Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce

There’s something about the combination of crispy, golden fried chicken paired with soft, fluffy waffles that makes it the ultimate comfort food. But wait—let’s kick it up a notch. Imagine all that goodness smothered in a rich, sweet, and spicy jalapeno honey butter sauce that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Trust me, this is the kind of meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe)!

Whether you’re having a laid-back weekend brunch, celebrating with family, or just craving something indulgent, this dish has you covered. The crunch from the chicken, the melt-in-your-mouth waffles, and the sweet-spicy sauce come together like they were meant to be. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and once you try it, you’ll be hooked. Get ready to bring some serious flavor to your table.

Why You’ll Love Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce

This recipe isn’t just about making a meal—it’s about creating memories. Whether you’re cooking for a casual get-together or indulging on a cozy morning at home, it has that perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and excitement. Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite:

Versatile

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this dish can easily fit into any occasion. It’s cozy and filling enough for a weekend treat, but exciting enough to impress guests at a dinner party. Can you imagine everyone’s faces when they take that first bite?

Budget-Friendly

While this recipe may feel like a special treat, it uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that prove comfort food doesn’t have to break the bank.

Quick and Easy

No need to be intimidated by the fried chicken or waffles. With straightforward steps, even beginners can master this dish. Plus, you don’t need any fancy equipment—just your regular skillet and waffle iron, and you’re all set.

Customizable

Love spice? Toss in a little extra heat in the jalapeno honey butter sauce. Prefer your chicken with a little more crunch? Adjust the breading to your liking. This recipe is super flexible and can be tailored to whatever flavors you’re in the mood for.

Crowd-Pleasing

When was the last time you had a dish that made everyone around the table cheer? That’s the magic of fried chicken and waffles—it’s universally loved. Add that jalapeno honey butter, and it becomes even more irresistible.

Ingredients

Here’s where the magic starts. All the ingredients you’ll need for the perfect fried chicken and waffles with that sweet-spicy sauce:

For the Fried Chicken:

• Chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, or breasts, your choice)
• Buttermilk
• Hot sauce
• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper

For the Waffles:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Milk
• Butter
• Vanilla extract

For the Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce:

• Butter
• Honey
• Fresh jalapenos
• Garlic powder
• Salt

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements will be provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into these steps to create the perfect fried chicken ‘n’ waffles with that knockout jalapeno honey butter sauce.

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce. The buttermilk makes the chicken juicy and tender, while the hot sauce gives it a subtle kick. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes—longer if you have the time. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine your flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Take your marinated chicken and coat it evenly with the flour mixture. You want it to be generously coated for that crispy crunch. Shake off any excess.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Carefully drop the chicken into the hot oil, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy—about 8-10 minutes per side, depending on the size of your pieces. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. When it’s done, let it rest on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 4: Make the Waffles

While your chicken is frying, prep your waffle batter. In a bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix! Pour the batter onto your preheated waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You want them golden and crisp on the outside with a soft center.

Step 5: Prepare the Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the honey, finely chopped jalapenos, garlic powder, and salt. Stir everything together until the sauce is smooth and the jalapenos release their heat into the butter. Taste it—if you like more spice, add an extra jalapeno!

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Place your warm waffles on a plate, then top with crispy fried chicken. Drizzle generously with the jalapeno honey butter sauce. Don’t be shy with that sauce—it’s the star of the show! Serve immediately and enjoy.

How to Serve Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce

This dish is hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own, but if you want to elevate the experience, here are some tasty pairings:

Fresh Salads

Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness and acidity of the salad balance the richness of the chicken and waffles.

Roasted Vegetables

Roast up some seasonal veggies like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus to add color and a light, earthy contrast to the dish.

Creamy Dips

If you want even more indulgence, serve it with a creamy side dip, like ranch dressing or a simple garlic aioli.

Extra Sauces

Serve extra jalapeno honey butter or hot sauce on the side for those who like a little extra heat!

Additional Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can marinate the chicken and prepare the waffle batter the night before. This will save you time and make the process even easier.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, feel free to add more jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Dietary Adjustments: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, swap the flour in the chicken and waffles for a gluten-free flour blend.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to keep everything crispy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute buttermilk for regular milk?
A1: You can, but buttermilk adds that perfect tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can fry the chicken and make the waffles ahead of time. Just reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store fried chicken and waffles separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to retain the crispiness of the chicken.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the chicken and waffles separately. The chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months, and the waffles for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q5: How do I reheat this dish?
A5: To reheat, place the chicken and waffles in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes until they’re hot and crispy again.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just make sure you have enough room in your skillet or fryer for all the chicken pieces, and cook the waffles in batches.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
A7: While this recipe features fried chicken, you can easily swap the chicken for a vegetarian alternative, like crispy tofu or a plant-based chicken substitute.

Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A8: Mashed potatoes, collard greens, or a simple corn on the cob would pair beautifully with this dish.

Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: You can bake the chicken instead of frying it and use a whole-wheat flour for the waffles to make this dish a bit lighter.

Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A cast-iron skillet is perfect for frying the chicken because it retains heat well and gives the chicken that crispy crunch. For waffles, a good-quality waffle iron will ensure a perfectly golden and crispy finish.

Conclusion

There you have it! Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce—a mouthwatering combination of crispy chicken, soft waffles, and a sweet-spicy sauce that will have you and your guests coming back for more. Get ready for a flavor-packed experience that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

Print