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If you’re craving a dish that perfectly blends crispy, juicy fried chicken with golden, fluffy waffles and a little kick of sweetness and spice, I have just the thing for you. This Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe is a celebration on a plate that brings comfort-food classics together in a way that’s absolutely irresistible. Every bite delivers crunchy chicken, tender waffles, and that delightful zing from jalapeno honey butter that will make your taste buds sing. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a weekend morning, a southern-inspired feast with a fun twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple, yet they each bring something essential to the table — from the tenderizing tang of buttermilk on the chicken to the sweet touch of honey and the fresh heat of jalapenos in the butter sauce. Together, these ingredients build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish unforgettable.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, the perfect base for that crispy coating.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture while tenderizing the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional): For a subtle extra kick in the marinade.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the crispy crust on the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the flour coating.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smokiness and beautiful color.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings savory depth to the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Supports the garlic powder with gentle sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives a hint of warming spice to the crust.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Neutral oil ideal for achieving golden crispiness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for waffles): Base for light and fluffy waffles.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Balances flavors with a subtle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The secret to those perfectly risen waffles.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for waffles): Enhances the sweetness while bringing depth.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the batter and adds richness.
- 1 1/2 cups milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Adds richness and helps crisp the waffle edges.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warm, sweet aromatics to the waffle batter.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for sauce): The lush base of the honey butter sauce.
- 1/4 cup honey: Sweetens and balances the heat of jalapenos nicely.
- 1-2 jalapenos, finely chopped: Fresh, vibrant heat that wakes up the palette.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky undertone to the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Kicks the heat into high gear in the sauce.
How to Make Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl, if you want that extra hint of heat. Add your chicken thighs, making sure each one is submerged. Let the chicken soak up all those flavors for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight. This not only infuses flavor but also tenderizes the chicken, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, mix your flour with salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. This seasoned flour mix will be the crispy, flavorful crust that turns ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. The layers of spices build a robust flavor you won’t soon forget.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the chicken thighs out of the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then dredge them in your seasoned flour, pressing gently so the coating clings well. Fry the chicken carefully, turning once after 6 or 7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Pat them dry on paper towels to keep them crisp.
Step 4: Make the Waffle Batter
Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the waffles in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring just until combined. The batter can be a little lumpy – don’t overmix or your waffles will toughen up!
Step 5: Cook the Waffles
Preheat your waffle iron and spray it lightly with cooking spray. Pour your batter onto the center and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the waffles puff up and turn a crisp golden brown. These waffles are the perfect fluffy, buttery complement to your fried chicken.
Step 6: Prepare the Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and stir in the honey, finely chopped jalapenos (seeds removed if you want less heat), smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle beautifully. Then take it off the heat to keep all that rich flavor intact.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Place one warm waffle on each plate, top it with a crispy fried chicken thigh, and drizzle generously with the jalapeno honey butter sauce. Serve immediately so you get that perfect contrast between hot, crispy chicken, warm waffle, and sweet-spicy sauce. Trust me, this combination will quickly become a family favorite.
How to Serve Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few thin slices of fresh jalapeno adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. If you love a creamy touch, a dollop of sour cream or a scoop of creamy coleslaw balances out the heat perfectly and adds a lovely textural contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish shines well alongside simple, refreshing sides. Think crisp green salad with light vinaigrette, or sautéed greens like kale or spinach. For something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes complement the honey butter sauce beautifully. Don’t forget a glass of your favorite iced tea to wash it all down!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken and waffles stacked on sliders for a fun brunch party twist, using mini waffles and bite-sized chicken pieces. Or create a build-your-own waffle bar with various toppings like pickles, hot sauce, and maple syrup alongside your jalapeno honey butter to delight guests’ creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover fried chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping them apart preserves the texture and ensures that the crispy chicken doesn’t get soggy from waffle moisture. The jalapeno honey butter sauce should be kept in a small jar or container.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked fried chicken for up to 2 months by wrapping pieces tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in freezer bags. Waffles freeze beautifully too — just freeze individually on a baking sheet before bagging to keep them from sticking together. The sauce is best made fresh but can be stored in the fridge for a few days; freezing is not recommended.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the fried chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to revive the crisp crust, and waffle pieces for 3–5 minutes in a toaster or oven. Rewarm the jalapeno honey butter sauce gently on the stove or microwave before drizzling, ensuring you keep that luscious texture and fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to dry out faster, so be careful not to overcook. Consider pounding them to an even thickness and marinating longer for juicy results.
What if I don’t like spicy food?
No problem! You can omit the jalapenos or remove all the seeds to drastically reduce the heat. The honey butter sauce will still be delightful with just the sweet smoky notes.
Can I make the waffles gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to get the right texture in your waffles.
Is buttermilk necessary for the chicken marinade?
Buttermilk does an incredible job tenderizing and flavoring the chicken, but if you don’t have it, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Can I prepare the jalapeno honey butter sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the sauce a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just warm it up gently before serving to bring back its smooth, pourable consistency.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up this Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe is like creating a little moment of magic at your own kitchen table. It’s a dish that’s comforting, fun, and bursting with flavor — perfect for weekend brunches, special dinners, or whenever you want to treat yourself. Dive in, savor each component, and watch it become one of your favorite recipes to share with friends and family. Give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!
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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: Southern American
Description
This Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles recipe features tender, juicy boneless chicken thighs marinated in buttermilk and perfectly fried to golden crispiness. Served atop fluffy, flavorful waffles and drizzled with a spicy-sweet jalapeno honey butter sauce, this dish is the ultimate comfort food with a kick. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this recipe combines classic Southern flavors with a modern twist.
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 boneless, skinless chicken thighs and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, to ensure tender and flavorful chicken.
- 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 until evenly combined.
- 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), which is ideal for frying chicken to get crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Then dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to coat thoroughly and evenly.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully lower the coated chicken thighs into the hot oil. Fry for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Waffles: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, stirring well to distribute the leavening agents and salt evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients for Waffles: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Combine and Prepare Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. It’s important not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine, preserving the waffles’ light texture.
- Cook the Waffles: Preheat the waffle iron and lightly grease it with cooking spray. Pour batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically about 3-5 minutes, until waffles are golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Make the Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the honey, finely chopped jalapenos (seeds removed for less heat, if desired), smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors, then remove from heat.
- Assemble and Serve: Place a warm waffle on each serving plate, top with a piece of fried chicken, and drizzle generously with the jalapeno honey butter sauce. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Notes
- For best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight if time allows.
- Adjust the number of jalapenos in the sauce to control the heat level.
- To keep the fried chicken crispy while cooking waffles, place fried pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a warm oven (around 200°F) until serving.
- You can substitute buttermilk with milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice if you don’t have buttermilk on hand.
- Use a thermometer to monitor frying oil temperature for perfect crispiness and to avoid greasy chicken.
