Fried chicken and waffles may sound like an odd combination at first. But once you try this Southern American meal, you’ll realize what you’ve been missing.
Jump to RecipeI think fried chicken and waffles has to be one of the most Southern meals I’ve ever made! Biscuits and gravy is a close second. But fried chicken and waffles covered with maple syrup seems to have originated in the American south. There were earlier versions in other countries and in the Northern states. But this particular combination is very Southern.
The first time I had chicken and waffles was at a food truck event in downtown Orlando when we were in college. I remember not being so sure about it, but I didn’t care for much at the other food trucks. I figured, if needed, I could always deconstruct the meals and have the fried chicken separate from the waffles.
Though, after that first bite, there was no reason to separate the two foods! Fried chicken and waffles is such a delicious, surprising, combination. Normally, I eat ketchup or ranch with my fried chicken. Maple syrup actually works really well with both the fried chicken and the waffles.
After having fried chicken and waffles at a few food truck events, Justin decided he really wanted to try making some at home. We already have a recipe for waffles, so we used that as our base. While I was making the waffles, he was battering and frying the chicken. Tyler and Ryan weren’t so sure about this meal. They ended up pulling it apart into two meals, but they still enjoyed both the chicken tenders and the waffles.
Step by Step
Prepare waffles as directed. If you are making from scratch, get those started. Meanwhile, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
Place the bread flour in one bowl, eggs in another bowl, and bread crumbs in a third bowl.
Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, eggs, bread crumbs, then back into the egg, and into the bread crumbs once more.
Carefully place the chicken in the warm oil. Turn after about 3-5 minutes, when it’s golden-brown on the bottom. Cook another 3-5 minutes on the other side.
Remove from the pan and place on a wire rack.
Place a waffle on a serving plate and top with chicken. Drizzle with syrup and serve warm.
Leftovers
We stored the leftover waffles separate from the chicken. Reheating the waffles is easy in the toaster. And the chicken reheats in either the microwave, toaster oven, or oven really well. Then you can put them back together.
Recipe
Originally Published On: May 11, 2020
Fried Chicken and Waffles
Ingredients
- 4 waffles
- 1 lb chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 cups oil
- 1/2 cup flour
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 3/4 cup maple syrup
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Prepare waffles as directed (If you are making from scratch, get those started)
- Meanwhile, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces
- Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat
- Place the bread flour in one bowl, eggs in another bowl, and bread crumbs in a third bowl
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, eggs, bread crumbs, then back into the egg, and into the bread crumbs once more
- Carefully place the chicken in the warm oil
- Turn after about 3-5 minutes, when it’s golden-brown on the bottom
- Cook another 3-5 minutes on the other side
- Remove from the pan and place on a wire rack
- Place a waffle on a serving plate and top with chicken
- Drizzle with syrup and serve warm
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
Oh my word we love fried chicken and waffles. If a menu has it, I will order it. We’re definitely make this! Looks so delicious.
I was so unsure the first time, but it’s so good! And not that hard to make at home, either.
These look so good! I have actually never had chicken and waffles, but I’d love to try it.
Oh my gosh, you have got to try it! It seems so strange but tastes so good together.
I have never had chicken and waffles before, and it was all over Southern Maryland too when I lived there. I have to try this. You have a waffle recipe?
They are so good together, you should give it a try! I do have a waffle recipe, you can find it here: https://www.sonshinekitchen.com/waffle-recipe/ That’s the recipe that I used for this, too.
I’m yet to try that combo but I’ve heard others who say it’s delicious. It does look really tasty.
Oh you should give it a try, it’s definitely a good one!
I just love fried chicken and waffles! I have to admit that for as much as I cook at home though, I have never made them. Can’t wait to try this recipe!!
We hadn’t, either, until my husband insisted that we try it at home. I’m so glad we did, they were so good!
My waffle maker is probably my most under-used kitchen appliance! This recipe makes me want to pull it out and dust if off.
I forget about it sometimes, too. But it really can be handy!