There’s something undeniably satisfying about chicken and waffles. The perfect contrast of crispy, juicy fried chicken with warm, fluffy waffles is already a match made in heaven—but when you add savory herbs to the waffle batter and top everything with a creamy, peppered gravy? You’ve just leveled up a soul food favorite into something worthy of your next brunch table or dinner spread. This Chicken and Savory Herb Waffles with Gravy recipe delivers indulgent flavor and stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction with a touch of culinary flair. Whether you’re hosting a Chicken and Waffles Brunch or looking for unique Waffle Sandwich Ideas, this dish will leave an impression.

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Chicken and Savory Herb Waffles with Gravy

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 35

Total Time 1 5

Course Brunch, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Equipment

Waffle iron A Belgian-style waffle maker works great for thick, fluffy waffles, but a regular waffle maker works too. If you don’t have one, you can pour the batter onto a hot griddle and treat them like savory pancakes.
Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan Ideal for frying chicken evenly while maintaining temperature.
Mixing bowls You’ll need a few for dredging, marinating, and mixing the waffle batter.
Whisk For the gravy and batter.
Tongs For safely handling hot chicken.
Wire rack over a baking sheet Essential to keep fried chicken crispy while draining excess oil.

Ingredients

For the Fried Chicken

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Savory Herb Waffles

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons sugar
2 eggs
1¾ cups buttermilk
⅓ cup melted butter unsalted
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped parsley

For the Gravy

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1½ cups whole milk
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with buttermilk and hot sauce. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you can. This tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor.

Make the Herb Waffle Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, mix the eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Fold in the chopped herbs. Set aside while your waffle iron preheats.

Fry the Chicken

In a separate bowl, mix the flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Remove chicken from marinade, let excess drip off, then dredge each piece in the seasoned flour. Heat about 1 inch of oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches, 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to drain and stay crispy.

Cook the Waffles

Grease your waffle iron and pour in the herb batter. Cook until golden and crispy, about 4–5 minutes depending on your machine. Keep waffles warm in a low oven while finishing the rest.

Make the Gravy

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Let it thicken for about 5 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.

Assemble the Dish

Place one savory waffle on a plate, top with a piece (or two) of fried chicken, and drizzle generously with hot pepper gravy. Garnish with extra herbs if you’re feeling fancy.

Pairings

To complete your comfort-food feast, serve these Chicken and Savory Herb Waffles with:

Roasted garlic mashed potatoes – if you’re going all-in on the carbs.
Tangy coleslaw or a vinegar-based slaw – the acidity cuts through the richness of the dish.
Spicy pickles or pickled jalapeños – a crunchy, zesty contrast.
Sweet tea or a spicy Bloody Mary – depending on the time of day and your mood.

This also works beautifully as part of a Chicken and Waffles Brunch buffet. Set up a DIY bar with different waffle toppings like hot honey, maple syrup, or even a few different gravies—like a white sausage gravy or a smoky chipotle sauce—for guests to try.

FAQs

1. What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal—they’re juicy, flavorful, and stay tender even after frying. You can use chicken breast, but be cautious not to overcook, as it dries out faster.

2. Can I make this into a Chicken and Waffle Sliders dish?

Absolutely! Just cut your waffles into smaller squares (or use a mini waffle maker) and top each with a small piece of fried chicken. These make excellent Chicken and Waffles Appetizers or Chicken and Waffle Bites for parties.

3. How do I make this ahead of time?

Fry the chicken and make the waffles in advance, then reheat in a 350°F oven on a wire rack to maintain crispiness. Make the gravy fresh just before serving. You can even layer everything into a Chicken and Waffles Casserole for an easy reheat-and-serve dish.

4. Are there variations for dietary needs?

Sure! Use gluten-free flour blends for the dredge and waffle batter. For a dairy-free version, opt for plant-based milk and butter alternatives, though results will vary. Baked chicken is a lower-fat option, though it won’t have the same crunch.

5. Can I stuff the waffles with anything?

Yes! For a Stuffed Waffles Recipe twist, try adding shredded cheese or even finely chopped cooked bacon to the batter before cooking. Just don’t overload it—you want those waffles to rise and crisp properly.

Chicken and Savory Herb Waffles with Gravy: A Comfort Food Classic with a Gourmet Twist