Save Crispy, spicy fried chicken paired with fluffy biscuit-based waffles, drizzled with honey for a sweet-heat Southern brunch experience.
The first time I made these, my friends couldn’t believe how perfectly the spicy chicken combined with the tender, steamy waffles. Every bite was a comforting explosion of Southern flavors at brunch.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: 4, for tender fried chicken
- Buttermilk: 1 cup, for marinating chicken and biscuit waffles
- Hot sauce: 2 teaspoons (in marinade), 2 tablespoons (for drizzle), brings heat to chicken and honey
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup (for dredge), 2 cups (for waffles), creates structure and coating
- Crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos or spicy corn chips: 1 cup, crisps up chicken
- Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon, adds depth
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon, brings savory notes
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (chicken), 1/2 teaspoon (waffles), seasons throughout
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, for a mild bite
- Vegetable oil: For frying
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons, makes waffles fluffy
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon, gives rise
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon, provides subtle sweetness to waffles
- Cold unsalted butter, diced: 1/2 cup, ensures biscuit texture
- Large eggs: 2, bind waffles
- Honey: 2 tablespoons, drizzled for sweet balance
- Chives or green onions (optional): Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Spicy Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken thighs, cover, and marinate at least 20 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix flour, crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge chicken in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Heat 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F. Fry chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Biscuit Waffles:
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk and eggs, then add to dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Preheat and grease waffle iron. Spoon batter in and cook according to manufacturer’s instructions until golden. Repeat for remaining batter.
- Assemble:
- Place hot biscuit waffle on plates. Top each with a piece of spicy fried chicken. Drizzle with honey or honey-hot sauce. Garnish with chives if desired and serve immediately.
Save My family requests this recipe for Sunday brunch when everyone finally sits down together. The kitchen fills with laughter as we build each plate and argue over who gets the crispiest chicken.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, deep skillet, tongs, waffle iron, whisk, pastry cutter (or fork)—these help you create the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish special.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), dairy, eggs. Double-check all packaged ingredients for allergen statements, especially chips and oil.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 770 calories, 35g fat, 77g carbohydrates, and 35g protein, making it a satisfying brunch main.
Save Let these Flaming Hot Chicken Biscuit Waffles spice up your brunch with crowd-pleasing Southern flavors and a sweet finishing drizzle.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What gives the chicken its spicy crunch?
Crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos or spicy corn chips are mixed into the flour breading before frying the chicken, adding extra heat and crunch.
- → Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well. Just reduce the cooking time as breasts cook faster than thighs to ensure moist results.
- → How do I achieve fluffy biscuit waffles?
Use cold butter and buttermilk, keep the batter just barely mixed, and avoid overworking the dough to maintain tender waffles.
- → Is there a vegetarian alternative?
This dish contains meat, but you can substitute spicy breaded cauliflower or plant-based chicken for a vegetarian twist.
- → What toppings work best with these waffles?
Drizzle with honey, hot honey, or maple syrup. Add chopped chives or green onions and a touch of extra hot sauce for flavor.
- → Can biscuit waffles be made in advance?
Yes, prepare them ahead and reheat in a toaster or oven before serving for a crisp, fresh texture.