If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food that brings together crispy, juicy chicken and warm, golden waffles with a spicy-sweet twist, then you’re in for a treat with this Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe. This dish perfectly balances crunchy, tender, and rich flavors topped off with a buttery sauce that delivers a gentle kick from fresh jalapenos and a subtle smoky depth. Every bite feels like a hug on a plate, and once you try it, this recipe will become one of those treasured go-tos you’ll want to share with all your friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this recipe truly spectacular. Each item plays a distinct role, whether it’s creating a golden crust on the chicken, fluffy and flavorful waffles, or a luscious, spicy-sweet sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless for tender, juicy meat that’s perfect for frying.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang that balances the spices.
- Hot sauce (optional): Adds a mild heat boost to the chicken marinade for extra flavor depth.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for the crisp coating on the chicken and the base of the waffles.
- Spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper): Create a fragrant and flavorful crust on the fried chicken.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying to achieve that irresistible golden crunch.
- Sugar, baking powder, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract: The foundational ingredients for light, fluffy waffles with a hint of sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, honey, jalapenos, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper: These combine into a jalapeno honey butter sauce that adds a luscious, spicy, and sweet finish to the dish.
How to Make Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining buttermilk and a splash of hot sauce (if you like a little heat) in a bowl. Submerge your chicken thighs into this flavorful bath, letting them soak in all the tangy, spicy goodness for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating overnight will take the tenderness and flavor to the next level.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour
While your chicken is soaking, mix together all-purpose flour with salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. This aromatic blend is what’ll give your chicken that golden, crispy, and deeply flavorful coating everyone loves.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour about two inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven and warm it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to get the oil nice and hot so that the coating crisps up quickly, sealing in all the juicy goodness of the chicken.
Step 4: Dredge the Chicken
Pull your chicken thighs out of the marinade, letting the excess buttermilk drip off before diving them into the seasoned flour. Press the flour firmly so every piece is coated thoroughly; this ensures a flawless crunch when frying.
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Gently lower the flour-covered chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until each piece achieves a deep golden brown color and is cooked all the way through. When ready, lay the chicken on paper towels to drain any extra oil, keeping it crispy but not oily.
Step 6: Mix Dry Waffle Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients are the backbone of your waffles, giving them structure and a subtle sweetness.
Step 7: Mix Wet Waffle Ingredients
In another bowl, beat your eggs, then stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This mixture adds moisture, richness, and that signature vanilla aroma to your waffles.
Step 8: Combine to Make Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold them together. Don’t stress about lumps here; a little batter unevenness makes for tender waffles with a great texture once cooked.
Step 9: Cook the Waffles
Preheat your waffle iron and give it a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking. Ladle the batter in and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions—about 3 to 5 minutes—until they’re golden, crisp on the outside, and soft inside.
Step 10: Prepare the Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the honey, finely chopped jalapenos (removing seeds keeps it milder), smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Let the mixture gently simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing all those fiery and sweet flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 11: Assemble and Serve
Place a warm waffle on each plate, top with a crispy piece of fried chicken, and then drizzle generously with the luscious jalapeno honey butter sauce. This is where all the magic comes together—each component playing its part in this unforgettable feast of textures and tastes.
How to Serve Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding vibrant garnishes can bring freshness and a pop of color to your dish. Think thin slices of green onions, a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for a herby twist, or even some tangy pickled red onions. These brighten the plate and offer a crisp contrast to the richness of your fried chicken and waffles.
Side Dishes
While the main combo is stunning on its own, pairing this with light, fresh sides enhances the meal. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables with a touch of garlic, or even creamy coleslaw to add crunch and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Make the presentation as memorable as the flavors by stacking your chicken and waffles tall, drizzling sauce artistically, or serving mini waffles topped with bite-sized chicken pieces on skewers for a fun appetizer style. You could also serve the sauce in a cute dipping bowl alongside, so everyone can control their perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and buttery.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your fried chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This helps maintain the texture of both components without sogginess, keeping the chicken crisp and waffles fresh.
Freezing
Both the chicken and waffles freeze well for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in freezer bags or containers. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-kitchen crunch, reheat your fried chicken in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes. Rewarm waffles in a toaster or toaster oven to regain their crisp exterior without turning soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts can be used, but thighs generally stay juicier and more tender after frying, which adds to the moist, flavorful experience of this dish.
How spicy is the jalapeno honey butter sauce?
The heat can be adjusted by how many jalapenos you use and whether you include the seeds. Removing seeds keeps it mild, and the honey tempers the spice for a balanced, pleasant warmth.
Can I make the waffles gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to keep the texture just right.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
While 30 minutes is the minimum to get good flavor and tenderness, marinating overnight deeply enhances juiciness and flavor infusion, making the dish even better.
Can I prepare the jalapeno honey butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate the sauce a day ahead. Warm it gently before serving to bring back the smooth, drizzly texture.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe is one of those rare dishes that instantly makes any day feel special. The crunch of the chicken, the softness of the waffles, and that unforgettable spicy-sweet sauce is pure, mouthwatering delight. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily this recipe can become a beloved classic in your kitchen too!
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: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles recipe pairs crispy, perfectly seasoned fried chicken thighs with fluffy waffles and a spicy-sweet jalapeno honey butter sauce. Marinated chicken ensures juicy flavor, while the waffle batter is light and slightly sweet. The jalapeno honey butter sauce adds a smoky heat to balance the dish, making it a delightful twist on a classic comfort food combo perfect for brunch or dinner.
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 chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: 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 dredge for the chicken.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil about 2 inches deep into a deep skillet or Dutch oven and heat it to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is at the right temperature for frying the chicken to achieve a crispy crust.
- Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres evenly.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil. Fry for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Remove the chicken and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Waffles: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, creating the base dry mix for the waffles.
- Mix Wet Ingredients for Waffles: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Waffle Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy; avoid overmixing to keep the waffles light and fluffy.
- Cook Waffles: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with cooking spray. Pour batter onto the iron and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions, usually 3-5 minutes, until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Prepare Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the honey, finely chopped jalapenos, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove from heat.
- Serve: Place a warm waffle on each plate, top with a piece of fried chicken, and drizzle generously with the jalapeno honey butter sauce. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors together.
Notes
- For extra spicy chicken, increase the cayenne pepper in the flour mixture or add hot sauce to the marinade.
- Marinating chicken overnight enhances tenderness and flavor but 30 minutes is acceptable for a quicker option.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken.
- Remove jalapeno seeds if you prefer milder sauce; leave them in for more heat.
- Waffles can be kept warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while frying chicken if cooking simultaneously.
