If you’re craving a soul-satisfying dish that brings together crunchy, juicy chicken and fluffy waffles with a spicy-sweet kick, then this Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish is the perfect marriage of textures and bold flavors, blending the comfort of classic Southern fried chicken with the delightful sweetness and heat of jalapeno honey butter—making every bite a celebration you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this unforgettable dish, you’ll need a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that perfect golden color we all adore. Every component is simple but comes together beautifully to make this classic dish shine.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The juicy and tender star of the dish, perfect for soaking up flavors.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes and adds tang to the chicken, making it irresistibly moist.
- Hot sauce (optional): Adds a subtle heat that balances perfectly with the batter.
- All-purpose flour: A must-have for the crispy, golden coating on the chicken and the fluffy waffle base.
- Spices (salt, paprika, garlic and onion powder, cayenne, black pepper): These bring depth, warmth, and the signature Southern charm to the fried chicken.
- Vegetable oil: For frying the chicken to crispy perfection without overpowering flavors.
- Sugar, baking powder, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract: These ingredients work in tandem to create the light, airy, and slightly sweet waffles that are the perfect partner to the savory chicken.
- For the jalapeno honey butter sauce: butter, honey, finely chopped jalapenos, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper: This sauce is where sweet meets heat and buttery richness for a finale that elevates the entire dish.
How to Make Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by whisking together the buttermilk and optional hot sauce in a bowl. Submerge the chicken thighs in this tangy bath and let them soak for at least 30 minutes—overnight if you have time. This marinade tenderizes the chicken and subtly infuses it with gentle heat, setting the stage for juicy, flavorful bites.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour
In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper. This seasoned flour is the secret to that crave-worthy crispy crust on your fried chicken, adding both color and spice with every crunch.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Fill a deep skillet or Dutch oven with about 2 inches of vegetable oil and heat it up to 350°F (175°C). Proper oil temperature is crucial here—too cool and the chicken will soak up grease; too hot and the coating can burn before the inside cooks through.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Take the chicken thighs out of the marinade, let the excess drip off, then press them gently into the seasoned flour mixture until completely coated. This step ensures a beautiful, even crust that crisps up perfectly during frying.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil and fry for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. The result should be a stunning golden brown crust with tender, juicy chicken underneath. Place the fried chicken on paper towels to drain any excess oil before serving.
Step 6: Mix the Waffle Batter
Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined—don’t stress about a few lumps here. The batter needs to stay light and fluffy.
Step 7: Cook the Waffles
Preheat your waffle iron and grease it lightly. Pour batter according to your waffle maker’s instructions and cook until the waffles are crisp on the outside and golden brown. These waffles are the perfect soft and slightly sweet base for your chicken.
Step 8: Prepare the Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the honey, finely chopped jalapenos, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the sweet and spicy flavors. This sauce adds a luscious, zesty finish that’s impossible to resist.
Step 9: Assemble and Serve
Place a warm waffle on each plate, top it lovingly with a crispy piece of fried chicken, and drizzle generously with your jalapeno honey butter sauce. Serve this delightful combination immediately while everything is warm, fresh, and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few garnishes can elevate your dish to next-level delicious. Consider fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. Thinly sliced jalapenos on top add an extra touch of heat for spice lovers. A light dusting of powdered sugar on the waffles can bring a playful balance to the savory chicken and spicy sauce combination.
Side Dishes
Serve your homemade fried chicken ‘n’ waffles with sides that complement but don’t overpower. Creamy coleslaw offers crunch and tang to cut through richness, while a simple fresh fruit salad brings brightness and sweetness to round out the meal. If you want more comfort food, try buttery mashed potatoes or collard greens to keep that Southern vibe going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch or a fun dinner, serve the chicken and waffles on individual wooden boards or rustic plates to bring warmth to the table. Stack mini waffles with small fried chicken bites and drizzle the jalapeno honey butter sauce as a finger food appetizer for parties. You could even experiment with adding a fried egg on top for a little extra indulgence—each twist keeps the essence of the Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe alive and exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover fried chicken or waffles, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the chicken crust crispier and the waffles from becoming soggy, so the next day’s meal is just as satisfying.
Freezing
This dish also freezes well! Wrap fried chicken pieces tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags and freeze. Waffles can be stacked with parchment paper between each piece to prevent sticking. When frozen, both keep well for up to 2 months without sacrificing much flavor or texture.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheat the chicken in a 375°F oven on a wire rack to retain crispiness, usually for about 10-15 minutes. Waffles can be warmed in a toaster or oven until hot and toasty. Gently rewarm the jalapeno honey butter sauce on the stovetop or microwave, and drizzle again to bring back that magical zing.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs offer more moisture and flavor, boneless chicken breasts can work too. Just watch your cooking time carefully, as breasts can dry out faster than thighs.
How spicy is the jalapeno honey butter sauce?
The sauce has a gentle heat that can be adjusted by the number of jalapenos used and whether you include the seeds. Removing seeds reduces the heat significantly, so it’s great for those sensitive to spice.
Do I need a waffle iron to make this recipe?
Yes, a waffle iron is recommended to get those classic crispy waffles with deep pockets for syrup and butter. Without one, you might try pancakes, but the texture will be different.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for frying and waffle batter. Just ensure your spices and other ingredients don’t contain hidden gluten.
What’s the best way to get crispy fried chicken every time?
Marinate the chicken well, use properly heated oil at 350°F, and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain consistent temperature. Also, pressing the flour coating firmly helps create that coveted crunchy crust.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably special about serving up a plate of Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug, packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Whether it’s a comforting weekend brunch or a crowd-pleasing dinner, give this recipe a try—you’ll likely find yourself coming back to it as a beloved favorite time and again.
Print
Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles recipe combines crispy, flavorful fried chicken thighs with fluffy, golden waffles, all topped with a sweet and spicy jalapeno honey butter sauce. Perfect for brunch or a comforting meal, this dish balances savory and sweet with a kick of heat, making it an irresistible southern classic.
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 Chicken: In a bowl, mix the buttermilk and optional hot sauce. Submerge the boneless chicken thighs in the mixture and allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare Flour Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper, whisking well to blend all the spices evenly.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven and heat it to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying the chicken evenly and crisply.
- Dredge Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly by dredging in the seasoned flour mixture and pressing gently to ensure an even, thick coating.
- Fry Chicken: Carefully lower the coated chicken into hot oil and fry for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Mix Dry Waffle Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, ensuring a uniform mixture for the waffle batter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Make Waffle Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; the batter should be slightly lumpy and not overmixed to keep waffles tender.
- Cook Waffles: Preheat and lightly grease a waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour appropriate batter onto the waffle iron and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the waffles are golden brown and crisp. Remove and keep warm.
- Prepare Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in 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 & Serve: Place a warm waffle on each serving plate, top with a piece of crispy fried chicken, and drizzle generously with the jalapeno honey butter sauce. Serve immediately for best enjoyment.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, double dredge by dipping chicken back into the buttermilk after the first flour coating, then coat in flour again.
- Adjust jalapeno quantity and seed inclusion based on heat preference for the honey butter sauce.
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness but 30 minutes is sufficient in a pinch.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for even frying and avoid greasy chicken.
- Waffles are best served immediately but can be kept warm in a low oven while finishing the chicken and sauce.
- Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends if needed, but adjust liquid ratios accordingly.
