If you’re searching for the ultimate savory-sweet brunch centerpiece, look no further: Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce is the kind of dish that will make your tastebuds sing! Imagine juicy, golden-fried chicken piled onto crisp, fluffy waffles, all crowned with a drizzle of warm, buttery honey spiked with jalapenos. This is comfort food with a playful twist—salty, sweet, spicy, and rich in every single bite. Whether you’re gathering friends for weekend brunch or treating yourself to a special weeknight dinner, this recipe brings vibrant flavors and pure joy to the table.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together a handful of simple pantry staples and a few fresh essentials, each one playing a crucial role in the magic of Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce. Don’t be tempted to skip or substitute—every ingredient contributes creamy richness, irresistible crunch, or that perfect hit of spice.

Chicken Thighs (1 1/2 pounds, boneless, skinless): Thighs stay impossibly juicy and tender, making them perfect for frying.
Buttermilk (2 cups): This classic marinade ingredient tenderizes the chicken and infuses tangy flavor.
Hot Sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle background heat—use your favorite brand for extra personality.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups for chicken, 2 cups for waffles): Flour provides the crispy coating for the chicken, and forms the hearty base of the waffles.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Ensures the chicken breading fries up extra shatteringly crisp.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings earthy color and deeper flavor to the seasoned coating.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the savory notes in the chicken breading.
Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers a gentle sweetness and aromatic kick.
Cayenne Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces a whisper of heat—add more if you dare!
Salt (1 teaspoon for chicken, 1/2 teaspoon for waffles, pinch for sauce): Essential for everything to shine with balanced flavor.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Brings brightness and a gentle bite to the chicken.
Vegetable Oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for golden, crispy results.
Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons): Helps your waffles brown up beautiful and adds subtle sweetness.
Baking Powder (1 tablespoon): Guarantees light, airy waffles every time.
Whole Milk (1 3/4 cups): Makes for rich, tender waffles with an extra-creamy bite.
Unsalted Butter (1/3 cup melted for waffles, 1/2 cup for sauce): Adds buttery decadence in the batter and creates a luscious sauce.
Eggs (2 large): Bind the waffle batter and provide extra lift and structure.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and fragrant sweetness to the waffles.
Honey (1/4 cup): The heart of your sweet-spicy butter sauce!
Pickled Jalapeños (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): These bring tangy, tingly heat to the honey butter, ensuring the sauce is unforgettable.
Jalapeño Brine (1 teaspoon, optional): Extra punchy and bright, if you love bold flavors, don’t skip it.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

This is where the fried chicken dreams begin! In a big bowl, combine your chicken thighs, buttermilk, and a splash of hot sauce. Cover and let this mixture get cozy in the refrigerator for at least four hours—overnight is even better. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken while that hint of heat sneaks in for flavor from the very start.

Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour Dredge

Next, mix together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. This blend gives your chicken its unforgettable crunch and unmistakable savory depth. Make sure you get everything well incorporated so that every piece fries up golden and flavorful!

Step 3: Coat and Fry the Chicken

Take your marinated chicken out of the fridge and let the excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour, making sure it’s fully coated on all sides. If you want to get ambitious, dip it quickly back in buttermilk and repeat the flour dip for extra crunch. Heat about two inches of oil in a Dutch oven or deep skillet to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, then fry the chicken in batches for six to eight minutes per side. You’re aiming for deeply golden pieces that are crisp outside and juicy inside. Let them rest on a wire rack so they keep their crunch.

Step 4: Make the Waffle Batter

While your chicken fries, it’s time for the waffles. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in one bowl. In another, combine the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the wet to the dry and gently mix until just combined—don’t over-stir or your waffles won’t be as light and fluffy as they should be. A few small lumps are totally okay!

Step 5: Cook the Waffles

Heat your waffle iron, then pour in the batter and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and gloriously crisp around the edges. Letting the waffles sit on a wire rack (not stacked) helps them stay crisp until serving.

