This dish may take a bit of time and effort, but it’s well worth the 45 minutes you’ll spend preparing it. The end result? An incredible combination of perfectly crispy fried chicken, drizzled with a warm honey glaze, and served with the fluffiest, crispiest buttermilk waffles you can imagine. It’s the ultimate comfort food – hearty, satisfying, and delicious enough to make breakfast feel like a special occasion.
For those who aren’t big fans of honey, don’t worry! Warm maple syrup is just as amazing with this dish, offering a different, but equally comforting, sweetness. The combination of crispy chicken and warm waffles makes for an indulgent meal that’s great for any time of day, whether you’re looking for an extra-special breakfast or even enjoying “breakfast for dinner” – one of my personal favorites.
In this recipe, the key to success is balance. The waffles should be crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, while the chicken needs to be perfectly golden brown and juicy on the inside. This may sound like a lot to ask, but with just a few simple tricks, you’ll get both elements just right. A warm 200°F oven is essential for keeping the waffles and chicken at the perfect temperature while you work, so nothing gets cold while you’re putting it all together.
Ingredients
To prepare this dish, you’ll need a few ingredients for both the chicken and waffles. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need for each component:
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 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Chicken:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1 ½-inch pieces)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 6 cups vegetable oil
- ¼ cup honey (warmed)
Preparing the Buttermilk Waffles
First, let’s focus on the waffles. You want them to be crispy on the outside but tender and fluffy on the inside. Here’s how to make that happen:
- Preheat the Oven and Waffle Iron:
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°F. This is crucial because you’ll be using the oven to keep the waffles warm while you cook the rest of the dish. Next, preheat your waffle iron to medium-high. If your waffle iron tends to stick, lightly oil both the top and bottom plates or use a nonstick spray to prevent any sticking. - Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ¾ teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. These ingredients form the base of the waffles, giving them their structure and lift. - Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl (or a large glass measuring cup), whisk together the 1 ⅔ cups of buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter. This mixture will create the smooth, flavorful batter for the waffles. - Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a rubber spatula until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are totally fine. Overmixing can make the waffles tough. - Cook the Waffles:
Pour a scant ½ cup of batter into the waffle iron and close the lid gently. Cook the waffles for 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Depending on your waffle iron, this might take a little longer or shorter, so keep an eye on them. Once cooked, transfer the waffles to a baking sheet and keep them warm in the preheated oven while you work on the chicken.
Preparing the Crispy Fried Chicken
Now it’s time to tackle the chicken. The goal is to get it golden brown on the outside, crispy, and juicy on the inside. Follow these steps to achieve that perfect fried chicken:
- Prepare the Coating:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of yellow cornmeal, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The combination of flour and cornmeal gives the chicken its signature crispy texture, while the baking powder helps create an extra-crunchy crust. - Dredge the Chicken:
Cut your chicken breasts or thighs into 1 ½-inch pieces. Dip each piece first into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk, and then dredge it back into the flour mixture. Make sure to press down gently on the chicken as you coat it, ensuring the flour mixture sticks to the chicken evenly. This double-coating method is what makes the chicken crispy. - Heat the Oil:
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, heat 6 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 360°F. It’s essential that the oil is at the right temperature before you begin frying. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside has a chance to cook. - Fry the Chicken:
Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Working in batches helps ensure the temperature of the oil stays consistent. Fry each batch of chicken for 4-5 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. When the chicken is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the oil and transfer it to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. - Keep the Chicken Warm:
Place the fried chicken in the oven (set at 200°F) to keep warm while you finish frying the rest of the chicken.
Putting It All Together
Once the waffles and chicken are ready, it’s time to serve! Place a warm, crispy waffle on each plate, and top it with a few pieces of fried chicken. Drizzle the chicken with the warm honey glaze, or if you prefer, you can use maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile. Either way, the combination of the savory, crispy chicken and the sweet, fluffy waffles is a match made in heaven.
Enjoy this dish immediately while it’s still warm and crispy. Whether you serve it for breakfast or make it a fun dinner option, this dish is sure to be a hit!
