Irresistible Hot Honey Fried Chicken & Waffles Recipe

Imagine the crunch of perfectly fried chicken, drizzled with sweet and spicy hot honey, paired with fluffy waffles that have a hint of festive candy cane flavor. It’s the kind of meal that makes the holidays feel extra special—or turns any weekend brunch into a celebration! I first made this combo when experimenting with holiday flavors, and honestly, it’s been a hit ever since. The mix of savory, sweet, and spicy is pure magic, and the candy cane twist makes it unique. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who craves bold flavors and a bit of fun in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or just want to treat yourself, these hot honey fried chicken and candy cane waffles will steal the show. Grab your apron, because we’re about to create something unforgettable!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy: The hot honey adds a kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the candy cane waffles.
• Festive Twist: Candy canes in waffles? Yes, please! It’s unexpected and fun.
• Easy to Make: Surprisingly simple for such a show-stopping dish. You don’t need fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Kid-Friendly: The waffles are a hit with the little ones, especially with the festive candy cane flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s brunch, dinner, or a holiday gathering, this recipe fits the bill.
• Customizable: You can tweak the spice level of the hot honey or swap the candy canes for other flavors.

What sets this recipe apart is the combination of textures and flavors. The crispy fried chicken contrasts beautifully with the soft waffles, while the hot honey ties it all together with just the right amount of kick. And let’s be real—seeing festive candy cane-speckled waffles on your plate is bound to make anyone smile!

Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create bold flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Fried Chicken:

• 2 lbs (900 g) chicken thighs or drumsticks
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Candy Cane Waffles:

• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) buttermilk
• ½ cup (120 ml) melted butter
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• 4 crushed candy canes (about ½ cup)

For the Hot Honey:

• ½ cup (120 ml) honey
• 2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

You can use substitutes like almond milk instead of buttermilk for the waffles, or swap regular flour with gluten-free flour if needed.

Equipment Needed

• Deep skillet or Dutch oven: Perfect for frying the chicken.
• Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few for marinating the chicken and prepping dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for mixing the waffle batter and ensuring a smooth consistency.
• Waffle maker: Essential for cooking the candy cane waffles.
• Tongs: Handy for flipping the chicken in hot oil.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.

Don’t have a waffle maker? You can make pancakes instead! And if you don’t have a Dutch oven, a deep skillet works just fine.

Preparation Method

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better for tender, flavorful chicken).

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Mix

1. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing the flour mixture onto the chicken to ensure it sticks.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the dredged chicken pieces and fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Make the Waffles

1. Preheat your waffle maker. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and peppermint extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until smooth.
3. Fold in the crushed candy canes.
4. Cook the batter in your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Repeat until all the batter is used.

Step 6: Make the Hot Honey

1. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, red pepper flakes, and apple cider vinegar. Heat over low heat until warm, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 7: Assemble

1. Plate the waffles and top each one with a piece of fried chicken. Drizzle generously with hot honey and serve immediately.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Keep the Oil Temperature Steady: Use a thermometer to ensure your oil stays at 350°F (175°C). Too hot, and the chicken burns; too cold, and it gets greasy.
• Don’t Overmix the Waffle Batter: Stir just until combined to keep your waffles light and fluffy.
• Crush Candy Canes Finely: Larger pieces may stick to the waffle maker and cause uneven cooking.
• Customize the Hot Honey: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
• Drain Chicken Properly: Place fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to prevent sogginess.

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend in both the chicken coating and waffles.
• Spice Adjustment: Dial down the heat by using less cayenne in the chicken breading and fewer red pepper flakes in the hot honey.
• Seasonal Waffle Twist: Replace candy canes with crushed chocolate mint candies or even gingerbread spice for a holiday-inspired flavor.
• Baked Chicken: Skip the frying and bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes for a healthier option.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the hot honey fried chicken and candy cane waffles fresh off the skillet and waffle iron for the best taste. Pair with fresh orange juice, hot coffee, or a festive holiday cocktail. You can even sprinkle powdered sugar on the waffles for an extra touch of sweetness.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispness. Waffles can be reheated in the toaster or oven to regain their fluffiness and crunch.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While this recipe is definitely a treat, it does have perks! Chicken is a great source of protein, while the candy canes add a festive flair without going overboard on sugar. If you’re looking to lighten things up, bake the chicken instead of frying and use a sugar substitute in the waffles. Be mindful of the hot honey if you’re watching your sugar intake.

Potential allergens include wheat (flour), dairy (buttermilk, butter), and eggs. Be sure to check candy cane labels for any additional allergens.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s fun, festive, and mouthwateringly delicious, this hot honey fried chicken and candy cane waffles combo is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful way to bring some holiday magic to your table or spice up a Sunday brunch.

I love how this recipe brings people together. There’s something about sharing a plate of food this comforting that makes everything feel cozier. Give this recipe a try, and let me know how you made it your own! Did you go heavy on the spice or try a different holiday twist for the waffles? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!

Go ahead and whip up this irresistible dish, and don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media. I can’t wait to see your creations!

FAQs

Can I make the hot honey less spicy?

Absolutely! Just reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or skip them entirely if you prefer a sweeter honey flavor.

What’s the best type of chicken to use?

Chicken thighs or drumsticks work best because they stay juicy and flavorful during frying. Breast pieces can work too, but be cautious not to overcook.

Can I make the waffles without candy canes?

Of course! You can use peppermint extract alone or swap candy canes for chocolate chips or nuts to suit your taste.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and mix the waffle batter ahead of time. Store the batter in the fridge and fry the chicken fresh for best results.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) to keep it crispy. Waffles can be warmed in the toaster or oven to regain their texture.

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