Do Share Recipe

Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles Recipe – Sweet, Spicy & Crispy Comfort Food

After trying out some underwhelming chicken and waffles at a local restaurant, I decided to recreate my own version, and wow, I’m so glad I did!

The combination of crispy, golden chicken coated in sweet and spicy hot honey paired with soft, fluffy waffles is honestly unbeatable. The hot honey adds a bold flavor twist, making this dish feel extra special.

What’s even better is it’s easier to make than you think and completely customizable to suit anyone’s preferences. If you’re looking for comfort food with a punch of flavor, this one’s for you!

Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this mouthwatering dish to the table.

500g-600g 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:

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

For the hot honey:

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

For the waffles (makes 2 whole waffles):

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

Note: This recipe serves 2 people.

Variations to Try

Want to try something different or adapt the recipe to fit your needs? Here are some exciting options:

Gluten-free: Swap plain flour and corn flour for gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour.
Extra heat: Double the amount of hot sauce or chili flakes for even more spice in your hot honey.
Lighter version: Use air-fried chicken instead of frying in oil to cut down fat.
Sweet waffles: Add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the waffle batter for added warmth and sweetness.
Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or a plant-based meat alternative.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large bowls: For marinating, battering, and mixing ingredients.
Wire rack: To drain fried chicken, keeping it crispy.
Deep frying pan or pot: For frying the chicken.
Waffle iron: To cook your waffles to golden perfection.
Small saucepan: To melt and infuse the hot honey.
Cutting board and knife: For chopping chicken into smaller pieces.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles?

This recipe brings together several delightful components for the ultimate sweet and savory dish. Here’s your guide to creating it step by step.

Marinate the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and season with lemon juice, salt, chili powder, flakes, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything well so each piece is coated evenly.

For best results, marinate in the fridge for at least an hour, but don’t worry if you’re short on time. The chicken will still turn out flavorful!

Coat and Batter the Chicken

Once the marinating is complete, it’s time to coat the chicken. Mix plain flour, corn flour, and your seasonings in a bowl. Take half the mixture and combine it with eggs and water to form a slightly thick batter.

Dip each chicken piece into the batter first and then coat it with the dry flour mixture. This two-step coating process creates the crispiest results! Arrange the coated chicken on a wire rack while you heat the oil.

Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan or deep pot to about 180°C (350°F). Gently place the chicken pieces in batches, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan.

Fry until golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked inside (about 10 minutes per batch, depending on the size of the pieces). Place cooked chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil while keeping it crispy.

Make the Hot Honey

Now for the star of the show! Combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and chili flakes if you want extra heat in a small saucepan.

Simmer the mixture over medium heat until the butter melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Once your fried chicken is ready, dip each piece into the hot honey or drizzle it generously over the top.

Prepare the Waffles

While keeping the chicken warm in a low oven, move on to the waffles. Whisk together plain flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Add the yogurt, milk, egg, vanilla, and melted butter, mixing until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix, as this will make the waffles less fluffy. Cook the batter in a preheated waffle iron until the waffles turn golden brown.

Assemble and Serve

Now comes the fun part. Create the ultimate pairing by placing the waffles on plates and topping them with the spicy, sweet chicken. Drizzle any leftover hot honey across the waffles for a sticky glaze, and you’re ready to dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

The magic of this dish lies in its balance of sweet and savory flavors! Here are a few reasons why you’ll enjoy making it:

Bold flavors: The sweet honey with the punch of spice is a flavor bomb.
Crispy perfection: A simple coating method ensures the crispiest chicken.
Customizable: Adjust spices and ingredients to fit your taste.
Great for entertaining: It’s an impressive yet easy-to-make comfort meal.

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken and Waffles?

For an eye-catching presentation, stack the chicken on the waffles and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve with a side of coleslaw or a fruit salad for balance. For an extra kick, offer additional hot sauce or honey on the side. This dish pairs wonderfully with iced tea or lemonade!

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides approximate values based on portion sizes:

Calories: 670
Protein: 33 g
Carbohydrates: 72 g
Fat: 28 g

Make Ahead and Storage

You can prep certain elements of the dish ahead of time to save effort later.

Marinate the chicken and prepare the batter mix up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. The hot honey can also be made ahead and kept in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Refrigerate leftover chicken and waffles in separate containers to preserve their texture. To reheat, warm the chicken in an oven at low heat and crisp the waffles in a toaster or oven.

Tips for Making the Recipe

From my firsthand experience, here are a few tricks to perfecting this dish:

Use a thermometer to ensure the frying oil reaches the proper temperature.
Keep your chicken pieces small so they cook evenly and quickly.
Avoid overmixing the waffle batter to keep them fluffy.
Drizzle the hot honey last to keep the coating on the chicken crispy.
Don’t forget to preheat the waffle iron for even cooking!

Why is Chicken and Waffles Famous?

Chicken and waffles became popular thanks to their ability to merge comfort food with bold flavors. This sweet-savory combo originated in Southern and soul food cooking but has since gained recognition worldwide. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced and works just as well for breakfast as it does for dinner.

Are Waffles Healthy?

Waffles can be part of a healthy meal if made with wholesome ingredients like whole-grain flour and moderate sugar.

The addition of yogurt and eggs brings protein and nutrition. While decadent versions can be calorie-heavy, they’re perfect for an occasional indulgence or balanced with lighter sides.

Nothing beats the satisfying combo of crispy chicken, warm waffles, and sticky hot honey! Try it yourself, and you might just discover your new favorite comfort meal.

Ben Carraoli