Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a breakfast that’s both indulgent and comforting? This Fluffy Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles recipe is the perfect combination of savory and sweet, offering crispy fried chicken paired with light, fluffy buttermilk waffles. It’s a soul-satisfying dish that’s perfect for weekend brunch or special occasions. The crispy, golden-brown chicken on top of pillowy waffles, drizzled with warm maple syrup or honey, will make this breakfast your family’s new favorite.
“This recipe balances crispy fried chicken with fluffy buttermilk waffles, creating a breakfast that’s equal parts decadent and delicious.”
Ingredients List for Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles
For the Chicken 🐔:
For the Waffles 🧇:
Optional Toppings 🍯:
- Maple Syrup 🍁 – for drizzling
- Honey 🍯 – for a sweeter touch
- Butter 🧈 – a pat to melt on top of warm waffles
- Hot Sauce 🌶️ – for a spicy kick
Step-by-Step Instructions to make Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles
Here’s how to make this delicious Fluffy Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles breakfast that will have everyone asking for more.
For the Chicken:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken cutlets. Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and cover them with 1 cup of buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour (or overnight if possible) to ensure tenderness and flavor.
Pro Tip: The longer the chicken marinates in the buttermilk, the more tender and juicy it will become. If you’re short on time, 30 minutes will still do the trick, but overnight will provide the best results.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This creates a flavorful, crispy coating for the chicken. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, then dredge each cutlet in the seasoned flour until fully coated.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy chicken, dip the floured chicken back into the buttermilk, then coat it with a second layer of flour.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully add the chicken cutlets. Fry each side for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it’s fully cooked but still juicy.
For the Waffles:
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar. Set aside.
Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Once combined, slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
Pro Tip: Overmixing waffle batter can result in dense waffles. For fluffy waffles, it’s okay if a few lumps remain in the batter.
Step 6: Cook the Waffles
Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. Pour enough batter into the waffle iron to fill it (about ½ cup, depending on your waffle iron), close the lid, and cook for about 4-5 minutes or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.
Pro Tip: Keep your cooked waffles warm in a low oven (about 200°F) while you finish cooking the rest. This ensures they stay warm and crisp.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (1 waffle and 1 chicken cutlet) contains approximately:
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
This meal is rich in protein from the chicken and packed with carbohydrates to give you energy for the day. The combination of the fried chicken and waffles makes for a hearty, satisfying breakfast that can be enjoyed in moderation.
Flavor Customization Ideas
You can get creative with your Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles by adding your own unique twist. Here are a few ways to elevate this already delicious dish:
Spicy Chicken 🥵
- Additions: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for a spicy kick.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a drizzle of honey and a dash of hot sauce for that perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
Cheddar Waffles 🧀
- Additions: Fold ½ cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the waffle batter for a cheesy twist.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of scrambled eggs for an even heartier breakfast.
Sweet Vanilla Cinnamon Waffles 🍨
- Additions: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and an extra splash of vanilla extract to the waffle batter for a sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Drizzle with warm maple syrup and top with fresh berries for a dessert-like breakfast.
Pro Tip: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite spices or herbs to the chicken breading or the waffle batter to customize it to your taste.
Best Ways to Serve Chicken and Waffles 🍽️
There are many ways to enjoy this delicious combination of Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles. Here are a few serving ideas to take this meal to the next level:
Chicken and Waffles Sliders: Make mini waffles and serve small fried chicken tenders on top to create bite-sized sliders, perfect for brunch gatherings.
Classic with Maple Syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup over the chicken and waffles for the ultimate sweet and savory breakfast experience.
Honey and Hot Sauce: For a spicy-sweet combo, drizzle the chicken with honey and hot sauce before serving.
Waffles with Fruit: Serve the waffles with a side of fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas for a lighter take.
Pro Tip: Serve with a pat of butter on top of the waffle to add richness, and garnish with fresh herbs for a touch of color and flavor.
🍴 FAQ Section
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes! You can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks, but you’ll need to adjust the frying time to ensure they’re fully cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I make this recipe with baked chicken instead of fried?
A: Absolutely! You can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier option. Coat the chicken with a light layer of olive oil to get a crispy exterior in the oven.
Q: How do I keep my waffles crispy?
A: To keep your waffles crispy, place them on a wire rack in a low oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve. Avoid stacking them, as this traps steam and makes them soggy.
Q: Can I freeze the waffles?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked waffles! Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the toaster or oven for best results.
Conclusion
Treat yourself to the ultimate sweet and savory breakfast with these Fluffy Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special breakfast treat, this dish combines crispy fried chicken with light, fluffy waffles for a meal that’s sure to impress. Try this recipe today and make it your