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

Chicken and waffles is the ultimate comfort food, blending savory fried chicken with sweet, fluffy waffles for a dish that’s pure magic. This version takes it up a notch with a tangy red pepper butter and a drizzle of hot honey, creating layers of flavor that will make your taste buds sing.

Perfect for dinner or brunch, this recipe is surprisingly simple to pull off. The chicken gets an extra-crispy coating thanks to a tempura batter, while the waffles are toasted to golden perfection. Serve it all together for a down-home meal that feels special any day of the week.

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Ingredients

10 ounce Chicken CutletsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Fry SeasoningView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.75 ounce Hot HoneyView 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 Oil (for frying)View ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Salt (to taste)View ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Pepper (to taste)View ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and adjust rack to top position. Pat chicken cutlets dry with paper towels and cut lengthwise into 1-inch strips. Place chicken on a plate and 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 the mixture reaches the consistency of whole milk.
3. In a separate medium bowl (large bowl for 4 servings), combine cornstarch, remaining tempura batter mix, remaining Fry Seasoning, a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Working in batches, dip coated chicken into the sour cream mixture until fully coated, then shake off excess liquid. Press each piece into the tempura mixture until fully coated, shaking off any excess. Return coated chicken to the plate.
5. Heat a 1/3-inch layer of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. When oil is hot enough that a pinch of tempura mixture sizzles, add chicken in an even layer (work in batches). Cook for 1 minute, then reduce heat to medium. Cook until browned and cooked through, 3-5 minutes per side. Lower heat if chicken browns too quickly. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate and season with salt.
6. Air fryer alternative: Coat air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange coated chicken in a single layer, spray tops with cooking spray. Air fry at 370°F for 8 minutes. Flip, spray again and air fry until cooked through and crispy, about 8 more minutes.
7. While chicken cooks, place butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave until just softened, 20-25 seconds. Stir in red pepper jam until smooth and combined. Set aside. For firmer butter, refrigerate until ready to serve.
8. Spread waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven until golden brown, 2-3 minutes.
9. Divide waffles among plates. Spread each with red pepper butter to taste. Place chicken on top or alongside. Drizzle with hot honey and serve. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use frozen waffles instead of Belgian waffles?

Yes, frozen waffles work well. Toast them according to package directions until golden and crispy.

How do I make the chicken extra crispy without deep frying?

The air fryer method yields excellent crispy results. Ensure the chicken pieces are not overcrowded and spray with cooking oil for even browning.

Can I substitute the red pepper jam?

You can use any sweet-spicy jam, such as jalapeño or apricot with a pinch of chili flakes, for a similar flavor profile.