If you’ve ever dreamed of a breakfast that combines crispy, juicy fried chicken with golden, fluffy waffles and a sauce that dances on your taste buds, then this Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe is going to blow your mind. It’s comfort food elevated to an art form, with just the right kick from a spicy-sweet jalapeno honey butter sauce. Every bite feels like a warm hug, and once you make this recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite you can’t wait to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To nail this Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe, you’ll want straightforward ingredients that each play a special part in the final dish. From tender chicken thighs soaking in tangy buttermilk to the crisp waffle batter, every item adds layers of flavor, texture, and vibrancy, making this dish both approachable and unforgettable.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, perfect for absorbing the marinade and staying moist inside the crispy crust.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and keeps the chicken irresistibly tender during marination.
- Hot sauce (optional): A subtle hint of heat in the marinade that builds flavor complexity.
- All-purpose flour: For both coating the chicken and making the waffles; essential for structure and crunch.
- Salt and spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper): Create a perfectly seasoned crispy chicken crust with a little bit of a kick.
- Vegetable oil: The frying medium that crisps the chicken to golden perfection.
- Sugar and baking powder: Key in the waffle batter to create sweet, fluffy waffles with a great rise.
- Eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract: Combine to give waffles their rich, tender crumb and inviting aroma.
- Unsalted butter, honey, jalapenos, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper: The star ingredients for a luscious jalapeno honey butter sauce with a smoky, sweet, and spicy punch.
How to Make Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate and Prepare the Fried Chicken
The magic begins with marinating your chicken thighs in a simple mixture of buttermilk and optional hot sauce. This tenderizes the meat and adds subtle heat deep inside. Letting the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes, or better yet overnight, ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Season the Flour Mixture
While the chicken marinates, whisk together your flour and spices into a fragrant blend. The seasoning—paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper—makes all the difference in achieving that crave-worthy crust when fried.
Step 3: Bread and Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil to the right temperature and get ready to fry. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, dredge in the seasoned flour, and make sure every inch is coated. Fry each piece until beautifully golden and crispy, about 6 to 7 minutes per side. Set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispness.
Step 4: Whip Up the Waffles
Next, tackle the waffles by combining dry ingredients and then mixing in the wet ingredients—eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Don’t overmix; those little lumps mean you’ll end up with light, tender waffles. Cook your batter in a preheated waffle iron until golden and crisp, just the way waffles should be.
Step 5: Simmer the Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt butter and mix in the honey, chopped jalapenos, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Let this fragrant sauce simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors — every spoonful adds a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes that elevate your dish to the next level.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve Your Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe
Place a warm waffle on each plate, lay a crispy fried chicken thigh on top, and drizzle generously with that irresistible jalapeno honey butter sauce. Serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting, and prepare for compliments to roll in!
How to Serve Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Boost your presentation and flavor by decking out your plates with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives. Thinly sliced jalapeno rings can add a vibrant look and extra zing, too. A small drizzle of extra honey or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt makes a delightful finishing touch that wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with light, refreshing sides to balance its richness. Think crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. Creamy coleslaw adds cool crunch and tang, while sweet potato fries bring a bit of comfort food familiarity without competing flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Try stacking mini waffles with bite-sized fried chicken, creating a fun slider-style dish perfect for brunch parties. Alternatively, use waffle sticks to skewer pieces of fried chicken and serve with ramekins of the jalapeno honey butter sauce for dipping. The possibilities for sharing and fun are endless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any extra fried chicken and waffles should be cooled to room temperature before wrapping them separately in airtight containers or plastic wrap. This helps keep the waffles from getting soggy and the chicken crust nice and crisp. Stored in the fridge, they’ll keep delicious for 2 to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover fried chicken and waffles separately for longer storage. Freeze chicken on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer bag; waffles can be stacked with parchment sheets in between. Both freeze well for up to 1 month without sacrificing too much texture or flavor.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the fried chicken in a 375°F oven on a wire rack for about 10-12 minutes to keep it crispy inside and out. Waffles do best in a toaster or toaster oven to regain their crisp exterior. Warm the jalapeno honey butter sauce gently on the stove or microwave, then drizzle over your reheated feast.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but keep in mind thighs tend to stay juicier and more forgiving during frying. If using breasts, consider pounding them to an even thickness for quick, uniform cooking.
How spicy is the jalapeno honey butter sauce?
The sauce has a gentle kick from the jalapenos and cayenne, but the honey mellows the heat, creating a nice balance. Remove the jalapeno seeds or use fewer peppers if you prefer a milder sauce.
Can I make the waffles gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the waffle batter, you can enjoy this dish without gluten. Just check the blend includes xanthan gum or similar for the best texture.
Is it better to marinate the chicken overnight?
Overnight marination definitely intensifies flavor and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, 30 minutes still yields delicious results. Either way, don’t skip the buttermilk soak!
What could I use instead of buttermilk if I don’t have any?
For a quick substitute, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, and you have homemade buttermilk ready to use.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the harmony of crispy chicken, fluffy waffles, and that unforgettable jalapeno honey butter sauce. This Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe invites you to savor Southern-inspired comfort food with a fresh twist, and I promise it’s worth every delicious minute of preparation. Give it a try, and watch it become your new go-to dish for brunch, dinner, or whenever you crave a meal that feels like a celebration on your plate.
Print
Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce is a deliciously crispy and tender fried chicken paired perfectly with golden, fluffy waffles. The dish is elevated with a spicy-sweet jalapeno honey butter sauce that adds a kick of flavor, making it an irresistible comfort food favorite for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1–2 jalapenos, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken thighs and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Flour Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper to create a well-seasoned dredging mixture.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven and heat it to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for frying.
- Dredge the Chicken: Take the chicken thighs out of the buttermilk marinade and allow any excess to drip off. Then dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully lower the coated chicken thighs into the hot oil. Fry each side for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Waffles: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the waffle batter base.
- Mix Wet Ingredients for Waffles: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; lumps are okay. Avoid overmixing to keep waffles tender.
- Cook Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with cooking spray. Pour the batter onto the waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually 3-5 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Prepare the Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add honey, finely chopped jalapenos, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors, then remove from heat.
- Assemble and Serve: Place a warm waffle on each serving plate, top with a piece of the fried chicken, and generously drizzle with the jalapeno honey butter sauce. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the number of jalapenos in the sauce to control heat level.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for perfect frying.
- Do not overmix waffle batter to keep waffles light and fluffy.
- Waffles can be kept warm in a low oven if preparing for several servings.
