Delicious Crispy Chicken Waffle for a Savory Breakfast

I still remember the first time I made this Crispy Chicken Waffle for my family—it was a chilly Sunday morning, and I wanted something hearty that everyone would love without fussing over complicated ingredients. The way the crispy fried chicken sat perfectly on top of warm, buttery waffles instantly won my kids over. My spouse gave that satisfied nod while sneaking another bite before I even had a chance. This dish quickly became our go-to for weekend brunch that feels special but is genuinely simple to throw together.

There’s something about the combination of crunchy, juicy chicken paired with soft, fluffy waffles that just feels right in a cozy home kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that fits into everyday cooking, whether you need a weekend treat or a comforting meal after a busy day. I appreciate how this Crispy Chicken Waffle uses ingredients you probably have on hand, keeping it reliable and not requiring a special trip to the store.

Over time, I tweaked the seasoning and batter to get that perfect crispy fried chicken texture while keeping the waffles tender and light. This southern chicken waffle recipe is a crowd-pleaser, bringing friends and family together around the table with minimal fuss. If you’re a fellow home cook looking for a dependable recipe that delivers crispy chicken and fluffy waffle magic every time, you’re in the right place. I’m excited to share everything you need to make your own Crispy Chicken Waffle at home—with straightforward steps and plenty of tips you can count on.

If you love this, your family might also enjoy my crispy chicken tenders with dipping sauce for a quick, easy dinner solution or my chicken piccata pasta when you want something a bit different but just as comforting. Now, let’s get into what you’ll need to bring this Crispy Chicken Waffle into your kitchen.

2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into 4 pieces
No worries if you prefer thighs—I often use boneless thighs in my Crispy Chicken Waffle for juiciness. You can find these in the poultry section at any grocery store.

1 1/2 cups buttermilk
This helps tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, a simple swap is milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. It works great in this southern chicken waffle recipe.

2 cups all-purpose flour
Easy and budget-friendly—the flour is the base of your crispy fried chicken batter.

1 tablespoon paprika
Adds warmth and color. You can substitute smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
I like adding a bit more cayenne for a gentle kick, but skip it if you’re serving kids or sensitive eaters.

Vegetable oil for frying
You’ll want enough to fill about 2 inches deep in your skillet. I usually buy a large bottle from the grocery aisle because frying is my go-to method for crispy fried chicken.

For the waffles:

2 cups waffle mix (or your favorite homemade waffle batter)
Using a good box mix keeps this Crispy Chicken Waffle recipe quick—no complicated from-scratch dough.

1 3/4 cups milk

2 large eggs

1/3 cup melted butter

If you have leftover waffles or chicken, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven to keep it crispy, and warm waffles in a toaster or oven.

1. Marinate your chicken: Start by placing your chicken pieces in a bowl with the buttermilk. Cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you have time. This tenderizes the chicken and makes your Crispy Chicken Waffle extra flavorful.

2. Prep your dry mix: In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne. This is where your crispy fried chicken starts to come alive.

3. Heat your oil: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy skillet to about 2 inches deep. Use medium-high heat. To test readiness, drop a pinch of flour into the oil—it should sizzle right away.

4. Coat the chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to get a good crispy crust for that classic fried chicken texture you want for your Crispy Chicken Waffle.

5. Fry in batches: Carefully place chicken in the hot oil, don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this.

6. Drain and rest: Remove chicken to a wire rack or paper towels. While your crispy fried chicken finishes, start on the waffles.

7. Mix your waffles: Whisk together waffle mix, milk, eggs, and melted butter until just combined. It’s okay if you see some lumps—don’t overmix or it’ll toughen.

8. Cook the waffles: Pour about 1/3 cup batter onto your preheated waffle iron. Cook until golden and crisp. This fluffy base is what makes the southern chicken waffle recipe special.

9. Plate your Crispy Chicken Waffle: Place a fresh waffle on a plate, top with crispy fried chicken, and drizzle with syrup or hot honey if you like that sweet-savory balance.

From start to finish, this Crispy Chicken Waffle recipe takes about an hour if you include marinating time—perfect for a relaxed weekend breakfast or brunch. While the chicken marinates, you can prep your waffle mix and set your table for a cozy meal.

I usually serve this Crispy Chicken Waffle with classic sides like crispy bacon, fresh fruit, or a simple green salad for balance. The crispy fried chicken and waffles plating is simple—pile the chicken high on the waffle and add your favorite drizzle like maple syrup or a buttery hot sauce.

This dish shines at brunch gatherings or lazy weekend mornings when everyone can dig in together. If you want to switch things up, try topping the chicken with a fried egg or some sliced avocado for extra richness.

Leftovers? No problem. I like making crispy chicken and waffles into breakfast sandwiches with a dab of mayo and hot sauce. Alternatively, chop the chicken and waffle pieces into a salad for a fun twist.

Seasonal variations are fun too. In fall, I add cinnamon to the waffle batter and swap syrup for pumpkin butter for a seasonal flair that pairs wonderfully with the crunchy chicken.

If you enjoy this Crispy Chicken Waffle, check out this southern fried chicken and waffles recipe with video for a slightly different take or this chicken and waffles recipe by Butter Be Ready for inspiration on plating and presentation.

If you want to chat more about this Crispy Chicken Waffle, you might enjoy the final chicken plating friends discussion where home cooks share plating ideas and tips.

This Crispy Chicken Waffle recipe holds a special place in my collection because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a true family favorite. It brings a little southern charm to everyday cooking without fuss.

My Best Crispy Chicken Waffle Tips:

• Patience is key when frying—don’t rush the chicken if you want that perfect crust.
• Marinate the chicken overnight whenever possible; it makes a noticeable difference in tenderness.
• Use a wire rack to drain after frying—you’ll keep the crispy fried chicken texture longer.

I’ve tested a few variations over the years, including using spicy rubs, swapping waffles for cornbread, and adding a honey butter drizzle. The classic southern chicken waffle recipe with maple syrup remains the most requested version at home.

For more reliable dinner ideas, try my chicken and dumplings recipe which brings that same comforting, homey feeling to the table.

I encourage you to make this Crispy Chicken Waffle your own—tweak the seasoning or sides to fit your family’s taste. What I hope you’ll love most is how approachable and satisfying this recipe is, no matter your skill level or time constraints. Here’s to many delicious, doable meals together!

If you’re looking for more crispy chicken inspiration, check out my crispy chicken tenders with dipping sauce for another simple, tasty recipe your crew will ask for again. Cooking friends, happy cooking!