Print

Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles with Spicy Honey Butter Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 63 reviews

This Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles recipe combines crispy, juicy fried chicken with fluffy, golden waffles topped with a spicy honey butter sauce. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful buttermilk brine, coated in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture, and pan-fried to perfection. Paired with classic sweet and fluffy waffles and a drizzle of spicy honey butter sauce, this dish offers a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and heat — perfect for brunch or any comfort food craving.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Waffles

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 3/4 cups milk
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Spicy Honey Butter Sauce

  • 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup)
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1–2 teaspoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  2. Coat the Chicken: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with cornstarch. Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the flour and cornstarch mixture, pressing lightly so it adheres well.
  3. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable or canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Fry the coated chicken pieces for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Drain the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
  4. Prepare the Waffle Batter: Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in one bowl. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined. Carefully combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated to avoid overworking the batter.
  5. Cook the Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook until waffles are golden brown and crisp, typically 4-5 minutes depending on your appliance.
  6. Make the Spicy Honey Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey (or maple syrup), melted butter, hot sauce, and an optional pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust the heat level to your preference by varying the hot sauce and cayenne pepper quantities.
  7. Assemble and Serve: Place a freshly cooked waffle on each plate, top with a crispy piece of fried chicken, and generously drizzle the spicy honey butter sauce over the top. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor experience.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but thighs tend to remain juicier and more flavorful.
  • Marinating chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness, but 30 minutes is sufficient if short on time.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper and hot sauce levels for desired spiciness in both the chicken seasoning and sauce.
  • For extra crispy chicken, double dredge by dipping back into buttermilk then flour mixture once more before frying.
  • If you don’t have a waffle iron, you can bake pancakes or French toast as an alternative base.
  • Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature (165°F) for best results and safety.

Keywords: southern fried chicken, chicken and waffles, fried chicken recipe, waffle recipe, brunch recipe, spicy honey butter sauce

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/southern-fried-chicken-and-waffles-with-spicy-honey-butter-sauce-recipe/