11 Restaurant Chains That Serve the Best Fried Chicken & Waffles

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An almost perfect meal any time of the day, chicken and waffles combines the savory goodness of fried chicken with the sweet and fluffy delights of waffles. The origins of this dish are fiercely debated, but it has roots in Europe, the Pennsylvania Dutch, New York City's Harlem neighborhood, the American South, and African-American cuisine.

The version of the dish that most Americans know and love sees crispy fried chicken served atop a stack of freshly made waffles—freshness being important. Southern-style fried chicken is typically well seasoned, and the sweetness of the waffles creates a striking flavor contrast.

While the classic version of this dish comes with butter and syrup and sometimes hot sauce, there are variations with fruit, whipped cream, and ranch dressing as toppings. Some restaurants even replace the waffles with other starchy, maple syrup-paired breakfast staples, like French toast.

Find this comfort-food favorite at homestyle restaurants, diners, casual fried chicken joints, and upscale brunch spots. If you're craving the crunchy sweetness of the dish, read on to find out some of the best chains to get your fix.

Broken Yolk Cafe

Nutrition (Per Order):
Calories: 1,110
Fat: 54 g (Saturated Fat: 21 g)
Sodium: 1,640 mg
Carbs: 107 g (Fiber: 5 g, Sugar: 21 g)
Protein: 50 g

Born in 1979 in California, the Broken Yolk Cafe was a single restaurant until 2010, when the owner was talked into franchising by a loyal customer. Now, 35 locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Nevada, and Texas offer full-service breakfast. One of the most flavorful and filling items on the menu is the restaurant's chicken and waffles—crispy chicken tenders served on a Belgian waffle, topped with powdered sugar, a hearty drizzle of syrup, and a scoop of whipped butter.

8 Restaurant Chains That Serve the Best Waffles

Black Bear Diner

Nutrition (Per Order):
Calories: 1,190
Fat: 55 g (Saturated Fat: 13 g)
Sodium: 950 mg
Carbs: 139 g (Fiber: 6 g, Sugar: 47 g)
Protein: 40 g

With 150 locations around the Western U.S., this fast-growing diner chain spreads rustic vibes and hearty comfort food. Known for its bear-heavy decor, the Black Bear is a family-oriented restaurant that serves an all-day breakfast menu, including an excellent chicken and waffles. The recipe centers on a secret recipe for a sweet cream waffle topped with a handful of breaded chicken tenders. It's served with syrup and fresh fruit.

Cheesecake Factory

Nutrition (Per Order):
Calories: 1,190
Fat: 64 g (Saturated Fat: 26 g, Trans Fat: 1.5 g)
Sodium: 1,260 mg
Carbs: 118 g (Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 54 g)
Protein: 44 g

The expansive menu at this 300-plus location chain does have something for just about everyone, which is much of the restaurant's appeal. On the gigantic menu is fried chicken and waffles, available only for Saturday and Sunday brunch. It's worth the wait to dive into a freshly made giant Belgian-style waffle, topped with chunks of crunchy fried chicken and served with syrup on the side.

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IHOP

Nutrition (Per Order):
Calories: 1,010
Fat: 50 g (Saturated Fat: 22 g, Trans Fat: 1 g)
Sodium: 1,950 mg
Carbs: 97 g (Fiber: 5 g, Sugar: 6 g)
Protein: 43 g

Not just for pancakes, this chain churns out fluffy, hearty omelets and biscuits and gravy alongside chicken and waffles for breakfast, brunch, or anytime. Four buttermilk-breaded chicken strips are served atop a housemade waffle with a choice of buttermilk ranch, honey mustard, or IHOP sauce.