Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup Recipe
If you’re in the market for a brunch dish that brings a little party to your plate, Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup is your new best friend. This Southern-inspired combo features ridiculously crispy fried chicken nestled atop tender golden waffles, all draped in a luscious homemade blueberry maple syrup that soaks right in. The magic here is in the contrast—savory meets sweet meets soul-food comfort, and every bite makes you wonder why breakfast and dinner don’t always go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch or just want to shake up a weeknight, Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup is all the delicious drama you need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple and lets every ingredient shine, from the tangy buttermilk that tenderizes the chicken and adds fluff to the waffles, to the burst of blueberries in the syrup. Each element plays a starring role, and together they deliver big flavors and crave-worthy texture.
- Chicken thighs & drumsticks: Use bone-in, skin-on pieces for maximum juiciness and irresistible crispiness in every bite.
- Buttermilk: The magic marinade for the chicken and a must for plush, tangy waffles.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone for both the waffle batter and that crackly chicken crust.
- Cornstarch: Adds extra crunch and lightness to the fried chicken coating.
- Cajun seasoning: Packs a flavorful punch and brings just the right amount of spice.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch for sweetness and balance in your waffles.
- Baking powder: Gives your waffles the fluff factor without fail.
- Eggs: Binding everything together for both chicken and waffles.
- Unsalted butter: Richness for tender waffles—melted for easy mixing.
- Vanilla extract: Adds vanilla warmth and depth, a must in classic waffles.
- Vegetable oil: The frying hero for brilliantly crispy, golden chicken.
- Blueberries (fresh or frozen): The bold, juicy stars of your homemade syrup.
- Maple syrup: Sweetens and thickens the berry sauce—use the real stuff for pure flavor.
- Lemon juice: Perks up the syrup, balancing richness with a zipper of brightness.
How to Make Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken thighs and drumsticks in a big bowl, then pour in that rich buttermilk. Give everything a toss so it’s well coated, cover, and let it marinate in the fridge for at least four hours—or better yet, overnight. This step means juicy, flavorful chicken with every bite, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
When you’re ready to cook, mix flour, cornstarch, Cajun seasoning, and salt in a shallow dish. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Take the chicken from the buttermilk, dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, and fry in batches, about 12–15 minutes, until golden, shatteringly crisp, and cooked to 165°F on the inside. Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack for maximum crunch.
Step 3: Whip Up the Waffle Batter
In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently—just until combined, a few lumps are totally fine. This gives you pillowy-soft waffles every time.
Step 4: Cook the Waffles
Heat up your waffle iron, give it a spritz of oil if needed, and scoop in the batter. Cook according to your iron’s instructions until each waffle is golden and perfectly crisp along the edges. Keep them warm in a low oven while you finish the rest.
Step 5: Make the Blueberry Syrup
Combine fresh or frozen blueberries, real maple syrup, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes. The blueberries will burst and swirl through the syrup, creating a juicy, tangy-sweet sauce that takes Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup to a whole new level.
Step 6: Put It All Together
Layer a crisp waffle on a plate, crown it with a glorious piece of fried chicken, and pour that warm, homemade blueberry syrup generously over the top. Every bite is sweet, savory heaven!
How to Serve Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup
Garnishes
Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup are absolutely gorgeous with a sprinkle of fresh blueberries, a handful of chopped chives or scallions for color, and a dusting of powdered sugar. A little extra drizzle of syrup never hurt, either!
Side Dishes
For a rich brunch, pair with creamy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a bowl of fresh fruit salad. Maybe add some roasted potatoes or a simple, crisp green salad to round things out and balance the sweet-savory profile.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the waffles and chicken high, then let the syrup cascade down for tabletop drama. Or cut waffles and chicken into bite-sized “sliders” for a party platter. A small pitcher of warm blueberry syrup on the side lets guests customize every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup, pop the chicken and waffles into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. Store the blueberry syrup separately in a jar in the fridge.
Freezing
Both fried chicken and waffles freeze beautifully. Let them cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to a month. The blueberry syrup can also be frozen in a small freezer-safe container—just warm gently when you’re ready to use.
Reheating
Warm chicken in a 350°F oven until crispy and heated through; waffles re-crisp up perfectly in a toaster or oven. Gently heat the blueberry syrup on the stove or in the microwave, and you’re right back to that fresh-from-the-skillet taste.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup?
Absolutely! While bone-in pieces provide extra flavor and juiciness, boneless thighs or breasts work well and are quicker to fry. Just adjust the frying time and check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make an easy substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk, letting it sit for a few minutes before using. The tang is key to both the chicken marinade and the waffle batter!
Can I use frozen blueberries in the syrup?
Yes! Frozen blueberries work just as well—no need to thaw them first. They break down beautifully as the syrup simmers, giving you the color and flavor you crave in Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup.
How do I keep the waffles and chicken crisp while serving a crowd?
Keep chicken and waffles warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack (not stacked), which helps preserve their crunch while you finish cooking everything else or wait for guests.
Is there a way to make Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup spicier?
Definitely! For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken’s flour coating, and consider a little black pepper in the waffle batter for subtle heat.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup is one of those dishes that never fails to put smiles on faces and bring people together. Sweet, crispy, juicy, and oh-so-satisfying, it truly transforms breakfast, brunch, or even dinner into something memorable. Give it a try—you’ll be coming back for seconds!
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Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate sweet and savory breakfast with this recipe for Chicken Waffles with Blueberry Syrup. Crispy fried chicken served on top of fluffy waffles, all drizzled with a warm blueberry syrup – a perfect combination of flavors and textures!
Ingredients
Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fried Chicken:
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- vegetable oil for frying
Blueberry Syrup:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Fried Chicken: Marinate chicken in buttermilk, dredge in flour mixture, and fry until golden and cooked through.
- Waffles: Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, combine, and cook in a waffle iron until golden.
- Blueberry Syrup: Simmer blueberries, maple syrup, and lemon juice until thickened.
- Serve waffles with fried chicken and blueberry syrup.
Notes
- Keep fried chicken warm in the oven while making waffles.
- For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- Blueberry syrup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Frying, Waffle Iron, Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle with chicken and syrup
- Calories: 780
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 74 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg
