Southern-Style Chicken and Waffles with Maple Glaze

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

Crispy fried chicken served atop fluffy waffles with a sweet maple-honey glaze, embodying the authentic Southern breakfast experience. This american-inspired breakfast ready in about 60 minutes combines chicken thighs, 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 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.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 700 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1.5 lbs chicken thighs with 1 cup buttermilk. Marinate for 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to tenderize.
  2. Step 2: Mix 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a shallow dish.
  3. Step 3: Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Heat 1/2 inch vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high until shimmering (350°F).
  4. Step 4: Fry chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: For waffles, whisk 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
  6. Step 6: Whisk egg yolks with 1 1/2 cups buttermilk and 1/4 cup melted butter, then fold into dry ingredients. Gently fold in beaten egg whites.
  7. Step 7: Cook waffles in a preheated waffle iron for 4-5 minutes until golden.
  8. Step 8: Whisk 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp butter in a saucepan until melted and combined.
  9. Step 9: Serve fried chicken on top of warm waffles, drizzled with maple-honey glaze.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Southern-Style Chicken and Waffles with Maple Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 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 Southern-Style Chicken and Waffles with Maple Glaze?

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 Southern-Style Chicken and Waffles with Maple Glaze?

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 Southern-Style Chicken and Waffles with Maple Glaze 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 Southern-Style Chicken and Waffles with Maple Glaze?

American breakfast 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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