Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles Recipe

The aroma of crispy fried chicken mingled with sweet, spicy honey fills the air, creating a comforting scene that’s hard to resist. This Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles Recipe combines tender chicken with a spicy honey glaze, all atop fluffy waffles. In just under two hours, you can create a dish that is both indulgent and unforgettable.

This recipe is perfect for family brunches or weekend gatherings. You can even prepare the chicken a day ahead to save time on the day of serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The crispy chicken coating contrasts beautifully with the soft waffles.
• The hot honey glaze adds a perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
• Each bite is packed with flavor thanks to the marinated chicken.
• It’s a fun, interactive meal that everyone can enjoy!

What You’ll Need

Gather all your ingredients for a seamless cooking experience.

For the Chicken

• 500 g-600 g chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Coating

• 200 g plain flour
• 200 g corn flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 eggs
• 120 ml water

For the Hot Honey

• 250 g honey
• 100 g hot sauce, adjust based on spice preference
• 50 g butter
• 2 teaspoons chili flakes (optional)

For the Waffles (makes 2 whole waffles)

• 150 g plain flour
• 20 g granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 120 g plain yogurt
• 120 ml whole milk
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 50 g unsalted butter, melted

Note: Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken can be replaced with tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Plain yogurt works well for sour cream.
• Honey can be substituted with maple syrup.
• Use any hot sauce that fits your spice level.

How to Make It

Let’s dive into the cooking process!

1. Prepare Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with lemon juice, salt, chili powder, chili flakes, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything well for even coating.

2. Marinate Chicken

Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least an hour to enhance the flavors. If short on time, you can skip this step.

3. Coat Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine plain flour, corn flour, and the remaining seasonings. Reserve half of the dry mixture and mix the other half with eggs and water to create a batter.

4. Bread Chicken

Dip each piece of marinated chicken into the batter first, then coat it with the dry flour mixture. Arrange the coated chicken on a wire rack.

5. Fry Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan or deep pot to about 180°C (350°F). Fry the chicken in batches, cooking for about 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.

6. Prepare Hot Honey

In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and chili flakes, if desired. Simmer over medium heat until the butter melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

7. Make Waffles

Whisk together plain flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Add yogurt, milk, egg, vanilla, and melted butter, mixing until just combined to keep it fluffy.

8. Cook Waffles

Pour the batter into a preheated waffle iron and cook until golden brown, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

9. Assemble

Top the waffles with the spicy, crispy chicken and drizzle any leftover hot honey over them for a sticky finish.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken but not waffles.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken.
• Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasiness.
• Do not overmix the waffle batter; it should be slightly lumpy for best texture.
• Experiment with different hot sauces to find your perfect flavor balance.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with fresh fruit like berries for a refreshing contrast.
• Pair with a side of whipped cream for added indulgence.
• Enjoy as part of a festive brunch menu.