Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles is a dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. The crispy fried chicken, soft fluffy waffles, and the kick of hot honey make this meal a comforting classic. Whether it’s for brunch, dinner, or even late-night cravings, this dish offers an unforgettable experience that combines Southern soul with a modern twist. The addition of hot honey elevates the traditional chicken and waffles, making it a must-try for anyone who loves bold, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon butter
Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Submerge the chicken in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to tenderize and infuse the chicken with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Hot Honey
- Combine honey, hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, and butter in a small saucepan.
- Heat on low until the butter melts and the ingredients are fully combined. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Make the Waffle Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Avoid overmixing to keep the waffles fluffy.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and dredge in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating.
- Fry the chicken in batches for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Drain on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
Step 5: Cook the Waffles
- Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden and crisp.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
- Place a waffle on a plate, top with a piece of fried chicken, and drizzle with hot honey sauce.
- Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives, and serve with optional sides like coleslaw or pickles.
Nutrients (per serving estimate)
- Calories: Approximately 550-650 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles is an iconic dish that has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts all over the world. Combining crispy, golden fried chicken with fluffy, soft waffles, and drizzling it with a spicy-sweet hot honey sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance of flavors. Originally a Southern staple, the classic Chicken and Waffles dish has evolved with time, and the addition of hot honey gives it a modern twist that brings out a bold, flavorful punch. Whether it’s for brunch, dinner, or late-night cravings, Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles offers an unforgettable eating experience that tantalizes your taste buds.
The Origins of Chicken and Waffles
The combination of fried chicken and waffles has a rich history, particularly in African-American cuisine. The origins of this pairing are debated, but many trace it back to the 1930s at the Wells Supper Club in Harlem, New York, where this fusion dish was born. The dish was loved for its combination of the crispy, savory fried chicken and the sweet, soft waffles. It quickly became a favorite comfort food, cherished by both the African-American community and wider audiences.
Over the years, Chicken and Waffles became a popular dish across the United States, particularly in Southern and soul food restaurants. However, it wasn’t until the last decade that chefs began putting a contemporary spin on this traditional dish, infusing modern ingredients such as hot honey to amplify the flavor profile.
What Makes Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles So Special?
The magic of Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles lies in its ability to balance three major flavor profiles—sweet, savory, and spicy. This trinity of taste creates a dish that is both satisfying and complex, offering a harmonious blend of flavors that work in perfect synergy.
- Savory: The crispy, golden-brown fried chicken serves as the savory anchor of the dish. Marinated in buttermilk and seasoned with a blend of spices, the chicken is juicy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside. The seasoning complements the sweetness of the waffles while providing a rich, comforting flavor that makes every bite satisfying.
- Sweet: The soft, fluffy waffles add the perfect sweetness to the dish. With a light and airy texture, waffles are the ideal base to balance out the rich, savory chicken. Their subtle sweetness makes them the perfect counterpart to the spicy, tangy hot honey sauce, adding complexity to the overall flavor.
- Spicy: The hot honey sauce is the crowning touch that brings this dish to life. Combining honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes, it adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering the other flavors. The sweetness of the honey helps tone down the heat, while the spice adds a bold kick that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
The Evolution of the Dish: Hot Honey Twist
While the traditional Chicken and Waffles recipe remains a beloved classic, chefs across the country have added their own creative variations to make the dish more dynamic and exciting. One of the most popular innovations in recent years is the addition of hot honey. This spicy-sweet sauce is made by combining honey with a variety of hot sauces, including sriracha, cayenne, or even chipotle, to create a tangy heat that is irresistible. The result is a unique flavor experience that adds a modern twist to a Southern favorite.
The addition of hot honey not only elevates the flavor of the dish but also plays a role in balancing out the rich flavors of the fried chicken and the sweetness of the waffles. The spicy heat cuts through the richness of the fried chicken, while the sweetness from the honey soothes the palate, making each bite a complex and satisfying experience.
Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles: A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
One of the best things about Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles is its versatility. Whether you’re serving it for a weekend brunch, a casual family dinner, or a late-night snack, this dish has something to offer for everyone. The comforting flavors of fried chicken and waffles are universally loved, while the hot honey sauce gives the dish a unique and exciting flair that makes it stand out.
- Brunch: Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles is an ideal brunch dish, offering a hearty meal that can be enjoyed by a group of friends or family. Pair it with a glass of fresh orange juice or a mimosa for a delightful brunch experience.
- Dinner: Although it may traditionally be associated with breakfast or brunch, Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles makes for a satisfying dinner option. The combination of protein and carbs is filling and delicious, making it the perfect comfort food to enjoy at the end of a long day.
- Late-Night Snack: The sweet-spicy combination of hot honey and fried chicken makes Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles a great choice for late-night cravings. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just indulging in a midnight snack, this dish will hit the spot every time.
The Secret to Perfect Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is a cornerstone of this dish, and while it’s easy to make, it requires careful attention to detail to get the perfect crispy texture and juicy interior. The key to achieving perfectly fried chicken lies in marinating it in buttermilk and seasoning it well. Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicy, while the spices infuse the meat with flavor. The chicken should be coated in a seasoned flour mixture to create a crispy outer layer. It’s important to fry the chicken at the right temperature—350°F is ideal—to ensure that the exterior crisps up without overcooking the meat inside.
Crafting the Perfect Waffle
The waffles in Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles should be light, fluffy, and soft on the inside while slightly crispy on the outside. The key to this texture is not to overmix the waffle batter, as this can lead to dense waffles. Instead, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. A small amount of sugar and vanilla extract in the batter helps add a touch of sweetness that complements the chicken and the hot honey sauce perfectly.
Why You Should Try Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles
If you love comfort food with a bit of a kick, Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles is the perfect dish for you. The crispy fried chicken, soft waffles, and spicy-sweet honey sauce come together to create a meal that is both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re a fan of Southern classics or enjoy trying new flavor combinations, this dish offers a little something for everyone.
By adding hot honey to the traditional Chicken and Waffles recipe, you’re not only enhancing the flavor but also creating a dish that feels modern and trendy, while still rooted in tradition. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress your guests, and it’s one that you’ll want to enjoy over and over again.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles is a flavor-packed dish that seamlessly blends the richness of fried chicken with the lightness of waffles and the spicy-sweet kick of hot honey sauce. Its origins in Southern cuisine have evolved with the addition of modern flavors, making it a contemporary classic that satisfies every craving. Whether enjoyed for brunch, dinner, or as a late-night indulgence, Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles is a comforting, bold, and unforgettable meal that will leave you coming back for more.