Have you ever had one of those moments where you take a bite of something and your taste buds literally do a happy dance? That’s exactly what happens when you sink your teeth into perfectly made chicken and waffles But here’s the million-dollar question – what do you put on chicken and waffles to take them from good to OMG-I-need-this-in-my-life-right-now?
I’ve spent an embarrassingly long time experimenting with different toppings (my waistline can confirm), and I’m excited to share my discoveries with you! Whether you’re team sweet, team savory, or somewhere in the middle, I’ve gotchu covered.
The Classic Southern Favorites
Let’s start with the OG toppings that have stood the test of time:
- Maple syrup – This golden nectar is practically mandatory. The sweetness paired with salty fried chicken is EVERYTHING.
- Butter – A pat of butter melting into hot waffles creates a richness that’s simply divine.
- Gravy – Chicken gravy, sausage gravy, or turkey gravy – take your pick! It soaks into all those waffle nooks and crannies for pure comfort food bliss.
- Hot sauce – Louisiana-style hot sauces like Tabasco or Crystal add that vinegary heat that cuts through the richness.
My personal fave combo is warm maple syrup with a few dashes of hot sauce. Don’t knock it till ya try it!
Savory Sauces That’ll Change Your Life
If you’re anything like me, you appreciate a good sauce Here are some game-changers
- Maple Bourbon BBQ Sauce – The smokiness of bourbon with the sweetness of maple? Yum!
- Kicky Syrup – Combine maple syrup with Sriracha and soy sauce for a mind-blowing experience.
- White Gravy – Creamy, peppery heaven that takes just minutes to make.
- Honey Hot Sauce – Mix honey with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and melted butter for sweet heat.
- Spicy Maple Sauce – Like regular maple but with a kick that’ll wake up your taste buds.
- Honey Sriracha Sauce – Sweet, tangy, and spicy all at once!
- Sriracha Honey Sauce – Similar but with different proportions for a unique flavor profile.
Sweet Toppings for the Sugar Lovers
Got a sweet tooth? I feel ya! Try these:
- Strawberry sauce – Fresh berries simmered with sugar and lemon juice.
- Chocolate sauce – Because why not? Chicken + waffles + chocolate = unexpected magic.
- Whipped cream – A dollop on top looks like a little cloud of happiness.
- Caramel sauce – Buttery, gooey goodness.
- Dulce de leche – Thick caramel pudding that’ll make you swoon.
- Nutella – Chocolate-hazelnut spread is never a bad idea.
- Fruit – Strawberries, bananas, apples, oranges, or grapes add freshness.
Herbs & Veggies for the Health-Conscious
Okay, I’m not claiming chicken and waffles will ever be “health food,” but adding some greens helps me feel a lil less guilty:
- Chives – Their mild oniony flavor adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Parsley – Brightens up the whole plate.
- Cilantro – Love it or hate it, it adds a citrusy aroma.
- Scallions – Thinly sliced for subtle crunch.
- Avocado – Sliced or mashed, it’s buttery perfection.
- Spinach – Baby spinach leaves add color and, ya know, vitamins and stuff.
International Flavors to Spice Things Up
Why limit yourself to American flavors? The world is your chicken and waffle oyster:
- Teriyaki sauce or sweet chili sauce for Asian vibes
- Guacamole, pico de gallo, and cotija cheese for Mexican flair
- Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for Italian-inspired yumminess
- Tzatziki for a cool Mediterranean twist
Cheesy Goodness (Because Cheese Makes Everything Better)
I’m a firm believer that cheese improves most dishes, and chicken and waffles are no exception. Try these:
- Cheddar – Sharp or mild, it melts beautifully.
- Pepper jack – For those who like a bit of heat.
- Blue cheese – Pungent and creamy.
- Goat cheese – Tangy and soft.
- Gruyère – Nutty and rich.
Pro tip: Sprinkle the cheese right on top of hot chicken so it gets all melty and gooey!
Crunchy Add-Ons for Texture
Sometimes you just need that CRUNCH factor:
- Powdered sugar – A light dusting looks pretty and adds sweetness.
- Sprinkles – Fun and festive!
- Crushed candy bars – Snickers, Twix, or Reese’s pieces add decadence.
- Doughnut holes – Yes, I’m suggesting putting donuts ON your waffles. Don’t judge.
- Granola – For a healthier crunch option.
- Candied bacon crumbles – Sweet, salty, and crunchy!
For the 21+ Crowd
If you’re feeling fancy:
- Bourbon maple syrup – Maple syrup kicked up with bourbon.
- Whiskey caramel sauce – Sweet caramel swimming with whiskey.
- Irish cream drizzle – Bailey’s Irish cream pours like a dream.
- Rum bananas – Sauteed bananas with a splash of rum.
