Copycat KFC Chicken and Waffles Recipe

KFC Chicken and Waffles is a dish that dances gracefully between the realms of savory and sweet, creating a culinary symphony beloved by many.

How to make KFC Chicken and Waffles

KFC Chicken and Waffles is a limited-time menu item that combines KFC’s fried chicken with Belgian-style waffles.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can also use breasts or drumsticks, according to preference)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional for a spicy kick)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon ground white pepper (or black pepper)
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Waffles:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving:

• Maple syrup
• Butter (optional)
• Powdered sugar (optional for dusting)

Instructions:

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Marinate: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Season the chicken pieces with salt and immerse them in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
2. Season Flour: In a separate large bowl, mix the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to coat.
4. Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached, about 8-12 minutes. Place fried chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil.

Making the Waffles:

1. Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
3. Mix: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Some small lumps are fine.
4. Cook: Preheat your waffle iron. Pour enough batter just to cover the waffle grid. Close and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for about 5 minutes, until the waffle is golden and crisp.
5. Serve: Immediately serve the waffles with fried chicken on top. Drizzle with maple syrup and add a pat of butter if desired. A dusting of powdered sugar can add an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips for Perfection:

• Marination Time: The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will be. Overnight marination is ideal.
• Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct frying oil temperature is critical. Too hot, and the chicken will burn on the outside before cooking inside; too cool, and it’ll absorb too much oil, becoming greasy.
• Waffle Batter: Avoid over-mixing the waffle batter to ensure your waffles are fluffy and light.
• Serving Hot: To keep everything warm until serving, place the cooked waffles and chicken in a low oven (about 200°F or 93°C) on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.

What to serve with

When it comes to serving KFC Chicken and Waffles, the beauty lies in the dish’s versatility and the complementary flavors you can introduce to elevate the meal.

Sweet Additions:

• Maple Syrup: A classic option. Drizzle genuine maple syrup over the KFC Chicken and Waffles for a sweet and sticky experience.
• Honey: For a Southern twist, gently pour honey over your KFC Chicken and Waffles for a natural sweetness.
• Fruit Compote: Consider serving with a warm fruit compote made from berries, peaches, or apples, which can add a lovely tartness and freshness.

Savory Extras:

• Gravy: A Southern-style white gravy could be a hearty addition for those who prefer an extra layer of savory.
• Hot Sauce: If you want to add some heat to contrast the sweetness of the waffle, spice things up with a dash of hot sauce or spicy honey.
• Collard Greens: Serve a side of collard greens simmered with bacon and onions for a traditional Southern touch.

Breakfast Staples:

• Eggs: A side of scrambled or fried eggs can make your Chicken and Waffles feel even more like a hearty breakfast.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky crunch that complements both the chicken and waffles.
• Hash Browns: Golden hash browns or potato wedges can round out the meal, providing a savory and crispy side.

Dairy Delights:

• Butter: A pat of butter melting over the warm waffles adds a creaminess that can balance out the flavors.
• Whipped Cream: For a decadent treat, top your waffles with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Cheese Sauce: A warm cheese sauce drizzled over the chicken can add a gooey, indulgent element.

Fresh Choices:

• Coleslaw: The crispness and acidity of coleslaw can cut through the richness of the chicken and waffles.
• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices can provide a refreshing and healthy complement to the meal.
• Garden Salad: Lighten the meal with a simple garden salad dressed in a vinaigrette.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re looking to make a version of KFC Chicken and Waffles but need to adjust ingredients due to allergies, dietary preferences, or availability, here is a guide on ingredient substitutes for every major component.

Substitutes: Chicken Ingredients

1. Buttermilk

Why it’s used? Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and acts as a base for marinating before frying.

Substitutes:

• Milk + Acid: Combine 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 10 minutes before using.
• Yogurt or Kefir: For a similar tangy effect, dilute 1 cup of plain yogurt or kefir with 1/4 cup of water.
• Non-Dairy Alternative: Use unsweetened almond milk or soy milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar (same ratio as above).

