Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe

If you have a craving for a dish that perfectly balances crispy crunch, tender juiciness, and that touch of sweet-spicy goodness, then this Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. The marriage of golden, perfectly fried chicken thighs and fluffy, buttery waffles is elevated to another level with a luscious jalapeno honey butter sauce that brings warmth and just the right amount of kick. It’s comfort food meets a flavor fiesta, and I’m here to walk you through making this showstopper at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the best part of this Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s creating the crisp coating on the chicken, that fluffy texture in the waffles, or the bold combo of spicy and sweet in the sauce.

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These are ideal for juicy, tender fried chicken that stays moist inside.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang while helping the coating stick perfectly.
• Hot sauce (optional): Adds a hint of heat in the marinade to deepen the flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Used twice—for dredging the chicken and as the foundation of the waffles for the perfect crumb.
• Salt and spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper): Bring depth and warmth to the fried chicken coating.
• Vegetable oil: Essential for frying to crisp the chicken to golden perfection.
• Sugar and baking powder: Make the waffles lightly sweet and wonderfully fluffy.
• Eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract: Combine to create the waffle batter’s rich, tender texture.
• Unsalted butter, honey, jalapenos, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper: Together they make the unforgettable jalapeno honey butter sauce with the perfect balance of sweet meets spicy.

How to Make Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing buttermilk with optional hot sauce in a bowl, then submerge your chicken thighs in this mixture. This marinade tenderizes the meat beautifully and infuses a subtle zing. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or longer if you can, even overnight if you want to plan ahead. This step is where the magic begins.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour

While the chicken marinates, whisk together the flour with salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper. This secret spice blend will create the flavorful crust that will make each bite irresistibly crunchy and aromatic.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Fill a heavy skillet or Dutch oven with about 2 inches of oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Proper oil temperature is crucial; too hot and the crust burns before the chicken cooks, too cool and you end up with oily, soggy chicken. Patience here pays off with perfect crispiness.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the seasoned flour. Press down lightly to make sure every nook and cranny gets covered. This is the coating that will lock in juices and add that crave-worthy crunch.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Carefully lower each piece into the hot oil. Fry for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to rid excess oil. The result is crisped, juicy chicken that practically melts in your mouth.

Step 6: Make the Waffle Batter

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently to combine, careful not to overmix—the lumps ensure tender waffles.

Step 7: Cook the Waffles

Preheat your waffle iron and grease lightly. Pour in batter and cook until golden and crisp, usually 3-5 minutes depending on your machine. These waffles will be perfectly soft inside with a satisfying crisp outer layer.

Step 8: Prepare the Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter slowly, then stir in honey, finely chopped jalapenos, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Let this gently simmer for a few minutes to marry the flavors without burning the honey. This sauce adds a complex, sweet and spicy kiss to your dish.

Step 9: Assemble and Serve

Place a warm waffle on each plate, top with a crispy fried chicken thigh, and drizzle generously with that luscious jalapeno honey butter sauce. Serve immediately for that perfect contrast of textures and flavors.

How to Serve Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro add a lovely pop of green and freshness that cuts through the richness of the dish. For an extra flair, sprinkle some finely sliced scallions or a few jalapeno slices to highlight the heat in the sauce.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty delight with simple sides like a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, pickled vegetables to brighten the palate, or creamy coleslaw which adds a refreshing crunch. These sides balance the richness and create a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch gathering, consider serving mini waffles topped with bite-sized fried chicken pieces and drizzle sauce in elegant drizzle patterns. Or layer the components in a mason jar layered parfait style for a fun and portable twist. Presentation is a great way to impress friends and family with this Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover fried chicken and waffles can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce in a separate container to preserve its texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken and waffles for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Waffles can be warmed in a toaster or oven to regain their crisp exterior. Warm the jalapeno honey butter sauce gently on the stovetop or microwave to restore its pourable consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but they tend to be leaner and can dry out faster than thighs. Marinating well and careful frying will help keep them juicy, but thighs generally give a better balance of tenderness and flavor for this recipe.

How spicy is the jalapeno honey butter sauce?

The sauce has a pleasant mild heat that complements rather than overwhelms, especially if you remove most of the jalapeno seeds. You can adjust the amount of jalapenos and cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level.

Can I make the waffles gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture. Keep an eye on the waffle batter thickness as gluten-free flours sometimes absorb liquids differently.

Is it okay to fry chicken in olive oil?

While olive oil can be used for frying, it has a lower smoke point and distinct flavor that might not suit this recipe as well as vegetable oil. Vegetable oil or peanut oil is recommended for their higher smoke points and neutral flavor.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using to mimic the acidity and tenderizing effect of real buttermilk.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—crispy, sweet, spicy, and utterly comforting. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch or a special dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite that everyone asks for again and again. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into this delicious adventure. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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