Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, juicy fried chicken
• Light and fluffy homemade waffles
• Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
• Ideal for brunch, holidays, or weekend dinners
• Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Delicious with regular or hot honey

Prep Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Marinating Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: About 5 hours

Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Fried Chicken

• 2 pounds chicken thighs, drumsticks, or boneless chicken tenders
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Waffles

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1¾ cups whole milk
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving

• Warm honey or hot honey
• Butter
• Fresh berries (optional)
• Powdered sugar (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Deep skillet or Dutch oven
• Waffle maker
• Mixing bowls
• Wire rack
• Tongs
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Instant-read thermometer

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce.

Add the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the juiciest, most flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.

Press the coating firmly onto the chicken for an extra crispy crust.

Let the coated chicken rest for 10–15 minutes before frying.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).

Carefully fry the chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan.

Cook for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Transfer the chicken to a wire rack to drain while keeping it crispy.

Step 4: Make the Waffle Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 5: Cook the Waffles

Preheat the waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Lightly grease the plates if needed.

Pour the recommended amount of batter into the waffle maker and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp.

Repeat with the remaining batter.

Step 6: Assemble

Place a warm waffle on each serving plate.

Top with a piece or two of crispy fried chicken.

Add a pat of butter and drizzle generously with warm honey or hot honey.

Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries if desired.

Serve immediately while everything is hot and crispy.

Tips for the Best Honey Fried Chicken and Waffles

• Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum tenderness.
• Cornstarch helps create an extra crispy coating.
• Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for even frying.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan, which lowers the oil temperature.
• Don’t overmix the waffle batter to keep the waffles light and fluffy.
• Keep cooked waffles warm in a low oven while frying the remaining chicken.

Variations

Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles

Use spicy hot honey instead of regular honey for a sweet and fiery finish.

Maple Honey Version

Drizzle with a combination of warm maple syrup and honey.

Nashville-Inspired

Brush the fried chicken with spicy Nashville-style oil before serving.

Cheddar Herb Waffles

Fold shredded cheddar cheese and chopped chives into the waffle batter for a savory twist.

Gluten-Free Version

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for both the chicken coating and waffles.

Oven-Fried Chicken

Bake the coated chicken at 425°F (220°C) until crispy for a lighter alternative.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.

The waffle batter can be prepared up to 12 hours ahead and refrigerated.

Cooked waffles can be frozen and reheated in a toaster or oven until crisp.

Storage

Store leftover fried chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze cooked chicken and waffles individually for up to 2 months.

Reheat the chicken in a 375°F (190°C) oven until crispy and heated through. Reheat waffles in a toaster or oven to restore their crisp texture.

What to Serve with Honey Fried Chicken and Waffles

This comforting meal pairs perfectly with:

• Fresh fruit salad
• Scrambled eggs
• Hash browns
• Southern-style grits
• Coleslaw
• Biscuits
• Macaroni and cheese
• Roasted potatoes
• Fresh orange juice
• Sweet tea
• Coffee
• Lemonade

Final Thoughts

Honey Fried Chicken and Waffles is a true comfort food classic that brings together crispy, juicy fried chicken and fluffy homemade waffles in one unforgettable meal. Finished with butter and a generous drizzle of honey, this sweet-and-savory favorite is perfect for brunch, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent. Once you try this homemade version, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe for sharing with family and friends.