick for those who love some heat.
How to Make Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together buttermilk with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. This flavorful marinade not only infuses the chicken with savory spices but also breaks down the proteins, guaranteeing juicy tenderness. Submerge your chicken pieces fully and let them soak up the goodness for at least one hour—though overnight marination will earn you extra flavor depth.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
Next, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. This combination ensures a perfect crispy crust that clings to your chicken like a dream. The cornstarch is a secret weapon here, working hard to create that crave-worthy crunch with every bite.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Lift each chicken piece from the marinade, letting any excess drip off so the coating sticks just right. Press the chicken firmly into the flour mixture, making sure every inch is thoroughly covered. Let the coated chicken rest for about five minutes to give the coating time to set—this little pause makes a big difference when you fry.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat your vegetable oil in a deep skillet to a steady 350°F (175°C) to ensure crispy perfection without soaking in oil. Gently lay chicken pieces in the hot oil and fry for five to seven minutes on each side until golden brown and irresistibly crunchy. Once cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the extra oil, keeping the crust wonderfully crisp.
Step 5: Make the Waffles
While your chicken rests, get your waffle iron ready by preheating it. In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently, taking care to avoid overmixing to keep your waffles tender and light.
Step 6: Cook the Waffles
Pour batter onto your hot waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer instructions until the waffles are golden brown and crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy within. The sweet aroma filling your kitchen at this point will tell you you’re almost there!
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Place one or two warm waffles on each plate, top generously with the fried chicken, and drizzle with maple syrup until every bite is dripping with sweetness. Add a pat of butter or a splash of hot sauce if you want to dial the flavor up a notch. This is the moment all your hard work shines — an absolute celebration on a plate.
How to Serve Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a lovely pop of color and freshness to this rich dish. For a little extra zing, sprinkle on some cracked black pepper or a few flakes of smoked paprika. A small dollop of whipped butter melting over the hot waffles works wonders too, adding a velvety note that pairs beautifully with maple syrup.
Side Dishes
Though chicken and waffles make a hearty meal on their own, a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables can lighten the plate perfectly. Macaroni and cheese or collard greens give a classic Southern vibe that complements the dish’s bold flavors wonderfully. And if you’re serving brunch, fresh fruit or a citrusy slaw bring just the right brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack mini waffles with bite-sized chicken pieces on skewers for fun finger food at parties, drizzling maple syrup just before serving. Or try a deconstructed approach by serving waffle quarters alongside chicken tenders and individual syrup jars for dipping. For a brunch twist, top the chicken with a poached egg to blend all those flavors in a rich yolk cascade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken and waffles in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They stay tasty for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy this indulgent meal again without extra cooking.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover fried chicken and waffles separately on baking sheets until firm, then transfer to freezer bags for up to a month. This method preserves their texture and flavor, so you’ll get that fresh taste anytime craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to bring back its crispiness. Warm the waffles in a toaster or oven until heated through and summery golden. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make these textures limp and unsatisfying.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs are juicier and more forgiving, chicken breasts can work well if you take care not to overcook them. Consider pounding them to even thickness for consistent frying.
What’s the best type of maple syrup to use?
Pure, grade A amber or dark maple syrup is fantastic for its robust flavor that balances the savory chicken. Avoid imitation syrups for the best natural sweetness and depth.
Can I make the waffle batter ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking to reactivate the leavening agents and maintain fluffiness.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. The cornstarch also helps keep the coating crispy, so don’t skip it.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the cayenne pepper in the marinade or add hot sauce when serving for a pronounced kick. You can also dust the flour mixture with chili powder or smoked paprika for additional heat and smokiness.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup Recipe perfectly captures the magic of a comfort food classic, blending crispy, juicy chicken with soft, fluffy waffles and sweet syrup that ties every flavor together. It’s a dish that promises smiles and satisfied bellies every time, inviting you to savor each blissful bite. You absolutely have to try it and make it your own — I promise it will become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Print
Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Chicken and Waffles recipe combines crispy, flavorful fried chicken with fluffy, golden waffles for a perfect sweet and savory brunch or dinner. The chicken is marinated in a spiced buttermilk mixture for tenderness and flavor, then coated with a crispy seasoned flour crust and fried to perfection. Served with maple syrup and butter, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes, with an optional kick of hot sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Chicken Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Waffles
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To Serve
- Maple syrup
- Butter
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade, making sure each piece is completely covered. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned coating will give the chicken a crispy and flavorful crust.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour and cornstarch mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even and thick coating. Place the breaded chicken on a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes; this helps the crust set for better frying results.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). After frying, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Waffle Batter: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the waffles light and fluffy.
- Cook the Waffles: Pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook according to the device’s instructions until the waffles are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Assemble and Serve: To serve, place one waffle on a plate and top with a piece of fried chicken. Drizzle generously with maple syrup and add a pat of butter. For an optional spicy twist, add a dash of hot sauce. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crispy textures.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the frying oil at 350°F to ensure crispy chicken without burning.
- If you prefer less spicy food, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the marinade.
- Make sure not to overmix the waffle batter to keep them tender and light.
- Leftover fried chicken can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Gluten-free flour blends can be used as an alternative in both the chicken coating and waffle batter for a gluten-free version.
