Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles

Craving a soul food classic with a delightful twist? Look no further than Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles! This recipe combines juicy fried chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce with fluffy homemade waffles, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.

A Soul Food Staple, Elevated:

• Classic Comfort with a Kick: This recipe takes the beloved chicken and waffles dish to a new level with the addition of a hot honey glaze, offering a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
• Homemade Goodness: Skip the disappointment and create your own perfect chicken and waffles experience at home.
• Brunch or Brinner Perfection: Enjoy this dish for brunch, dinner, or even a decadent “brinner” (breakfast for dinner) treat.

Breaking Down the Recipe:

The author provides a helpful overview of the recipe’s components:

• Seasoned and Juicy Chicken: The chicken is marinated for maximum flavor and fried to crispy perfection.
• Fluffy Waffles: A separate recipe (not included here) creates light and airy waffles to complement the chicken.
• Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey Glaze: The star of the show, this glaze elevates the dish with its unique flavor profile.

Ready to Make Your Own Chicken and Waffle Masterpiece? Here’s the Hot Honey Chicken Recipe!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

For the Hot Honey:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the spice mixture to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is preferable for maximum flavor).

2. Prepare the Coating: Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with buttermilk, one with flour, and one with panko breadcrumbs.

3. Dredge the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in the buttermilk, coating it completely. Then, transfer it to the flour, shaking off any excess buttermilk. Finally, dredge the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring even coverage.

4. Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken pieces and fry for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate.

5. Make the Hot Honey: In a small saucepan, combine the honey and Sriracha. Heat over low heat until the honey is thinned and well combined. Adjust the amount of Sriracha to your desired level of spiciness.

6. Glaze the Chicken: Toss the fried chicken in the hot honey mixture to coat it evenly. You can also brush the glaze onto the chicken for a lighter coating.

7. Serve: Serve the hot honey chicken with your favorite fluffy waffles and enjoy!

Tips:

• Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade and hot honey to your spice preference.
• Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven.

Final Thoughts:

This Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles recipe is a testament to the power of homemade comfort food. With its juicy chicken, fluffy waffles, and the delightful sweet and spicy hot honey glaze, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. So ditch the disappointment and gather your ingredients. You’re just steps away from creating a soul food masterpiece in your own kitchen!