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Chicken & Waffle Breakfast Sandwich with Hot Honey Recipe

4.7 from 113 reviews

This Chicken & Waffle Breakfast Sandwich combines crispy fried chicken thighs marinated in a spicy buttermilk blend, topped with a perfectly cooked runny egg, sandwiched between golden toasted waffles, and finished with a sweet and spicy hot honey drizzle. A delicious balance of crunchy, savory, sweet, and spicy elements perfect for brunch or a hearty breakfast.

Ingredients

Scale

For The Hot Honey

  • 1 cup honey
  • 3 Tbsp. habaneros, deseeded and roughly chopped

For The Spice Mix

  • 2 Tbsp. paprika
  • 1 Tbsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. garlic powder
  • 1 Tbsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp. oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. celery salt
  • 1/2 tsp. cayenne

For The Chicken

  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1 1/4 lb.)
  • Vegetable or peanut oil, for frying
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • Kosher salt, to taste

For The Sandwiches

  • 1/2 Tbsp. vegetable or peanut oil
  • 6 large eggs
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 12 cooked waffles

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Hot Honey: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey and chopped habaneros. Bring to a low simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it cook gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. After cooking, strain the honey into an airtight container. The hot honey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 month and reheated in the microwave to soften before use.
  2. Make the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, whisk together paprika, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, celery salt, and cayenne until well combined.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk buttermilk together with 2 1/2 tablespoons of the spice mix. Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate to marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably up to 24 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  4. Prepare for Frying: Pour vegetable or peanut oil into a large cast-iron skillet to a depth of about 3/4 inch. Heat the oil to 350ºF. In a shallow bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and 2 tablespoons of the spice mix.
  5. Coat the Chicken: Just before frying, add 2 to 3 large spoonfuls of the chicken marinade into the flour mixture and mix with your hands. This creates crumbly spots that help form crispy, crackly batter on the chicken. Working in batches, thoroughly coat the chicken thighs in this seasoned flour mixture.
  6. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken thighs into the hot oil. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. Immediately season each piece with kosher salt and a pinch of the remaining spice mix.
  7. Cook the Eggs: Heat 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable or peanut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, crack the eggs into the skillet, seasoning each with salt and freshly ground pepper. Cook until the egg whites are just set but the yolks remain runny, about 2 minutes.
  8. Assemble the Sandwiches: Place one fried chicken thigh on a cooked waffle, top with a cooked egg, then add another waffle to form the sandwich. Repeat with the remaining ingredients. Slice each sandwich in half, then drizzle generously with the prepared hot honey before serving.

Notes

  • For extra crispy chicken, ensure the oil temperature stays steady at 350ºF during frying.
  • Habaneros are very spicy; adjust the quantity in the hot honey to your preferred heat level.
  • Waffles can be homemade or store-bought and either fresh or toasted before assembling.
  • Use a kitchen thermometer to check chicken doneness to ensure safety and juiciness.
  • The hot honey keeps well refrigerated up to one month and can be reheated gently for drizzling.

Keywords: chicken and waffles, breakfast sandwich, fried chicken, hot honey, brunch recipe, spicy chicken sandwich