Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with the ultimate Southern classic that'll make your taste buds dance! Skillet Fried Chicken and Waffles isn't just a meal—it's a culinary experience that perfectly balances crispy, golden-brown chicken with fluffy, warm waffles. This mouthwatering dish combines the irresistible crunch of perfectly fried chicken with the sweet, tender embrace of homemade waffles, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to a cozy Southern kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress brunch guests or satisfy a serious comfort food craving, this recipe is about to become your new weekend obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 waffles
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, marinate chicken thighs in buttermilk for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) in the refrigerator to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and pat dry with paper towels, allowing excess liquid to drain completely.
- In a separate shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the coating mixture.
- Dredge each chicken thigh thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet to 350°F (175°C), using a deep-fry thermometer for precise temperature control.
- Carefully place coated chicken thighs into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding the skillet. Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.
- Check internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for food safety.
- While chicken is frying, prepare waffles using a waffle iron until golden and crisp.
- Remove chicken from oil and let drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Plate each waffle, top with a fried chicken thigh, and drizzle generously with warm maple syrup.
- Serve immediately while chicken is hot and crispy, and waffles are fresh.
Tips
- Marinate Magic: The secret to incredibly tender chicken is a long buttermilk bath. Don't rush this step—let the chicken soak for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Temperature is Key: Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain the oil at exactly 350°F. This precise temperature ensures crispy, golden-brown chicken that's cooked perfectly without burning.
- Drain Properly: After frying, always let the chicken rest on a wire rack or paper towels. This helps drain excess oil and keeps the coating crisp instead of becoming soggy.
- Seasoning Secrets: Don't be shy with your flour mixture! Add extra spices like garlic powder, cayenne, or dried herbs to customize the chicken's flavor profile.
- Waffle Pro Tip: For extra crispy waffles, let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking, and don't open the waffle iron too early.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately for the best texture. The contrast between hot, crispy chicken and fresh waffles is what makes this dish truly spectacular.
- Make-Ahead Hack: You can marinate the chicken and prepare the flour mixture the night before to save time on cooking day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 519kcal
Carbohydrates: 46g
Protein: 27g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 78mg
