There’s something magical about the pairing of crispy, golden chicken and fluffy waffles. Add a swipe of creamy jalapeño honey butter, and you’ve officially entered flavor paradise. This dish is that perfect mix of sweet, savory, spicy, and crunchy—like your taste buds just got invited to the best party in town. Whether it’s brunch with friends, a fun family dinner, or treating yourself to something indulgent on a cozy weekend morning, trust me—this one’s a game-changer.
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The waffles are buttery and slightly sweet, the chicken is juicy with a crispy crunch, and that jalapeño honey butter? Oh, it ties everything together with a sweet heat that’ll have you licking the plate. So grab your apron and let’s make something unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love Chicken & Waffles with Jalapeño Honey Butter
Versatile
Perfect for weekend brunches, cozy weeknight dinners, or even a special breakfast-for-dinner situation. It fits any mood and moment.
Budget-Friendly
Most of the ingredients are pantry staples—chicken, flour, spices, waffles, and honey. You won’t need to hunt down anything fancy!
Quick and Easy
Don’t be fooled by the stunning final result—this dish is surprisingly easy to pull off. The steps are simple, and the flavors speak for themselves.
Customizable
Add your own flair! Love it spicier? Toss in extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Prefer gluten-free? Use your favorite alternatives. You’re the boss here.
Crowd-Pleasing
Whether it’s picky kids or foodie friends, this combo gets everyone excited. It’s a comforting classic with a flavorful twist.
Ingredients in Chicken & Waffles with Jalapeño Honey Butter
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Go with your preference—thighs for more flavor, breasts for leaner bites.
Buttermilk: This is the secret to tender, flavorful chicken. It works its magic while the chicken marinates.
Flour and Cornstarch: For that signature crispy coating. The cornstarch adds an extra crunch factor you’ll love.
Spices: Think paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper—simple but powerful.
Waffles: Soft, fluffy waffles with just the right amount of sweetness to balance the savory chicken.
Honey: A sweet drizzle that complements every bite.
Butter: Because everything’s better with butter. Especially when it’s whipped with…
Jalapeños: A little heat goes a long way. Fresh or pickled, your call!
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Get your oil hot and ready in a deep skillet or fryer—aim for about 350°F for the crispiest results.
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, coat your chicken with buttermilk and let it soak for at least 30 minutes (overnight is even better). This step locks in flavor and tenderness.
Prep the Coating: In another bowl, mix your flour, cornstarch, and spices. This dry mixture is what makes that golden, crave-worthy crust.
Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure it’s fully coated.
Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes depending on thickness. Let drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Jalapeño Honey Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, honey, and finely chopped jalapeños. You can make it as spicy or mild as you like.
Prepare the Waffles: Toast or cook your waffles according to package directions or your favorite homemade recipe.
Assemble the Dish: Top each waffle with a piece of hot, crispy chicken. Add a generous dollop of jalapeño honey butter and drizzle with extra honey if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and dig in! Every bite is sweet, spicy, crunchy, and tender perfection.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 580 (approx.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
How to Serve Chicken & Waffles with Jalapeño Honey Butter
Fresh Salads: A light arugula or spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
Fruit on the Side: Slices of melon, berries, or citrus bring a refreshing, bright contrast.
Hot Sauce Drizzle: A few drops of hot sauce over the chicken adds a tangy kick.
Eggs: Top it with a fried or poached egg for extra indulgence. That yolk running over the chicken? Heaven.
As a Standalone: This dish can hold its own. Just plate it up and sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives for that final touch.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before to deepen the flavor and save time.
Spice It Up: Add a touch of cayenne to the flour mix or infuse the honey with chili flakes for extra heat.
Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free flour and waffles for a gluten-free version. Swap dairy butter for a plant-based one if needed.
Storage Tips: Store leftover chicken and waffles separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for crispiness.
Double the Batch: Make extra chicken and freeze it after frying. It reheats beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the chicken with a plant-based option?
A1: Yes! Use crispy tofu, jackfruit, or a vegan chicken alternative—just keep the same seasonings and cooking method.
Q2: Can I make the butter less spicy?
A2: Definitely. Use fewer jalapeños or swap with sweet red peppers for a milder version.
Q3: How do I keep the chicken crispy?
A3: After frying, place it on a wire rack in a warm oven until ready to serve. This keeps it crisp and warm.
Q4: Can I use frozen waffles?
A4: Yep! Just toast them up until golden and warm. Homemade is always a plus, but frozen works in a pinch.
Q5: What’s the best oil for frying?
A5: Peanut oil or vegetable oil are great choices. They have a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Q6: Can I make this gluten-free?
A6: Absolutely—use gluten-free flour and waffles. It’ll still be just as delicious.
Q7: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
A7: You can! It won’t be quite as crispy, but baking at 400°F until golden and cooked through works well.
Q8: Can I make this ahead for brunch?
A8: Yes! Prep everything, keep the components separate, and assemble just before serving.
Q9: How spicy is the jalapeño honey butter?
A9: It’s mildly spicy, but totally adjustable based on how many jalapeños you use.
Q10: Can I use bone-in chicken?
A10: Yes, but the cooking time will increase. Just be sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Conclusion
Chicken & Waffles with Jalapeño Honey Butter is comfort food with a twist—crispy, tender, buttery, and just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re making it for a special brunch or a cozy dinner, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. So go on, give it a whirl—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chicken & Waffles with Jalapeño Honey Butter
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Fry, Bake
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
A Southern comfort food classic, this Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles is paired with a homemade jalapeno honey butter sauce for the perfect blend of savory and sweet. Crispy fried chicken on fluffy waffles creates a delicious contrast of textures.
Ingredients
- For the Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce:
- 3/4 cup jalapeno infused honey
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- For the Chicken Brine:
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 4 split chicken breasts, making eight pieces, boneless skinless
- For the Dredge:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup potato starch
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp buttermilk brine, for the divided half of the dredge
- Canola oil or avocado oil for frying
- For the Belgian Waffles:
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Jalapeno Honey Sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add jalapeno honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and salt. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and cool. Optional: strain to remove jalapeno slices and seeds.
- Make the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together brine ingredients. Add chicken breasts and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. In another bowl, mix dredge ingredients. Dredge chicken in flour mixture, dip in brine, and coat again in flour. Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Waffles: Preheat waffle iron. Whisk together dry ingredients in one bowl. Mix wet ingredients (buttermilk, heavy cream, melted butter, egg yolks, vanilla) in another. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold into wet mixture. Combine with dry ingredients. Cook waffles in waffle iron until golden brown. Keep warm in a 200°F oven.
- Serve fried chicken on top of waffles, drizzle with jalapeno honey butter sauce.
Notes
- Brine the chicken for at least 4 hours for the best flavor and juiciness.
- If you like extra heat, leave some jalapeno slices in the sauce for added spice.
- For lighter waffles, separate the egg whites and fold them in last to create a fluffy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with waffle
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg