If you’re craving a delicious chicken and waffles recipe, I’ve got just the thing! I start by marinating chicken breasts in buttermilk and seasoning them with paprika and spices. Then, I whip up a fluffy waffle batter from flour, milk, and eggs. After frying the chicken to golden perfection, I cook the waffles until they’re crispy. I serve it all drizzled with maple syrup for a delightful sweet and savory experience. Stick around for more tips and tricks!
Southern-style Chicken Waffles

Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ¾ cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup melted butter
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Cooking oil for frying
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl, combine the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Preheat your waffle maker according to its instructions.
- For the chicken, season the chicken breasts with paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Marinate in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of cooking oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the marinated chicken breasts in the skillet and fry for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Pour the waffle batter into the preheated waffle maker and cook according to manufacturer instructions until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the waffles topped with a piece of fried chicken and drizzle with maple syrup.

When making Southern-style Chicken Waffles, I always find that the quality of the chicken makes a huge difference. Using fresh, high-quality chicken will yield better flavor and juiciness.
Don’t skip the marination step; it truly enhances the chicken’s taste. Also, if you can, let the batter rest for about 10 minutes before cooking the waffles for better texture.
And of course, feel free to experiment with toppings—some crispy bacon or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can elevate this dish even further! Enjoy this delightful combination of savory and sweet!
Originated in 1930s Harlem
The vibrant dish of chicken and waffles actually found its roots in the bustling streets of 1930s Harlem, where it became a beloved staple among the community.
I love how this dish reflects the rich cultural tapestry of that era.
It was a comfort food, enjoyed after jazz performances, and it perfectly combines savory and sweet flavors, creating a delightful experience.