Waffle and Fried Chicken Plate with Maple Hot Sauce

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

Golden waffles paired with crispy fried chicken and drizzled with a spicy maple hot sauce, bringing together savory, sweet, and heat in a classic Southern brunch favorite. This southern american-inspired chicken ready in about 60 minutes combines all-purpose flour (waffles), baking powder, sugar (waffles) 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 750 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: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Southern American cuisine 750 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt for the waffles. In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs with 1 3/4 cups milk and 1/4 cup vegetable oil.
  2. Step 2: Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir until just combined; do not overmix. Preheat your waffle iron and cook the batter in batches until golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, marinate 6 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs in a mixture of 2 cups buttermilk and 2 tbsp hot sauce for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour.
  5. Step 5: Heat 3 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F. Fry chicken thighs for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Step 6: To make the maple hot sauce, mix 1/4 cup maple syrup with 1 tbsp hot sauce in a small bowl.
  7. Step 7: Serve the fried chicken on a plate with waffles on the side. Drizzle the maple hot sauce over the chicken and waffles for a sweet and spicy finish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Waffle and Fried Chicken Plate with Maple Hot Sauce 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 Waffle and Fried Chicken Plate with Maple Hot Sauce?

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 Waffle and Fried Chicken Plate with Maple Hot Sauce?

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 Waffle and Fried Chicken Plate with Maple Hot Sauce 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 Waffle and Fried Chicken Plate with Maple Hot Sauce?

Southern 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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