Step 6: Make the Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce

For the grand finale of Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce, melt the butter in a small saucepan, then add honey, chopped pickled jalapeños, a splash of jalapeño brine if you’re feeling spicy, and a pinch of salt. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for two to three minutes until everything is combined and fragrant. This sauce is liquid gold—it ties the entire dish together!

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

To serve, stack a warm waffle or two on each plate, crown with a piece (or two) of fried chicken, and spoon that luscious jalapeño honey butter sauce generously on top. Now, dig in and enjoy the balance of crispy, fluffy, spicy, and sweet!

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

Garnishes

For a true flavor party, add extra pickled jalapeño slices, a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives, or a dusting of smoked paprika over the finished plate. A few flakes of flaky salt on top are amazing for texture, too, and a drizzle of extra honey is always welcome if you crave more sweetness.

Side Dishes

Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce is rich and hearty enough to easily stand alone, but it absolutely shines alongside a crisp, citrusy green salad or a simple fruit bowl for freshness. If you’re planning a brunch spread, serve with creamy grits or cheesy scrambled eggs to round out the menu.

Creative Ways to Present

Try making mini waffle sliders with small square waffles and bite-sized pieces of fried chicken for a playful, sharable appetizer. Serve buffet-style for gatherings, letting guests build their own stack and customize with toppings. Or, go all-out with a “chicken and waffles bar” featuring extra sauces like hot honey and maple syrup for a crowd-pleasing brunch event.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extras (lucky you!), let the chicken and waffles cool to room temperature before storing. Keep the fried chicken and waffles in separate airtight containers. The sauce can be refrigerated in a small jar or covered bowl for up to one week.

Freezing

Both the fried chicken and waffles freeze well separately. Place chicken pieces on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a freezer bag; do the same with waffles if you made a big batch. Be sure to label with dates—these are perfect for planning ahead or a last-minute treat!

Reheating

To restore crispiness, reheat chicken in a 375 degree Fahrenheit oven for 10–12 minutes, and pop waffles in the toaster or a hot oven for a few minutes until warmed through. Warm the Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce gently on the stovetop or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work for this recipe, though thighs tend to stay juicier during frying. If using breasts, cut them into similar-sized pieces and watch the frying time to ensure they don’t dry out.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can make a quick substitute by combining 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar; let it sit for five minutes before using.

Can I make the waffles gluten-free?

Absolutely—just swap in your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for both the chicken coating and the waffle batter. Keep an eye on texture and add a splash of extra milk if needed.

How spicy is the Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce?

The sauce is purposefully mild-to-medium, giving that lovely tingle without overwhelming heat. For extra fire, increase the chopped jalapenos or add a little extra brine as you simmer.

Is this recipe good for meal prepping brunch?

Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce is fantastic for prepping ahead! Fry the chicken and make the waffles the night before—just reheat and assemble for an impressive, stress-free brunch.

Final Thoughts

I’m genuinely so excited for you to dive into this playful, flavor-packed classic—Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce always brings a smile and turns a meal into a celebration. Try it for your next brunch (or just because) and watch it disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”

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

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for Homemade Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles with Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce. Crispy fried chicken paired with fluffy waffles and a spicy-sweet butter sauce is a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fried Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon hot sauce
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
vegetable oil for frying

For the Waffles:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups whole milk
1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon finely chopped pickled jalapeños
1 teaspoon jalapeño brine (optional)
pinch of salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Fried Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs, buttermilk, and hot sauce. Marinate, dredge in seasoned flour, and fry until golden and cooked through.
Waffles: Preheat waffle iron, mix dry and wet ingredients separately, combine, pour batter, and cook until golden.
Jalapeno Honey Butter Sauce: Melt butter, stir in honey, jalapeños, brine, and salt. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Serve: Stack waffles, top with fried chicken, and drizzle with sauce.

Notes

For extra-crispy chicken, double-dip in the flour mixture after a quick dunk in the buttermilk.
To add more spice, increase jalapeños or hot sauce in the butter sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying, Waffle Iron
Cuisine: American