Waffle Sandwich with Fried Chicken and Maple Hot Sauce

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

A layered waffle sandwich featuring crispy fried chicken paired with a spicy-sweet maple hot sauce for a delicious Memphis diner-inspired brunch or dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes combines all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder 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 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: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: To make the waffles, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt in a large bowl.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs with 1 3/4 cups milk and 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter. Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir just until combined; batter will be slightly lumpy.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your waffle iron and brush with remaining 1/4 cup melted butter. Pour batter into the iron and cook waffles according to manufacturer’s instructions until golden and crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Keep waffles warm.
  4. Step 4: For the fried chicken, marinate 4 boneless chicken thighs in 1 cup buttermilk with 1 tsp salt for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  5. Step 5: In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt. Remove chicken from marinade, dredge in seasoned flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
  6. Step 6: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F. Fry chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Drain on paper towels.
  7. Step 7: For the maple hot sauce, whisk together 1/4 cup hot sauce and 3 tbsp maple syrup in a small bowl.
  8. Step 8: Assemble the sandwich by placing one waffle on a plate, topping with a fried chicken thigh, drizzling with 2 tbsp maple hot sauce, and topping with another waffle. Serve immediately while warm.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Waffle Sandwich with Fried Chicken and Maple Hot Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 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 Waffle Sandwich with Fried Chicken and 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 Sandwich with Fried Chicken and 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 Sandwich with Fried Chicken and Maple Hot Sauce 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 Waffle Sandwich with Fried Chicken and Maple Hot Sauce?

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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