Delicious Crispy Chicken Waffle for a Perfect Breakfast

I still remember the first time I nailed my Crispy Chicken Waffle recipe. It took a few tries to get the balance just right between the crispy chicken and the tender Belgian waffle, but once it clicked, it became a staple in my kitchen. This dish fits perfectly into my routine because it’s both satisfying and approachable—comfort food that doesn’t demand hours of work or fancy ingredients. There’s something joyful about that satisfying crunch paired with the soft, buttery waffle, and it always feels like a warm hug on a plate.

This Crispy Chicken Waffle satisfies a craving for hearty, flavorful food without fuss. I make it when I want a bit of indulgence, whether for a cozy weekend brunch or a special weeknight dinner. It reminds me of southern fried chicken dinners I used to enjoy growing up, but with a fun twist that keeps it feeling fresh and a little special. If you love fried chicken and waffles, you’re going to love making this recipe—it’s one of those make-again recipes that bring smiles around the table.

If you’re a home cook who’s been hesitant about tackling a chicken and waffle recipe, I promise this Crispy Chicken Waffle is your new best friend. The instructions are straightforward, the ingredients are easy to find, and the result is restaurant-worthy without the extra stress. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this recipe will give you that wonderful feeling when things come together beautifully. Let’s get cooking and make this Crispy Chicken Waffle a family favorite in your home too!

What You’ll Need for This Crispy Chicken Waffle:

Here’s what you’ll gather to make your Crispy Chicken Waffle shine. I keep things simple because good cooking should be accessible to all home cooks. You don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients to enjoy this classic combo.

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1.5 pounds) – For the best crispy chicken breast, choose fresh ones from your grocer’s meat section.
  • 1 cup buttermilk – This tenderizes the chicken beautifully. Don’t have buttermilk? Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. That works perfectly in this Crispy Chicken Waffle.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds a gentle smoky touch.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour – You can swap in whole wheat flour if you want a nuttier flavor and slightly more fiber.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder – Gives a little extra lightness to the waffle batter.
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk – Room temperature is best.
  • 2 tablespoons sugar – This helps the Belgian waffles brown nicely.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying chicken – These oils have a high smoke point, ideal for that crispy southern fried chicken finish.

This Crispy Chicken Waffle is economical because you’re using simple pantry staples and a couple of fresh items. Plus, it works well to buy chicken breasts in bulk and freeze extras for another time.

For quick prep, I recommend pounding the chicken breasts evenly to about 1/2-inch thickness. It helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. You can also prepare the marinade the night before to deepen the flavor. Store the flour mixture in an airtight container if you’re making the batter later.

If you want my little secret that makes this Crispy Chicken Waffle extra special, toss the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture twice before frying. That double coating adds to the crunch everyone loves.

Ingredients for Crispy Chicken Waffle neatly arranged on a kitchen counter

How to Make This Crispy Chicken Waffle:

Ready to bring your Crispy Chicken Waffle to life? Let’s cook together step-by-step. You’ll see it really isn’t as tricky as it may seem, and the process is straightforward.

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, making sure they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results. This is where your southern fried chicken starts getting that tender, flavorful base.
  2. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. When ready to fry, dredge each chicken breast in this seasoned flour, shaking off excess. For that extra special crispy chicken breast texture, dip the chicken back in the buttermilk marinade briefly and coat once more in the flour.
  3. Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering (about 350°F if you have a thermometer). Add the chicken pieces carefully. Fry for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature hits 165°F. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Make the Belgian Waffles: While the chicken fries, let’s make the waffles. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. In another bowl, mix the flour with baking powder and a pinch of salt. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps—overmixing can make waffles tough.
  5. Cook the Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron and brush lightly with melted butter or oil. Pour batter enough to cover the waffle iron surface without overflowing. Cook until golden brown and crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes depending on your waffle maker.
  6. Assemble Your Crispy Chicken Waffle: Place a warm Belgian waffle on a plate, top with a crispy fried chicken breast, and drizzle with your favorite syrup or honey butter. The contrast of flavors is what makes this fried chicken and waffles combo so irresistible.

From start to finish, this Crispy Chicken Waffle takes about an hour with the marinating time included—perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch or a special dinner. While the chicken fries, you can clean up or prep your sides. The aroma of southern fried chicken cooking and sweet waffle batter baking will soon fill your kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in.

If your Crispy Chicken Waffle coating looks pale or soft after frying, don’t worry. It usually means the oil wasn’t hot enough. Next time, aim for that steady 350°F heat, and your crispy chicken breast will turn out perfectly crunchy every time.

Serving Your Crispy Chicken Waffle:

This Crispy Chicken Waffle truly shines when served with classic sides that balance the richness and crunch. I love pairing it with crispy sweet potato fries or simple fresh fruit for a pop of brightness. A side of creamy coleslaw or a light salad adds freshness that cuts through the fried goodness.

