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
Scale
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.
