Spicy Ranch Chicken & Waffles (From Scratch)

This bold, handmade brunch combines crispy buttermilk fried chicken tenders with fluffy homemade waffles and a creamy ranch drizzle. Finished with Summa Salts Spicy Ranch Salt for a spicy herby kick, it’s the kind of meal people talk about for days.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb boneless chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Spicy Ranch Salt
• Neutral oil for frying (canola or vegetable)

For the Waffles:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
• 6 tbsp melted butter (plus more for waffle iron)
• ½ tsp Spicy Ranch Salt (optional)

To Finish:

• Ranch dressing (drizzle or dipping)
• More Spicy Ranch Salt for topping
• Optional: chopped herbs, chives, or hot honey

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Combine chicken tenders, buttermilk, and hot sauce in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight).

2. Make the Waffle Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, beat eggs, then add buttermilk and melted butter. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Let rest while you fry the chicken.

3. Bread & Fry the Chicken

Mix flour, cornstarch, and spices in a bowl. Dredge chicken from the marinade into flour mixture, pressing to coat. Heat 1–2 inches of oil to 350°F and fry chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on a rack.

4. Cook the Waffles

Heat a waffle iron and brush with butter. Pour in batter and cook until golden brown. Keep warm while assembling.

5. Assemble & Serve

Top each waffle with 1–2 chicken tenders, drizzle with ranch, and finish with a bold sprinkle of Spicy Ranch Salt. Add herbs or hot honey if desired. Serve hot and devour immediately.