American Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Buttermilk fried chicken served with fluffy buttermilk waffles and drizzled maple syrup. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes combines chicken thighs, waffle batter, buttermilk into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 400g chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then submerge in 1 cup buttermilk for 15 minutes. Remove and dredge in a bowl with 200g flour, shaking off excess. Tip: Ensure the chicken is fully coated to create a crispy crust during frying.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken in a single layer, cooking 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. Tip: Use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken rests, preheat a waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions. Pour 2 cups waffle batter into the iron, spreading evenly with a spatula. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the waffles are golden and crisp, then carefully remove. Tip: Let the waffle iron heat fully to ensure even browning.
  4. Step 4: In a small saucepan, warm 100ml maple syrup over low heat until it becomes glossy and slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Stir in 2 eggs, whisking until fully incorporated and the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Tip: Add eggs off the heat to prevent scrambling.
  5. Step 5: To serve, place 2 waffles on each plate, top with a chicken thigh, and drizzle with the warm maple syrup. Garnish with additional syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar if desired. Tip: Serve immediately while the waffles are hot and crisp.

Frequently asked questions

How long does American Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover American Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in American Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale American Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with American Chicken and Waffles with Maple Syrup?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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