Description
Elevate your brunch with a savory chicken and waffles buffet—crispy chicken, fluffy waffles, and maple glaze for a crowd-pleasing spread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite‑sized pieces
- 1 cup all‑purpose flour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and salt. Toss chicken pieces in the dry mix, then dip in buttermilk, and coat again with the flour mixture. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry the Chicken: Working in batches, fry chicken until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 5–6 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Waffle Batter: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed; a few lumps are fine.
- Cook Waffles: Preheat a waffle iron. Lightly grease with oil or non‑stick spray. Pour enough batter to cover the surface, close the lid, and cook until golden and crisp, about 4–5 minutes. Keep warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven.
- Make the Maple Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of sea salt. Simmer for 2 minutes, whisking until glossy.
- Assemble the Buffet: Arrange a platter of waffles, a separate bowl of crispy chicken, and a small dish of maple glaze. Offer hot sauce and parsley for garnish. Let guests build their own plates.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat; thighs stay moist even after frying.
- Keep the oil at a steady 350°F; too hot and the coating burns, too cool and the chicken absorbs oil.
- Don’t overmix the waffle batter; a few lumps keep waffles tender.
- Serve the maple glaze on the side so guests can drizzle to taste.
- For a healthier twist, bake the chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes instead of frying.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Chicken recipes
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken and waffles brunch buffet