Save Crispy, spicy fried chicken paired with fluffy biscuit-based waffles, drizzled with honey for a sweet-heat Southern brunch experience.
I first made these flaming hot chicken biscuit waffles after craving a truly unique brunch and they quickly became my go-to for impressing friends. Everyone loves the crispy chicken and the fluffy waffle combo.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: 4 pieces for the spicy fried chicken
- Buttermilk: 1 cup for marinating chicken and waffles
- Hot sauce: 2 teaspoons (Frank's RedHot or similar) for spicy flavor
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup for chicken breading, 2 cups for waffles
- Crushed Flamin' Hot Cheetos or spicy corn chips: 1 cup for chicken coating
- Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon for smoky depth
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon for savory warmth
- Salt: 1 teaspoon for chicken; 1/2 teaspoon for waffles
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon for chicken breading
- Vegetable oil: For frying chicken
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons for waffles to help them rise
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon for fluffy texture
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon to balance waffle flavor
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup cold, diced for rich biscuit waffles
- Eggs: 2 large, for binding waffle batter
- Honey: 2 tablespoons, for serving
- Hot sauce (mixed with honey, optional): 2 tablespoons for sweet heat drizzle
- Chopped chives or green onions (optional): For garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Spicy Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken thighs, cover, and marinate for at least 20 minutes (up to overnight). In a separate bowl, mix flour, crushed Flamin' Hot Cheetos, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Heat 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches, 5 to 7 minutes per side, until golden, crispy, and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Biscuit Waffles:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk and eggs. Add to dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix). Preheat waffle iron and lightly grease. Spoon batter into waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer's instructions until golden and cooked through. Repeat with remaining batter.
- Assemble:
- Place a hot biscuit waffle on each plate. Top with a piece of spicy fried chicken. Drizzle with honey or honey-hot sauce mixture. Garnish with chives if desired. Serve immediately.
Save This recipe was an instant family hit when I first plated it up for Sunday brunch. The spicy chicken paired with the sweet waffles had everyone asking for seconds.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, deep skillet or Dutch oven, tongs, waffle iron, whisk, pastry cutter (or fork).
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten), Dairy (milk, butter, buttermilk), Eggs. May contain: Soy (depending on oil and chips used). Always check packaged ingredients for specific allergen statements.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 770 calories, 35 g total fat, 77 g carbohydrates, 35 g protein.
Save Serve these flaming hot chicken biscuit waffles immediately for best results, and don't forget a drizzle of honey for the ultimate sweet-heat bite.
Recipe Help
- → How do I get super crispy chicken?
Ensure chicken is thoroughly coated with flour mixture and fry in hot oil until golden and crunchy. Excess marinade should be drained off for even crisping.
- → Can I substitute chicken breasts?
Yes, adjust frying time for thinner chicken breasts to avoid drying out. They cook faster than thighs, so keep a close eye.
- → How do I keep waffles flaky?
Use cold butter and buttermilk; mix dough gently to preserve a tender, biscuit-like texture. Avoid overmixing batter.
- → Is this dish spicy?
It has a distinct heat thanks to Flamin' Hot Cheetos and hot sauce. Adjust spice level by adding or omitting cayenne and extra sauce.
- → Can I make waffles ahead of time?
Yes, biscuit waffles can be made ahead and reheated in a toaster or oven for convenient serving.
- → What garnish works best?
Chopped chives or green onions provide a fresh contrast. A drizzle of honey or mixture with hot sauce also enhances flavor.