Southern Chicken & Waffles Recipe
Served with fried or grilled tenders and topped with Carolina peach sauce.
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Ingredients
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Waffles
Chicken - Fried or Grilled Tenders
Carolina Peach Sauce
To Finish & Serve
Method
Waffles
- 1
Preheat
Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions. Lightly oil or spray the iron just before cooking.
- 2
Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 4 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
- 3
Mix wet ingredients
In a separate bowl whisk 2 large eggs with 1 1/2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 4 tablespoons melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth.
- 4
Combine batter
Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined — small lumps are fine. Avoid overmixing. If batter looks very thick, add 1–2 tablespoons milk to reach a pourable but thick consistency.
- 5
Cook waffles
Brush or spray the preheated waffle iron with oil. Pour the recommended amount of batter into the iron (typically 1/2 to 3/4 cup depending on your iron). Cook until golden brown and crisp, about 3–5 minutes. Transfer waffles to a warm oven (200°F / 95°C) in a single layer while you finish remaining waffles so they stay crisp.
Chicken - Fried or Grilled Tenders
- 6
Marinate
Place 1 lb trimmed chicken tenders in a bowl or resealable bag and pour 1 cup buttermilk over them. Add 1 teaspoon hot sauce if using and 1/2 teaspoon salt (from the marinade portion of seasoning). Toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. This tenderizes and flavors the chicken.
- 7
Prepare dredge
In a shallow bowl combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk to combine.
- 8
Fried tenders - Heat oil
If frying: Add about 2 cups neutral oil to a heavy skillet or Dutch oven and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain temperature for even cooking.
- 9
Fried tenders - Dredge & Fry
Remove tenders from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Shake off excess and carefully lower into the hot oil in batches without crowding. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side depending on thickness; interior temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a wire rack set over a sheet pan and lightly season with salt while resting.
- 10
Grilled tenders - Alternative
If grilling: Brush tenders lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with a pinch of the dredge mixture. Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C). Grill tenders 3–4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through to 165°F (74°C). Let rest 2–3 minutes before serving.
Carolina Peach Sauce
- 11
Cook peaches
In a medium skillet melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 2 cups diced peaches and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release juices, about 4–6 minutes.
- 12
Add flavorings
Add 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir to combine and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to blend flavors.
- 13
- 14
Finish
Stir in 1 teaspoon lemon juice and taste; adjust salt, sugar or vinegar for balance. Keep warm until ready to serve.
To Finish & Serve
- 15
Assemble
Place one warm waffle on each plate. Top with 2–3 chicken tenders (fried or grilled). Spoon 2–3 tablespoons Carolina peach sauce over the chicken, allowing some to drip onto the waffle.
- 16
Garnish & syrup
Dot with 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter if desired, drizzle with 1–2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, and sprinkle optional chopped basil or mint. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if using.
- 17
Serve
Serve immediately while waffles are crisp and chicken is hot. Leftover sauce keeps refrigerated for up to 4 days; rewarm gently before using.