Classic Chicken and Waffles with Spiced Maple Syrup
A delightful American breakfast combining crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles, served with a warm spiced maple syrup that brings a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The chicken is seasoned and fried to golden perfection, while the waffles are light and airy. The maple syrup is infused with warm spices to elevate this classic comfort dish.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Chicken
- Waffles
- Spiced Maple Syrup
Let’s make it
Chicken
In a bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce (optional), and half of the salt. Add chicken thighs pieces to the marinade, cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes and up to 4 hours.
Chicken
In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and the remaining salt. Dredge each piece of marinated chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture and set aside on a plate.
Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large deep skillet to 175°C (350°F). Fry chicken pieces in batches for about 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels.
Waffles
Meanwhile, prepare the waffle batter. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
Waffles
In another bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and melted butter until combined. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Batter may be slightly lumpy; do not overmix.
Waffles
Preheat waffle iron and grease it lightly. Pour batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions until waffles are golden and crisp. Keep waffles warm in a low oven while frying chicken completes.
Spiced Maple Syrup
To make spiced maple syrup, gently heat maple syrup in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (optional). Heat until warm and fragrant, do not boil. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Serving
Serve fried chicken pieces on top of warm waffles drizzled generously with spiced maple syrup. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs or butter if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Tips & notes
For extra crispy chicken, double dredge by dipping the flour-coated chicken back into the buttermilk marinade then into flour again before frying. Maintain oil temperature to avoid greasy chicken. Use fresh spices for best maple syrup flavor.
Saving it for later
Store leftover fried chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3 days. Maple syrup can be refrigerated up to 2 weeks in a sealed container.
Reheating
Reheat chicken in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 10-12 minutes until heated through to retain crispiness. Warm waffles in a toaster or oven for 3-5 minutes. Gently warm maple syrup on stovetop or microwave before serving.
