Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Waffle and Maple Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy fried chicken brined in buttermilk for tenderness, paired with golden waffles and a dollop of maple butter for a classic Southern-inspired meal. This southern-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes combines chicken drumsticks and thighs, buttermilk, salt 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 700 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 700 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups buttermilk with 2 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp paprika, and 1 tbsp garlic powder. Submerge 8 chicken drumsticks and thighs in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  2. Step 2: Remove the chicken from the brine and let excess drip off. Place 2 cups all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl and dredge each piece thoroughly, shaking off excess.
  3. Step 3: Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep heavy skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: Toast 4 frozen waffles according to package instructions until crispy and hot.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 2 tbsp maple syrup until smooth. Serve the fried chicken atop the waffles with a generous dollop of maple butter on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Waffle and Maple Butter take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Waffle and Maple Butter?

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 Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Waffle and Maple Butter?

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 Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Waffle and Maple Butter 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 Buttermilk-Brined Fried Chicken with Waffle and Maple Butter?

Southern 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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