Hot Honey Fried Chicken & Candy Cane Waffles Recipe

The first time I paired crispy hot honey fried chicken with sweet, peppermint-kissed candy cane waffles, I knew I had stumbled upon something magical. Imagine this: tender, golden chicken drizzled with spicy honey, perfectly balanced by fluffy waffles with a hint of holiday cheer. It’s a combination that’s indulgent, festive, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or treating your family to a cozy weekend breakfast, this recipe is sure to impress. Trust me—this one is worth every bite.

I created this recipe during a December morning when I wanted something playful yet comforting. Hot honey adds a bold kick to the dish, while the candy cane waffles bring sweetness and nostalgia. The blend of spicy and sweet is unforgettable, and you’ll love how it all comes together so seamlessly. If you’re ready for a show-stopping meal that will keep everyone talking, let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Unique Twist: Combining hot honey fried chicken with candy cane waffles creates an unforgettable sweet-and-spicy flavor explosion. It’s like a holiday party on your plate!
• Perfect for Festive Gatherings: This dish is ideal for holiday brunches, Christmas morning, or even a fun dinner with friends.
• Kid-Friendly: The candy cane waffles are a hit with kids, while the hot honey chicken keeps adults coming back for seconds.
• Balanced and Delicious: The spicy kick of the hot honey complements the cool sweetness of peppermint waffles perfectly.
• Impressive Yet Simple: Despite how fancy this dish looks, the recipe itself is straightforward and easy to follow.

What sets this recipe apart? The candy cane waffles, with their delicate peppermint flavor, are a playful nod to the holidays. And the hot honey fried chicken isn’t just crispy—it’s juicy, flavorful, and coated in a sticky, spicy-sweet glaze that’s downright addictive. Trust me, this dish will make you the star of any brunch table.

Ingredients Needed

This recipe uses a mix of pantry staples and seasonal additions to create bold flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Hot Honey Fried Chicken:

• 2 lbs (900 g) chicken thighs and drumsticks
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) hot honey (store-bought or homemade)

For the Candy Cane Waffles:

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 3/4 cups (420 ml) milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1/4 cup (40 g) crushed candy canes

Optional toppings:

• Maple syrup
• Extra crushed candy canes
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Equipment Needed

• A large mixing bowl for the chicken coating
• Whisk and spoon for mixing the waffle batter
• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven for frying the chicken
• Waffle maker for the candy cane waffles
• Cooling rack to drain fried chicken
• Measuring cups and spoons for precise measurements
• Thermometer to check oil temperature (optional but helpful for consistent frying)

If you don’t have a waffle maker, you can use a griddle or skillet for pancake-style candy cane cakes—it’s not quite the same but still delicious!

Preparation Method

For the Hot Honey Fried Chicken:

1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and set them aside. This helps the coating stick better.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk to create the egg wash.
4. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, then coat it generously in the flour mixture. Repeat for a thicker coating.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove the chicken and let it drain on a cooling rack lined with paper towels.
7. Drizzle hot honey over the fried chicken, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.

For the Candy Cane Waffles:

1. Preheat your waffle maker according to its instructions.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract.
4. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until combined. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy.
5. Fold in the crushed candy canes, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
6. Pour the batter into your waffle maker and cook according to its settings (usually 3–5 minutes) until golden and crisp.
7. Repeat until all the batter is used. Keep waffles warm in the oven if needed.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• For Crispy Chicken: Double-dip the chicken in the flour mixture for extra crunch. Make sure your oil is at the right temperature to avoid soggy results.
• Handling Candy Canes: Crush candy canes finely for better distribution in the waffles. A rolling pin and zip-top bag work great for this.
• Hot Honey Hack: If you can’t find hot honey, mix regular honey with a dash of cayenne or chili flakes.
• Batch Cooking: Fry chicken in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady. Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking.
• Waffle Storage: Keep waffles warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while frying your chicken.

Variations & Adaptations

• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for both the chicken coating and waffles.
• Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper and hot honey to match your heat preference—mild or extra spicy!
• Seasonal Twist: Swap candy canes for crushed chocolate mints or add a pinch of cinnamon to the waffle batter for a cozy winter vibe.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace milk with almond milk and use dairy-free butter for the waffles.
• Air Fryer Chicken: Cook the chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these waffles and chicken hot for the best flavor. Stack the waffles on a plate, top them with crispy chicken, drizzle with extra hot honey, and sprinkle crushed candy canes for garnish. Pair with a glass of spiced apple cider or hot cocoa for the ultimate holiday treat.

For leftovers, store the fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Waffles can be stored the same way or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat chicken, use the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes to retain crispiness. Waffles can be warmed in a toaster or oven.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While this dish is indulgent, it offers a balance of protein and carbs to keep you satisfied. The chicken is packed with lean protein, while the waffles are a fun way to add seasonal flair. Here’s a rough estimate per serving:

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fat: 20 g

Note: The candy cane waffles contain peppermint, so double-check for allergies before serving.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday brunch recipe, this hot honey fried chicken and candy cane waffles combo is it. It’s festive, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—adjust the spice, swap the toppings, or try new variations. I love this recipe because it combines my favorite flavors and always brings smiles to the table.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Drop your thoughts in the comments or share your own twist on this recipe. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken works great—just adjust the frying time since they cook faster.

What’s the best way to crush candy canes?

Place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or heavy object to crush them finely. Easy and mess-free!

Can I make the waffles ahead of time?

Yes! You can store waffles in the fridge or freezer and reheat them in the toaster or oven.

What if I don’t like peppermint?

No problem! Swap peppermint extract for vanilla or almond extract and skip the candy canes.

How can I make my chicken less spicy?

Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use regular honey instead of hot honey.

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