Classic Southern-Style Chicken and Waffles
A perfect harmony of crispy, savory fried chicken served atop fluffy, golden waffles drizzled with warm maple syrup.
Ingredients
- •4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
- •1 cup soy milk or almond milk
- •1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- •1 cup all-purpose flour
- •1 teaspoon garlic powder
- •1 teaspoon paprika
- •1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- •1 teaspoon salt
- •1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- •1 cup vegetable oil for frying
- •2 cups all-purpose flour for waffles
- •2 tablespoons sugar
- •1 tablespoon baking powder
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
- •2 cups soy milk or almond milk
- •1/2 cup neutral oil (like canola or grapeseed)
- •2 large eggs
- •1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- •Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- 1
Whisk the soy milk and apple cider vinegar in a bowl and let sit for 5 minutes to create a dairy-free buttermilk; add the chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- 2
In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- 3
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- 4
Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, and fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; drain on a wire rack.
- 5
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the waffles.
- 6
Add the soy milk, 1/2 cup oil, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients, whisking until just combined.
- 7
Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease with oil; pour in the batter and cook according to manufacturer instructions until golden and crisp.
- 8
Serve the hot fried chicken immediately on top of the fresh waffles, drizzled generously with maple syrup.
💡 Chef tips
- For extra crispy chicken, ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; test by dropping a pinch of flour in—it should sizzle immediately.
- You can keep the cooked waffles warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack to maintain their crispness while you finish frying the chicken.
- If you prefer a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the chicken marinade or the waffle batter.
✅ How it should turn out
The dish should feature a satisfyingly crunchy, golden-brown chicken crust contrasting with light, airy waffles, offering a delicious balance of savory, salty, and sweet flavors.