Ingredients List
Buttermilk Fried Chicken
- ✓ 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenders
- ✓ 2 cups buttermilk
- ✓ 1 tbsp Peppajoy Hot Sauce
- ✓ 1 tsp garlic powder
- ✓ 1 tsp onion powder
- ✓ 1 tsp salt
Seasoned Flour Coating
- ✓ 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ✓ 3 tbsp cornstarch
- ✓ 1 tbsp paprika
- ✓ 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- ✓ 1 tsp black pepper
- ✓ 2 tsp salt
- ✓ Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil (for frying)
Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles
- ✓ 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ✓ 1 tbsp baking powder
- ✓ 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ✓ ½ tsp salt
- ✓ 2 large eggs, separated
- ✓ 1¾ cups buttermilk
- ✓ ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ✓ 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Serving
- ✓ Warm maple syrup
- ✓ Softened butter
- ✓ Hot honey (optional)
Execution Steps
Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, Peppajoy hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Add the chicken and coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Prepare the Waffle Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg yolks. In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Fold in the whipped egg whites carefully to keep the batter light and airy.
Bread the Chicken
In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.
For extra crunch, drizzle 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken marinade into the flour mixture and mix lightly with a fork to create small clumps.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, then press each piece firmly into the seasoned flour mixture until fully coated. Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for 10–15 minutes so the coating adheres properly.
Fry the Chicken & Cook the Waffles
Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C) to keep everything warm.
Grease and preheat the waffle iron. Cook the waffles until golden brown and crisp, then transfer them directly to a wire rack in the oven.
Fry the chicken in batches for 6–8 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
Serve
Place warm waffles on a plate and top with crispy fried chicken. Finish with butter, warm maple syrup, or a drizzle of hot honey.
Serve immediately and enjoy!