Jul 30 2026
RestaurantsThe Flying Monkey Grill & BarNo Monkey-ing Around Chicken Waffles Recipe

No Monkey-ing Around Chicken Waffles Recipe

Time1h 15m
Serves2

Make No Monkey-ing Around Chicken Waffles Recipe in just 1h 15m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Chicken

Method

Chicken

  1. 1

    Marinate

    Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pound lightly to an even thickness if needed (about 1/2 inch). In a bowl or zipper bag combine 1 cup buttermilk, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add the chicken, turn to coat, cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours.

  2. 2

    Prep dredge

    Whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne in a shallow bowl or pie plate.

  3. 3

    Egg wash

    In a separate shallow bowl whisk the egg with 1/4 cup whole milk until combined.

  4. 4

    Dredge and rest

    Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. One piece at a time, dredge in the flour mixture pressing to adhere, dip into the egg wash, then dredge again in the flour mixture for a double-crisp coating. Place on a rack and let rest 10 minutes to help coating set.

  5. 5

    Fry

    Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a heavy skillet (use enough to come halfway up the chicken pieces) and heat over medium-high until oil reaches 350°F (175°C) or bubbles form around a small piece of bread. Fry the chicken pieces 3–5 minutes per side for thighs (internal temperature 165°F/74°C), adjusting time depending on thickness. Do not overcrowd; fry in batches. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven if needed.

Waffles

  1. 6

    Preheat waffle iron

    Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions and lightly oil or spray the plates.

  2. 7

    Make batter

    In a large bowl whisk together 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. In a separate small bowl whisk the egg yolk with 1 cup buttermilk, 3 tablespoons melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. In another bowl beat the reserved egg white to soft peaks. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined; fold in the beaten egg white gently to keep batter light.

  3. 8

    Cook waffles

    Scoop appropriate amount of batter for your waffle iron onto preheated plates and cook until golden and crisp, about 3–5 minutes depending on your iron. Transfer cooked waffles to a rack in a warm oven (200°F/95°C) to keep crisp while you finish remaining waffles.

Banana-Chipotle Syrup & Toppings

  1. 9

    Make syrup

    In a small skillet over medium heat melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Add 1 ripe banana, sliced, and cook 2–3 minutes until it starts to soften. Stir in 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped chipotle in adobo, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Cook 1–2 minutes until syrup is glossy and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust heat/sweetness; if you want it smoother, mash the banana with the back of a spoon or briefly pulse with an immersion blender.

  2. 10

    Finish and serve

    Place a waffle on each plate, top with a piece of fried chicken, spoon the banana-chipotle syrup over the chicken and waffle. Dust with powdered sugar if using, and sprinkle chopped parsley for color and contrast. Serve immediately while hot and crisp.

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