Winning Flavor Combinations
Can’t decide? Here are some tried-and-true pairings:
- Peanut butter drizzle with sliced banana
- Lemon curd with blueberries
- Ice cream with hot fudge (dessert for dinner, anyone?)
- Brown sugar pecan crumble
- Maple syrup with buttermilk-brined fried chicken strips
My Ultimate Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Want my secret recipe? Here’s a simplified version:
For the Chicken:
- Brine boneless chicken breasts in buttermilk, hot sauce, salt and pepper for at least 4 hours.
- Dredge in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
- Fry until golden and crispy.
For the Waffles:
- Mix flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Add buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and a touch of maple syrup.
- Fold in shredded cheddar and sliced scallions for savory waffles.
- Cook in your waffle iron until golden.
Trust me, these savory waffles with cheese and scallions will change your life! The cornmeal adds an amazing texture that takes them to the next level.
FAQ About Chicken and Waffles
Do you put syrup on chicken and waffles?
Absolutely! It’s the most common topping and creates that perfect sweet-savory balance.
How are chicken and waffles traditionally served?
Usually with the fried chicken placed on top of or alongside the waffles, with maple syrup drizzled over both or served on the side.
What sides go well with chicken and waffles?
Try maple bacon Brussels sprouts, buttermilk coleslaw, cheddar grits, sweet potato hash, or pimento mac and cheese.
What type of chicken is best for chicken and waffles?
While traditional recipes use bone-in pieces, I prefer boneless chicken breasts pounded thin and cut into strips. They cook faster and are easier to eat!
Final Thoughts
The beauty of chicken and waffles is that there are no rules! It’s one of those magical dishes where you can go wild with toppings and create something uniquely yours. My advice? Start with the classics like maple syrup and butter, then experiment from there.
And hey, don’t forget the napkins! This dish gets deliciously messy, but that’s half the fun.
What’s your favorite topping for chicken and waffles? Drop me a comment below – I’m always looking for new ideas to try!
Korean Fried Chicken and Waffles
- ▢ 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ▢ 6 to 12 waffles depending on appetites
- ▢ 4 tablespoons gochugaru
- ▢ 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ▢ 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- ▢ 1 teaspoon flaky salt
- ▢ 1 teaspoon powdered ginger
- ▢ 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- ▢ 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ▢ ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ▢ 1 cup buttermilk
- ▢ 1 tablespoon gochujang
- ▢ 1 tablespoon Korean spice mix
- ▢ 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- ▢ 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- ▢ ½ cup cornstarch
- ▢ 2 tablespoons Korean spice mix
- ▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ▢ 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ▢ ½ cup maple syrup
- ▢ 2 tablespoons honey
- ▢ 2 tablespoons Korean spice mix
- ▢ 1 tablespoon gochujang
- ▢ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ▢ Chopped chives
- ▢ Toasted sesame seeds
- In a medium bowl, combine all the spice ingredients. Whisk well to break up any brown sugar clumps and to mix all the spices together. Store in an airtight container. This makes more spice mix than you will need for this recipe. You’re welcome!
- In a large shallow container, whisk together buttermilk, gochujang, 1 tablespoon of Korean spice mix, and 1 tablespoon of kosher salt. Use tongs to add chicken to the brine, turning each piece over to evenly coat. Refrigerate and allow to brine at least 1 hour, up to 12 hours.
- In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in maple syrup, honey, korean spice mix, gochujang, and kosher salt. Heat on medium-low until just bubbling. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes on low. Keep warm until ready to serve. Whisk again before using.
- Using my Buttermilk Waffles recipe, or store bought waffles, prepare 1 to 2 waffles per person, depending on their appetite. Keep warm in a 200°F oven until ready to top with fried chicken.
- In a 12 inch cast iron skillet, or a large dutch oven, heat at least 2 inches of neutral oil, such as canola or safflower to 350°F.
- In a large shallow pan, whick together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, Korean spice mix, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Remove one piece of chicken at a time from the brine and allow excess to drip off. Dredge on both sides in the seasoned flour. Dip back into the buttermilk brine on both sides and then return to the flour, coating both sides thoroughly. Place coated chicken on a parchment lined large baking sheet and repeat the dredge with the remaining chicken.
- Use tongs to carefully place chicken into the hot oil (no more than 2 at a time) and fry for 7 to 8 minutes, or until lightly golden brown, turning chicken over halfway through the frying time. Use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165°F.
- Use tongs, or a spider strainer, to carefully remove the chicken from the oil and place them on a large baking sheet fitted with a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining chicken. Increase oil temperature to 375°F.
- Return the chicken to the oil, 2 pieces at a time, for 1 to 2 minutes, until the coating is super crispy and darkly golden. Set back on the wire rack and brush with spicy maple honey butter, and sprinkle with more Korean spice mix.
- Serve the chicken on top of one or two waffles, depending on your appetite. Drizzle with more spicy maple honey butter and garnish with chopped chives and sesame seeds.