If you’ve never tried fried chicken and waffles, it might sound odd at first — chicken for breakfast? — but the combination of hot, crispy fried chicken with sweet, buttery Belgian waffles and maple syrup is a revelation. It’s one of those dishes that makes breakfast acceptable at any time of day, from brunch to dinner.
This spicy chicken and waffles recipe was inspired by a tiny roadside restaurant in Sonoma, California, famous for serving bold heat. I toned down the drama but kept the spirit: a spicy, well-balanced fried chicken served on a perfectly crisp waffle.
How Spicy?
The heat in this version is noticeable but not overpowering. The cayenne and paprika baked into the breading give the chicken a warm kick that the sweet waffle and maple syrup temper beautifully. The frying method borrows from Nashville-style techniques, but the aroma and texture are all about the crisp coating and juicy chicken inside.
Spicy Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Using buttermilk in the marinade keeps the chicken tender and adds tang. I mix cayenne and paprika into a blend of breadcrumbs and panko to create a crunchy, spicy crust. Because the seasonings are in the breading itself, you don’t need a separate sauce to get heat — the spice is fried into every bite.
Score the top of chicken tenders a few times before dredging so the coating clings better and heat penetrates more evenly. First soak the chicken in the buttermilk mixture, then dredge in the seasoned crumb mix. Double-dipping gives the tenders an extra-crisp exterior.
How to Fry Chicken
Frying at the correct temperature is key. Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer and keep the oil around 340°F. If the oil gets too hot, the breading will brown or burn before the chicken cooks through.
Use enough oil to submerge the tenders — about 3–4 inches in a heavy pot or Dutch oven. Heat the oil to 340°F before adding the chicken. Carefully lower tenders into the oil and fry 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt while resting for a few minutes; they’ll finish cooking as they cool.
A Note on Timing Chicken and Waffles
To avoid juggling waffles and fried chicken at the same time, keep cooked tenders warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you make the waffles. This preserves the crispness and keeps everything hot for serving.
Spicy Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Ingredients
Spicy Fried Chicken
- 6 chicken tenders
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup panko crumbs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- Canola or vegetable oil for frying (enough to submerge)
- Salt to taste
Belgian Waffle
- 1 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Remove chicken tenders from the fridge 20–30 minutes before frying to help ensure even cooking.
- For the waffle batter: combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, oil and vanilla. Combine with the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth. Chill until ready to cook.
For the spicy fried chicken
- Preheat oven to 200°F to keep cooked tenders warm.
- Whisk together eggs, buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl. In a separate dish combine breadcrumbs, panko, paprika and cayenne.
- Score the top of each tender a few times (about 1/4 inch deep) so the coating adheres better.
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven or deep pot to about 340°F. This temperature helps cook the chicken through without burning the coating.
- Dredge each tender in the buttermilk mixture, then in the crumb mix. Repeat for extra crunch.
- Fully submerge tenders in the hot oil and fry 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with salt, let rest 5 minutes, then keep warm in the oven on a baking sheet.
For the waffles
- Preheat and grease your waffle iron. Cook batter according to your iron’s instructions until waffles are golden and crisp.
- Top each waffle with 2–3 chicken tenders, drizzle with maple syrup, and add a pad of butter to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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