cken and Waffles with Maple Honey Butter Recipe

If you have a craving for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you are going to absolutely adore this cken and Waffles with Maple Honey Butter recipe. Imagine tender, juicy fried chicken, marinated to perfection, nestled atop golden, toasted mini waffles, all brought together by a luscious maple honey butter that adds just the right touch of sweet creaminess. This Southern-inspired delight is perfect for brunch, lunch, or any time you want to treat yourself to a little bit of magic. It’s a feast that balances savory and sweet flawlessly and will have everyone at your table asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays its part in bringing out incredible flavors and textures. From the juicy chicken to the crunchy coating, and the soft waffles topped with sweet butter, these ingredients come together like a dream team.

• Boneless chicken breasts: Tender and easy to cut into perfect bite-sized pieces for frying.
• Buttermilk: The secret to super juicy, flavorful chicken that practically melts in your mouth.
• Unsalted butter: Softened for blending with honey and maple syrup, creating that irresistible maple honey butter.
• Honey and maple syrup: Both add natural sweetness and depth to the butter topping.
• All-purpose flour & cornstarch: Combined for a crispy, light coating that stays crunchy after frying.
• Garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper: These spices build a flavorful crust that perfectly complements the chicken’s natural taste.
• Vegetable oil: The frying medium that crisps up the chicken beautifully.
• Mini waffles: The fluffy, buttery foundation to hold all that crispy chicken and sweet butter goodness.
• Fresh chives and honey: Optional but wonderful finishing touches for color and extra flavor.

How to Make cken and Waffles with Maple Honey Butter

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1 1/2 inches each. Submerge them in buttermilk, ensuring every piece is well coated. Let this soak in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with tangy richness that will shine through after frying.

Step 2: Prepare the Maple Honey Butter

While the chicken is marinating, mix the softened unsalted butter with honey, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until it’s smooth and creamy. This simple yet heavenly butter will melt over your warm waffles, adding a sweet and silky layer that’s impossible to resist. You can make this ahead and chill it, but remember to bring it to room temperature before serving for easy spreading.

Step 3: Mix the Coating

In a large, shallow bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper. This blend of spices and starches creates a coating that’s crispy on the outside and packed with flavor, enhancing each fried chicken piece amazingly.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the right temperature is key to frying the chicken so it cooks through evenly and comes out perfectly golden and crunchy without soaking up too much oil.

Step 5: Coat and Fry the Chicken

Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Thoroughly dredge each piece in your seasoned flour mixture. Carefully place a few pieces in the hot oil at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for about 3 to 5 minutes per side until the crust is golden and the chicken is cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried pieces to a towel-lined plate to drain off extra oil.

Step 6: Toast the Mini Waffles

While frying, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange mini waffles on a baking sheet and toast them for about 12 to 15 minutes until they are warm and slightly crisp. This heat-up step ensures the waffles are the perfect base to hold all the juicy chicken and buttery sweetness.

Step 7: Assemble the Mini Chicken and Waffles with Maple Honey Butter

Spread a small dollop of the prepared maple honey butter on each warm waffle. Top each with a piece of the crispy fried chicken, drizzle with a touch more honey, and scatter fresh chopped chives on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy every wonderful texture and taste at its finest.

How to Serve cken and Waffles with Maple Honey Butter

Garnishes

Adding fresh chives not only brightens up the look of the dish but also adds a subtle oniony freshness that balances the rich sweetness. Drizzling a little extra honey over the top creates a glossy finish that’s inviting and delicious. For a pop of spice, you can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes or serve with a side of hot sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp side salads or light vegetable slaws to cut through the richness. A fresh cucumber salad or tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing counterpoint that keeps the meal balanced and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, stack mini waffles and fried chicken pieces on skewers to make bite-sized chicken and waffle pops. This is fantastic for parties or as an appetizer. You can also set up a DIY bar with different butters, honey varieties, and hot sauces so everyone can customize their cken and waffles with maple honey butter experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover fried chicken and waffles in an airtight container and refrigerate them promptly. They should keep well for up to 3 days. Keep the maple honey butter separate or wrapped tightly to preserve its fresh flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save this delicious meal for later, both the fried chicken and mini waffles freeze beautifully. Flash freeze the chicken pieces on a tray then transfer to freezer bags. The waffles can be stacked with parchment paper in between. Freeze up to 1 month for best quality.

Reheating

For crispy results, reheat the chicken and waffles in a preheated oven or toaster oven set to 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to soften the coating and waffles. Add a fresh spread of maple honey butter after warming to recreate that perfect melt-in-your-mouth moment.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more flavorful and tender. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and follow the same marinating and frying steps for juicy, crispy perfection.

How important is the buttermilk marinade?

Buttermilk does wonders by tenderizing the chicken and adding a subtle tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a quick substitute.

Can I make the mini waffles from scratch?

Definitely! Homemade mini waffles add extra charm and freshness. Use your favorite waffle recipe, cut larger waffles into mini sizes, or buy frozen ones for convenience.

Is the maple honey butter difficult to make?

Not at all! It’s just a simple blend of softened butter, honey, maple syrup, and salt. It comes together in minutes but adds a whole new level of flavor that’s worth the effort.

What can I serve with cken and Waffles with Maple Honey Butter for a complete meal?

Besides salads and slaws, roasted vegetables or crispy potato wedges are excellent accompaniments. For a brunch vibe, fresh fruit and a mimosa or iced coffee round out the experience beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this cken and Waffles with Maple Honey Butter recipe is a total game-changer that will brighten up your meal times and have everyone asking for your secret. The combination of crunchy coated chicken, soft waffles, and that sweet, creamy butter is just heaven on a plate. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every bite of this Southern-inspired classic with a homemade touch.