2. Hot Sauce

Why it’s used? Adds spice and flavor to the buttermilk marinade.

Substitutes:

• Cayenne Pepper: Add 1/2 teaspoon directly to the buttermilk.
• Paprika and Chili Powder: A mix of equal parts paprika and chili powder provides spice without overwhelming heat.
• Sriracha or Tabasco Alternative: Use these if a vegan or gluten-free hot sauce isn’t available.

3. Seasoned Flour

Why it’s used? The seasoned flour creates a crispy coating for the chicken.

Substitutes:

• Gluten-Free Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix or rice flour for a gluten-free option.
• Almond or Coconut Flour: For a low-carb/keto alternative, use almond or coconut flour. Mix with a bit of cornstarch for added crispiness.
• Seasoning Adjustments: If spices like paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder aren’t available, simple salt and pepper with a pinch of turmeric can work as a backup.

4. Vegetable Oil

Why it’s used? Used for deep frying the chicken.

Substitutes:

• Canola Oil: Similar to vegetable oil in flavor and frying properties.
• Peanut Oil: Provides a high smoke point and slightly nutty flavor.
• Avocado Oil: A healthier alternative with a high smoke point.
• Air Fryer Option: Skip the oil entirely by air frying the chicken for a healthier, lower-fat approach.

Substitutes: Waffle Ingredients

1. All-Purpose Flour

Why it’s used? Forms the base of the waffle batter.

Substitutes:

• Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier or nuttier texture; increase liquid slightly.
• Gluten-Free Flour: A blend of gluten-free baking flour works well for gluten-intolerant diets.
• Oat Flour: For a slightly denser waffle, oat flour can be used; it also adds fiber and is naturally gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace flour with almond flour or coconut flour (adjust liquids to maintain batter consistency).

2. Sugar

Why it’s used? Adds sweetness to the waffles.

Substitutes:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness; reduce liquid in the overall recipe slightly.
• Brown Sugar: Creates a slightly molasses-like flavor for waffles.
• Artificial Sweeteners: Use low-calorie sweeteners like stevia or erythritol for a sugar-free waffle.

3. Milk

Why it’s used? Provides moisture and binds the batter ingredients.

Substitutes:

• Non-Dairy Options: You can use almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk in place of dairy milk.
• Water: If milk isn’t available, plain water can work, though waffles will be less rich.
• Buttermilk Substitute: Blend regular milk with lemon juice or vinegar for a richer flavor.

4. Eggs

Why it’s used? Adds structure and fluffiness to the waffles.

Substitutes:

• Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 2 1/2 tablespoons water to replace one egg (perfect for vegans).
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Use 1/4 cup as an egg replacement for moisture and binding (works well in sweeter waffles).
• Aquafaba: 3 tablespoons of aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) can replace one egg.
• Eggless Baking Powder Mix: For a similar leavening effect, combine 2 teaspoons baking powder with 1 tablespoon vinegar and 1 tablespoon water.

5. Butter or Vegetable Oil

Why it’s used? Adds richness and helps make waffles crispy.

Substitutes:

• Coconut Oil: For a dairy-free option. Adds a slight coconut flavor, which pairs nicely with sweet ingredients.
• Olive Oil: A healthier alternative for waffles (use mild-flavor olive oil to avoid overpowering the dish).
• Mashed Banana or Applesauce: For a low-fat option, replace butter or oil with 1/4 cup of mashed banana or applesauce.

Final Thoughts

Creating your own KFC Chicken and Waffles at home can be a delightful weekend project that brings a taste of Southern comfort right into your dining room.

More Chicken Recipes:

• Bamboo Chicken Salad Recipe
• Chipotle Chicken Seasoning Recipe
• Homemade McDonald’s Chicken Strips Recipe
• Homemade Jersey Mike Chicken Salad Recipe
• Copycat Wendy’s Cajun Crunch Chicken Recipe