Chicken and Waffles
Chicken and Waffles, a dish that blends the savory crunch of fried chicken with the sweet softness of waffles, traces its origins back to the 1910s in Chicago and California, before becoming a symbol of soul food during the Harlem Renaissance. This recipe explores the technique and tradition behind the dish, promising a delightful culinary experience.
Prep Time
2 hours 30 minutes (including marinating time)
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- For the Southern Fried Chicken:
- Boneless chicken thighs: 8 pieces
- Buttermilk: 2 cups (473 ml)
- Garlic powder: 2 teaspoons (9.86 ml)
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (14.79 ml)
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon (4.93 ml)
- Flour: 2 cups (473 ml)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (4.93 ml)
- Vegetable oil for frying: approximately 4 cups (946 ml) or enough to fill your frying vessel halfway
- For the Waffles:
- Flour: 2 cups (473 ml)
- Baking powder: 4 teaspoons (19.72 ml)
- Salt: ½ teaspoon (2.46 ml)
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons (29.57 ml)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (4.93 ml)
- Milk: 1 ½ cups (355 ml)
- Butter, melted: ½ cup (118 ml)
- Egg yolks: 2 large
- Egg whites: 2 large
- For Serving:
- Maple syrup: to taste
- Butter: to taste
- Spicy honey butter sauce (optional): to taste
- Gravy (optional): to taste
Method
- Prepare the Marinade and Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, cornstarch, baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Frying the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pan to 350°F (175°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade, and dredge in the flour mixture.
- Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes, then place on a wire rack to drain and keep crispy.
- Making the Waffles: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In another bowl, mix the egg yolks, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract; combine with the dry ingredients until smooth.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold into the batter. Preheat your waffle iron and cook the waffles according to the manufacturer's instructions until golden brown.
- Assembling the Dish: Serve the fried chicken on top of the freshly made waffles. Drizzle with warm maple syrup and add a dollop of butter (and spicy honey butter sauce or gravy, if using).
Mastering the art of Southern fried chicken and crafting the perfect waffle elevates this dish from simply satisfying to truly unforgettable. It’s a testament to the power of culinary innovation, blending flavors, textures, and traditions into a dish that resonates deeply across cultures.
Nutritional Information (Approx)
- Calories: Approximately 900-1100 kcal
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 50g
- Carbohydrates: 85g
- Sugars: 20g
- Sodium: 1200mg