Cast Iron Fried Chicken with Waffle and Hot Honey Drizzle

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

Juicy, seasoned fried chicken cooked in a cast iron skillet, paired with golden waffles and a sweet-spicy hot honey drizzle for a Southern brunch classic. This southern-inspired chicken ready in about 300 minutes combines chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on), buttermilk, all-purpose flour 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 650 calories and feeds 6, 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: 270 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Southern cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 6 chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour 2 cups buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to tenderize and flavor.
  2. Step 2: In a separate large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
  3. Step 3: Heat 3 cups vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat to 350°F. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces, frying in batches if necessary, for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on a wire rack.
  4. Step 4: While chicken fries, prepare 2 cups waffle mix according to package instructions. Heat your waffle iron and cook waffles until golden and crisp, about 4-5 minutes each.
  5. Step 5: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter over low heat. Stir in 1/4 cup honey and 1 tbsp hot sauce, warming gently until combined and fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Serve the fried chicken atop waffles, drizzling generously with the hot honey sauce for a balance of heat and sweetness.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cast Iron Fried Chicken with Waffle and Hot Honey Drizzle take to make?

Total time is about 300 minutes (270 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 Cast Iron Fried Chicken with Waffle and Hot Honey Drizzle?

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 Cast Iron Fried Chicken with Waffle and Hot Honey Drizzle?

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 Cast Iron Fried Chicken with Waffle and Hot Honey Drizzle for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Cast Iron Fried Chicken with Waffle and Hot Honey Drizzle?

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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