This Cheesy Hot Chicken and Waffles recipe is a spicy twist on an American classic! Southern fried chicken breasts are served over habanero-cheddar chive cornbread waffles, then drizzled with cayenne maple syrup for a surprisingly spicy kick!
Course Breakfast, Brunch, Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken and waffles
Prep Time 10minutes
Cook Time 30minutes
Marinating time 4hours
Total Time 40minutes
Servings 4
Calories 923kcal
Author Erica
Ingredients
Buttermilk Chicken
2chicken breastscut in half and pounded to ½-inch thickness
3/4cupbuttermilk
3clovesgarlicminced
1teaspoonsaltdivided
1/2teaspoonblack pepperdivided
1/2teaspooncayenne pepperdivided
1cupall-purpose flour
1tablespoonOld Bay seasoning
1tablespoondried herbsthyme, parsley, oregano
1teaspoonseasoning salt
1large egg
Cheesy Cornbread Waffles
1cupall-purpose flour
1cupcornmeal
1tablespoonbaking powder
1teaspoonkosher salt
1teaspoonsugar
1 1/2cupsbuttermilk
2large eggslightly beaten
1/4cupunsalted buttermelted
1 1/2cupsshredded Cabot Fiery Jack cheeseplus more for sprinkling
1/4cupfresh chiveschopped, plus more for sprinkling
Maple Hot Sauce
1cupmaple syrup
1/2tablespoonhot sauceplus more to taste
1/2teaspooncayenne pepperplus more to taste
2teaspoonsbourbon whiskeyoptional
Instructions
Buttermilk Chicken
Place chicken pieces in a gallon-sized plastic bag along with buttermilk, garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black and cayenne peppers. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Preheat air fryer (or oven) to 400 degrees F.
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, remaining salt and peppers, Old Bay, herbs, and seasoning salt. In a separate bowl, whisk egg well.
Drain the chicken and discard buttermilk. Dredge chicken through flour mixture, then into egg, then back into flour mixture again. Shake off excess flour.
Spray each piece of chicken lightly with oil. Arrange pieces in a single layer in air fryer basket, close, and cook 13-15 minutes (or bake 15-16 minutes), flipping halfway to ensure both sides get crispy. Internal temperature of chicken should be at least 165 degrees F.
Cheesy Cornbread Waffles
Preheat the waffle iron on high. In a large bowl, stir together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the buttermilk and eggs and whisk well to combine. Stir in the butter, then fold in cheese and chives.
Pour ½ to ¾ cup batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook until lightly browned. Transfer the cooked waffles to a baking sheet in a low oven to keep warm.
Maple Hot Sauce
In a small pan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup with hot sauce and cayenne pepper. Stir until dissolved and combined. Whisk in bourbon if desired. Reduce to low heat and keep warm.