Welcome to Okay, so have you ever tried chicken and waffles with a little spicy kick? Oh wow—this hot honey version? It seriously changed breakfast for me.

I used to think waffles were just for syrup. But then I drizzled spicy-sweet honey over crispy chicken… and boom. Total game-changer.

Now, anytime we want something cozy but fun, this is our go-to. It’s sweet, spicy, crispy, and soft—all at once. Wanna know how to make it? Let’s jump in.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken Waffles Recipe

Sweet, Savory, and Spicy: The contrast between the juicy fried chicken, fluffy waffles, and the sticky, spicy hot honey is simply irresistible.
Crispy Chicken: The chicken is coated with a flavorful seasoning mix and fried to perfection, providing that satisfying crunch.
Fluffy Waffles: Light, airy waffles that perfectly complement the crispy chicken.
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you can make this recipe in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for a special weekend brunch or even dinner.
Flavor Explosion: The balance of the rich hot honey sauce, crispy chicken, and waffles makes every bite a flavor-packed experience.

Whether you are looking for a way to impress your friends or simply craving something indulgent and delicious, this Hot Honey Chicken Waffles recipe is guaranteed to become your new favorite!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we get started, here are the tools you’ll need for this recipe:

Frying Pan or Deep Fryer: For the crispy fried chicken.
Mixing Bowls: To prepare the chicken marinade, the dry coating, and the waffle batter.
Whisk: To combine ingredients and make the waffle batter.
Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through (should reach an internal temperature of 165°F).
Waffle Maker: To cook the waffles until golden and fluffy.
Tongs: For easy handling of the fried chicken.
Spoons and Ladles: For drizzling the hot honey sauce over the chicken and waffles.
Cooling Rack or Plate: To rest the chicken after frying.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

500g-600g chicken breasts (cut into small 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
1/2 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 Sauce:

250g honey
100g hot sauce (choose your preferred level of heat; adjust according to taste)
50g butter
2 teaspoons chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

For the Waffles (Makes 2 Whole Waffles):

150g plain flour
20g granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
120g plain yogurt
120ml whole milk
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
50g unsalted butter, melted

Variations for Hot Honey Chicken Waffles

Want to get creative with this recipe? Here are a few variations you can try:

Use Boneless Thighs: For an even juicier and more tender fried chicken, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs.
Vegan Version: Swap the chicken for tofu or a plant-based chicken alternative. Coat and fry it the same way for a crispy, vegan version of this dish.
Spicy Waffles: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños to the waffle batter for an extra spicy kick.
Bacon Waffles: Crumbled bacon in the waffles will add an irresistible smoky crunch to every bite.
Maple Syrup and Hot Honey Combo: Mix equal parts maple syrup and hot honey for a sweet-and-spicy drizzle.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with lemon juice, salt, chili powder, chili flakes, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together, ensuring the chicken is well-coated in the seasoning.

Let the chicken marinate for at least 20-30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge) to absorb all the flavors.

2. Prepare the Coating

In a separate bowl, combine the plain flour, corn flour, salt, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will be your dry coating for the chicken.

Whisk the eggs and water together in another bowl to create a wet dip for the chicken.

3. Coat the Chicken

Dip each piece of marinated chicken into the egg wash and then dredge it thoroughly in the dry flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. This will give the chicken that crispy outer layer once fried.

4. Fry the Chicken

Heat oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when you drop in a small piece of chicken (around 350°F to 375°F).

Carefully lower the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oil and place it on a cooling rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

5. Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken is frying, make the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, and chili flakes (if using). Heat over low-medium heat, stirring constantly, until the butter melts and the sauce becomes smooth and well-combined.

Once the sauce is ready, set it aside.

6. Make the Waffle Batter

Now, it’s time to prepare the waffles. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the plain flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, combine the plain yogurt, milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure the waffles remain light and fluffy.

Finally, stir in the melted butter to make the batter rich and smooth.

7. Cook the Waffles

Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once heated, lightly grease the waffle plates with cooking spray or a little butter.

Pour half of the waffle batter onto the waffle maker, spreading it evenly. Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Repeat with the remaining batter to make the second waffle.

8. Assemble the Hot Honey Chicken Waffles

Place a waffle on each plate, then top it with crispy fried chicken. Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the chicken and waffles. For an extra touch, sprinkle with additional chili flakes if you like it spicier.

Serve immediately with your favorite sides or enjoy it just as is for a satisfying meal.

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Waffles

This dish is perfect for brunch, lunch, or even dinner. Here are a few ways to serve it:

As a Standalone Meal: Hot Honey Chicken Waffles is a filling and satisfying dish all on its own. Serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
With a Side of Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: For a complete comfort food experience, add a side of crispy fries or sweet potato fries to complement the waffles and chicken.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Top with chopped cilantro or parsley for an extra pop of color and freshness.
For a Sweet and Savory Twist: Serve with a small bowl of maple syrup on the side if you want to balance the heat with a touch of sweetness.

Storing Hot Honey Chicken Waffles

Leftover Chicken: Store any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to retain its crispiness.
Leftover Waffles: Waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a toaster or waffle maker to restore their crispy texture.
Hot Honey Sauce: Store leftover hot honey sauce in a jar or airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently on the stove before using.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	670
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	72g
Fat	28g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	40g
Sodium	950mg

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)