If you are ready to treat yourself to a soul-comforting meal, this Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles Recipe is an absolute showstopper you will want to make again and again. Picture perfectly crispy air-fried chicken marinated in tangy buttermilk and spices, paired with golden, fluffy waffles that soak up every bit of syrup and flavor. This blend of savory and sweet brings that classic Southern charm to your table with a modern, fuss-free take. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a cozy dinner, this dish will quickly become a personal favorite that you can’t stop raving about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is your first step to culinary bliss, and this recipe keeps it straightforward yet rich in flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of taste and texture— from the tenderizing buttermilk marinade to the aromatic spices in the crispy breading, and of course, those warm, inviting waffles.
- 4 chicken thighs and 4 chicken drumsticks: The perfect cuts for juicy, flavorful fried chicken with a crispy crust.
- 2 cups buttermilk: This acidic marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with delicate tanginess.
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce: Adds a subtle kick and brightens the marinade with just the right heat.
- 3 sprigs of fresh thyme: Herbs bring fresh, earthy notes that elevate the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a mild peppery warmth inside the marinade.
- 1 cup flour and 1/2 cup cornstarch: The duo creates a super-crispy coating that stays crunchy after frying.
- 1 teaspoon paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper: These spices work together to build a savory, flavorful crust that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Olive oil: Essential for spraying the chicken before air frying to achieve golden crispness.
- 8-12 buttermilk waffles: Ready-made or homemade, these are the fluffy bedrock of this iconic pairing.
How to Make Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by placing the chicken thighs and drumsticks into a resealable bag along with buttermilk, hot sauce, fresh thyme, and black pepper. Seal the bag after squeezing out excess air, then shake it well so every piece is coated in this tangy, herb-infused marinade. For maximum tenderness and flavor depth, let it rest in the fridge anywhere between 4 and 24 hours—it’s an effortless step that rewards you with juicy, well-seasoned chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Mixture
While the chicken marinates, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and all the spices in a shallow bowl or small baking tray. This blend is the secret to that irresistibly crispy crust with a hit of smoky paprika and a gentle heat from cayenne. Setting this up in advance makes the next steps quick and organized.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
After marinating, remove each chicken piece directly from the bag and dredge it thoroughly in your flour and spice mixture. Ensure every nook and cranny is coated for ultimate crunch. Place the coated pieces on a cooling rack and let them rest for 15 minutes—this little pause helps the breading stick better, which means more crispiness after cooking.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 380°F. This high temperature is key to cooking the chicken evenly and developing that coveted golden crust without extra oil or mess. It’s a healthy shortcut that yields impressive fried chicken results.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken Thighs
Generously spray or brush olive oil over the chicken thighs—this helps the breading crisp up perfectly. Place four thighs spaced out in the air fryer basket and cook for 24 minutes total, flipping halfway through and reapplying oil on the flip side. The thighs are done when they turn a gorgeous golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°. Transfer the cooked thighs onto a cooling rack so they stay crisp.
Step 6: Air Fry the Drumsticks
Repeat the air frying process with the drumsticks using the same temperature and timing. The result is juicy chicken with a perfectly textured crust that rivals traditional frying methods but with less hassle.
Step 7: Reheat the Chicken Thighs
While the drumsticks rest, pop the thighs back into the air fryer for 3 to 4 minutes. This step warms them through again without compromising their crisp texture, so everything is at peak deliciousness when served.
Step 8: Serve Hot with Waffles
Plate your freshly cooked chicken pieces alongside warm buttermilk waffles. The contrast of textures and flavors will have you savoring every bite—crispy, juicy chicken paired with soft, buttery waffles is the ultimate comfort food experience.
How to Serve Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
A drizzle of maple syrup over the waffles and chicken adds that classic sweet-savory balance. Sprinkle some chopped fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. For a bit of heat, a side of spicy honey or hot sauce is a delightful complement.
Side Dishes
Keep things traditional with simple sides like creamy coleslaw, tangy pickles, or a crisp green salad. These cut through the richness and keep the meal balanced and refreshing. Roasted sweet potatoes or corn on the cob also pair wonderfully for a Southern-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dish into a brunch centerpiece by stacking waffles, laying the chicken on top, and drizzling with syrup and hot sauce. Serve with a sunny-side-up egg nestled between layers for an indulgent twist. Alternatively, create mini sliders by slicing the chicken and placing it between small waffle squares for a fun, shareable party snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken and waffles in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this favorite dish even on busy days.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken and waffles separately in freezer-safe bags or containers. This way, you can thaw and reheat portions as needed without losing texture or flavor.
Reheating
To revive leftover chicken’s crispiness, reheat it in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes. Warm the waffles in a toaster or oven until lightly golden. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess and keep every bite delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles Recipe?
Absolutely! While thighs and drumsticks are ideal for tenderness and crispiness, you can also use chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked without drying out.
Do I have to use an air fryer?
No, you can fry the chicken in a skillet with oil or bake it in the oven. The air fryer is a healthier, less messy method that still delivers crispy results.
Can I make the waffles from scratch?
Definitely! Homemade buttermilk waffles add a wonderful fresh touch, but store-bought or frozen waffles work perfectly for a quick meal without compromising taste.
How spicy is the chicken in this recipe?
The use of hot sauce and cayenne pepper adds mild to moderate heat, which you can easily adjust by using more or less of these ingredients depending on your spice preference.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of dairy-free milk and vinegar or lemon juice, which provides a similar acidity and tenderizing effect for the chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles Recipe is the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and ease that will quickly become a go-to whenever you want to impress or indulge. Once you nail the balance of tender, crispy chicken and fluffy, buttery waffles, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this classic combination in your kitchen rotation. So why wait? Grab those ingredients and create a dish that’s basically a warm hug on a plate.
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Chicken with Buttermilk Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful chicken thighs and drumsticks marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, coated in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture, and air fried to golden perfection. Served alongside freshly made buttermilk waffles for a deliciously classic comfort food pairing.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil, for spraying or brushing
Make Ahead
- 8–12 buttermilk waffles (prepared ahead)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs and drumsticks along with buttermilk, hot sauce, fresh thyme, and black pepper into a resealable bag. Squeeze out excess air, seal tightly, and shake gently to combine. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 4 hours, up to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse and the chicken to tenderize.
- Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a shallow bowl or small baking tray, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until evenly combined. This mixture will create a crispy, flavorful coating for the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each piece of chicken directly from the marinade bag, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour and spice mixture, ensuring an even coating. Place the coated chicken pieces on a cooling rack and let them rest for 15 minutes to allow the breading to adhere properly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 380°F (193°C). This ensures the chicken will start cooking immediately and develop a crisp exterior.
- Air Fry the Chicken Thighs: Lightly spray or brush olive oil all over the breaded chicken thighs to promote browning. Arrange four chicken thighs in the air fryer basket with space between them for air circulation. Cook at 380°F for a total of 24 minutes, flipping the thighs halfway through at 12 minutes, and lightly spraying the other side with oil before continuing. The chicken is done when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a cooling rack.
- Cook the Drumsticks: Repeat the same air frying process with the chicken drumsticks, cooking them until crisp and fully cooked through.
- Reheat Thighs if Needed: While the drumsticks rest on a cooling rack, place the cooked thighs back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to reheat and maintain crispness.
- Serve: Serve the hot, crispy chicken pieces alongside warm buttermilk waffles for a satisfying and classic meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will yield the most tender and flavorful results.
- Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If you do not have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (204°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Buttermilk waffles can be made ahead and reheated in a toaster or oven before serving.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount in the breading to control the spice level.
