Crispy Fried Chicken and Waffles with Spicy Red Pepper Butter and Hot Honey

Chicken and waffles is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory fried chicken with sweet, fluffy waffles. This version takes it to the next level with a tangy red pepper butter and a drizzle of hot honey for a perfect balance of flavors.

Whether you’re serving it for brunch or dinner, this dish is sure to impress. The chicken gets an extra-crispy coating thanks to a tempura batter, while the waffles are toasted to golden perfection. Top it all off with a homemade red pepper butter and a kick of spicy honey.

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Ingredients

10 ounce Chicken CutletsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Fry SeasoningView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.75 ounce Mike’s Hot Honey®View ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 unit Belgian WaffleView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

82 g Tempura BatterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon CornstarchView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Red Pepper JamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 325°F. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Cut chicken lengthwise into 1-inch strips. Place chicken on a plate; coat with 1 tablespoon tempura batter mix (2 tablespoons for 4 servings).
2. In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, half the Fry Seasoning, a big pinch of salt and pepper. Add water 1 teaspoon at a time until mixture reaches the consistency of whole milk.
3. In a separate medium bowl (large bowl for 4), combine cornstarch, remaining tempura batter mix, remaining Fry Seasoning, a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Working in batches, dip coated chicken into sour cream mixture until fully coated; shake off any excess liquid. Press each piece into tempura mixture until fully coated; shake off any excess mixture. Return fully coated chicken to plate.
5. Heat a 1/3-inch layer of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once oil is hot enough that a pinch of tempura mixture sizzles when added to the pan, working in batches, add coated chicken in an even layer. Cook for 1 minute, then reduce heat to medium and cook until browned and cooked through, 3-5 minutes per side. (Lower heat if chicken begins to brown too quickly.) Transfer chicken to a paper-towel-lined plate; season with salt.
6. Air fryer alternative: Coat an air fryer basket with cooking spray; arrange coated chicken side by side in basket. Coat tops of chicken with cooking spray. Air fry at 370°F for 8 minutes. Flip chicken and coat again with cooking spray; air fry until cooked through and crispy, 8 minutes more.
7. While chicken cooks, place 2 tablespoons butter (4 tablespoons for 4 servings) in a small microwave-safe bowl; microwave until just softened, 20-25 seconds. Stir red pepper jam into bowl with softened butter until smooth and thoroughly combined. Set aside until ready to serve. Tip: If you like your butter a bit more firm, place it in the fridge until ready to serve.
8. Spread out waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast until golden brown, 2-3 minutes.
9. Divide waffles between plates; spread each with as much red pepper butter as you like. Place chicken over top or on the side. Drizzle with as much Mike’s Hot Honey® as you like and serve. Chicken is fully cooked when internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of cutlets?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they reach 165°F internally.

What can I substitute for Mike's Hot Honey?

You can use regular honey mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a similar sweet and spicy flavor.

Can I make the waffles from scratch?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade waffle recipe instead of frozen Belgian waffles.