For occasions, this chicken and waffle recipe is a winner at family brunches, casual weekend gatherings, or even a fun dinner to switch up the usual. It’s a dish that tends to get requested again because it feels indulgent but approachable.

For presentation, serving your Crispy Chicken Waffle on colorful plates with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives turns it into something that looks as good as it tastes. Leftovers? Reheat the chicken gently in the oven to keep it crispy, and pop the waffles in a toaster or oven to freshen them up. Mix leftover shredded crispy chicken into a breakfast hash or wrap in a flatbread for a tasty sandwich twist.

Seasonal variations include topping your Crispy Chicken Waffle with fresh berries and whipped cream in summer or a warm cinnamon apple compote in fall. Friends and family always ask for this dish, especially when I pair it with a side inspired by this southern fried chicken and waffles recipe I found—the balance of flavors is just right.

If you enjoy this, you might love checking out my Buffalo Chicken Taquitos for another crispy, flavorful chicken dish that’s fun to make.

Served Crispy Chicken Waffle on a colorful plate with syrup and sides

Common Questions About This Crispy Chicken Waffle:

Can I make parts of this Crispy Chicken Waffle ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken overnight and even make the waffle batter in advance. Just store the batter in the fridge and give it a good stir before using. Cook the chicken fresh for best crispiness, but you can fry it and reheat carefully later.

What’s a good substitute for buttermilk in this Crispy Chicken Waffle?
A simple substitute is milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic buttermilk’s acidity. Plain yogurt thinned with water also works well.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs can be juicier but may take slightly longer to cook. Just make sure to pound them evenly.

How do I adjust this Crispy Chicken Waffle for more or fewer people?
The recipe scales well. Double or halve the ingredients depending on your needs. Just keep frying in batches if doubling to avoid crowding the pan.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, but you’ll miss some of the classic southern fried chicken crunch. Try baking with a little oil sprayed on top for a crispy finish if you want a lighter version.

What’s the best way to keep the waffle batter light?
Don’t overmix! Stir just until the wet and dry ingredients combine. A few lumps are perfectly fine.

Is there a vegan version of this Crispy Chicken Waffle?
This recipe is traditional, but you could swap chicken with fried tofu and use plant-based milk and egg substitutes in the waffle batter. It’s a fun experiment for adventurous cooks.

For more inspiration, the Chicken and Waffles (Southern-Style) recipe on Garlic & Zest is a fantastic resource that echoes many tips from my Crispy Chicken Waffle.

Final Thoughts on This Crispy Chicken Waffle:

This Crispy Chicken Waffle holds a special place in my recipe collection because it combines familiar flavors with a little homemade magic. It’s one of those dishes where the crunchy, seasoned southern fried chicken meets tender, fluffy Belgian waffles in the happiest way possible.

My Top Tips for This Crispy Chicken Waffle:

  • Marinate your chicken well to lock in moisture and flavor.
  • Keep your oil temperature steady for the best crispy chicken breast results.
  • Don’t overmix your waffle batter to maintain lightness.

Some of my favorite variations include adding a spicy honey drizzle, topping waffles with fresh berries and whipped cream, or swapping in gluten-free flour for a friendlier option. The version that gets requested most often around here is the classic with maple syrup and a small dollop of butter right on top.

I encourage you to make this Crispy Chicken Waffle your own. Tweak the seasonings, try different sauces, or add sides you love. What matters most is that it brings you joy in the kitchen and deliciousness to your table.

I hope you love this recipe as much as my family and friends do. Remember, cooking is all about satisfaction and fun, and this Crispy Chicken Waffle fits the bill perfectly. For other comforting meals you might enjoy, don’t miss my Crispy Chicken Schnitzel Alfredo or the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew.

If you want to hear what others think, check out this great Montana’s chicken waffle club sandwich review — friends love this crispy, hearty combo.

Here’s to happy cooking and many satisfied plates with your own Crispy Chicken Waffle soon!

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Crispy Chicken Waffle

Enjoy the perfect blend of crispy fried chicken paired with golden, fluffy waffles for a deliciously satisfying meal that combines savory and sweet flavors.

  • Author: Lissandra Hayes
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Fried
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • 2 cups waffle batter (prepared or homemade)
  • Butter, for serving
  • Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce.
  2. In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Dip chicken thighs into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the flour mixture. Set aside.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Meanwhile, cook waffles in a preheated waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden and crisp.
  7. Serve each waffle topped with a piece of crispy chicken, a pat of butter, and drizzle with maple syrup.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for 2 hours before breading. Serve with spicy honey for a delightful twist.

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