Chicken & Waffles
Making fried chicken and waffles at the same time is quite a feat, but this soul food staple is worth the effort. Our classic recipe perfects each component: soft and fluffy waffles pair with extra-crispy fried chicken for the perfect sweet-salty bite. We’ve got all of our top tips here to not only perfect this Southern recipe, but to make it as easy as possible. Let brunch begin!
How to make the best chicken & waffles:
— The fried chicken. This recipe takes a page from our classic fried chicken recipe, but uses some shortcuts to make it slightly easier. If you’re looking for our ultimate fried chicken (or can’t resist some pickle flavor), checkout our best-ever recipe. Looking to truly upgrade the chicken? Checkout our waffle batter fried chicken.
— The waffles. Our homemade waffles here are perfectly fluffy, and couldn’t be easier to whip up. Use our recipe here, or feel free to reference our best-ever homemade waffle recipe, buttermilk waffle recipe, or cornbread waffles.
Serving chicken & waffles:
We suggest plating your waffles with a pat of butter, then adding 2-3 pieces of fried chicken on top. Serve with maple syrup and hot sauce, then feel free to add some sides for brunch perfection. Cheesy grits, mimosas, and crispy bacon are always a great idea.
Make it ahead:
Brining your chicken beforehand is NOT required! Sure, it'll make your chicken taste even better, but we understand if spending 3+ hours on brunch isn't really up your alley. We think the best course of action is as follows: get your chicken in a buttermilk brine, whip up your waffles and pop 'em in a 200° oven to stay warm. THEN take out your chicken, bread, and fry.
Made these? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!
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SERVINGS: 4 serving(s).
PREP TIME: 15 mins.
TOTAL TIME: 3 hrs 15 mins.
Ingredients:
1: 1 qt. buttermilk.
2: 2 tbsp. kosher salt.
3: Mix of bone-in chicken thighs, breasts, and drumsticks (about 2 lbs.).
4: Vegetable oil, for frying.
5: 2 c. all purpose flour.
6: 1 tbsp. paprika.
7: 1 tsp. cayenne.
8: Kosher salt.
9: Freshly ground black pepper.
10: 2 Large eggs.
11: 2 c. all-purpose flour.
12: 2 tbsp. granulated sugar.
13: 1 tsp. baking powder.
14: 1/2 tsp. baking soda.
15: 1 c. sour cream.
16: 1 c. milk.
17: 6 tbsp. butter, melted, plus more for waffle iron.
18: 3 Large eggs, separated.
Directions:
1: Brine chicken: In a large bowl, mix together buttermilk and 2 tablespoons salt. Add chicken and cover bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 2 hours and up to overnight.
2: Meanwhile, make waffles: Preheat oven to 200°. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of kosher salt.
3: In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, butter and egg yolks. Gently fold wet mixture into dry mixture.
4: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer (or in the bowl of a stand mixer), beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped egg whites into batter, being careful not to over mix. (A few fluffy streaks of whites are fine!) .
5: Heat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instruction. When the iron is hot, brush grates with melted butter. Spoon about ⅓ cup of batter into waffle maker and cook until golden, about 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining batter. Place cooked waffles in a clean kitchen towel on a baking sheet. Place in oven to keep warm while preparing chicken.
6: When ready to fry: Fill a Dutch oven fitted with a candy thermometer with vegetable oil until 2" to 3" deep, then preheat until oil reaches 350º. Prepare one sheet pan lined with paper towels and a wire rack.
7: Transfer chicken from brine to another sheet pan and dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper.
8: In a large, deep bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. In a large bowl, beat eggs with 2 tablespoons water. Using tongs, place chicken in egg mixture, roll in flour mixture, and shake off excess. Fry chicken in 2 batches until golden brown and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes (internal temperature should read 165º). Bring oil back to 350º before adding last batch.
9: Place chicken on wire rack and season with salt immediately. Plate waffles with a pat of butter and top with 2 to 3 pieces of fried chicken. Serve with maple syrup on the side for drizzling.
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