Honey Fried Chicken and Waffles
Honey Fried Chicken and Waffles pairs crispy, golden-fried chicken chunks coated with a seasoned flour and cornmeal batter with buttermilk waffles. The chicken is double-dredged in a spicy flour mixture and soaked in buttermilk to achieve a flavorful, crunchy crust and juicy interior. Waffles made with buttermilk, baking powder, and baking soda are cooked to a crisp, providing a soft contrast. Warm honey drizzled over the chicken adds a sweet finish that complements the savory elements, creating a balanced breakfast or brunch dish.
Ingredients
for the buttermilk waffles
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ⅔ cups buttermilk
- 2 egg large
- ¼ cup butter melted, unsalted
for the chicken
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal yellow
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- 2 pounds chicken breast cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks, boneless, skinless, or thighs
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 6 cups vegetable oil
- ¼ cup honey warmed
Instructions
for the buttermilk waffles
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees F and a waffle iron to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the top and bottom of the waffle iron or coat with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- In a large glass measuring cup or another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs and butter. Pour mixture over dry ingredients and stir using a rubber spatula just until moist.
- Pour a scant 1/2 cup of the buttermilk mixture into the waffle iron, close gently and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 4-5 minutes; keep warm in oven.
for the chicken
- In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper.
- Working one at a time, dredge chicken in flour mixture, dip into buttermilk, then dredge again in flour mixture, pressing to coat.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium high heat until it registers 360 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer.
- Working in batches, add chicken and fry until golden brown, turning occasionally, about 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack and keep warm.*
- Serve immediately with waffles, drizzled with honey.
Notes
- Keep the fried chicken warm in a 200-degree F oven until ready to serve.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 360 degrees for thorough cooking and crispiness.
- Double dredge the chicken for a thicker, crunchier crust.