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Chicken & Waffles

Soul Food Chicken & Waffles

1 hourIntermediateServes 4

Chicken and waffles is one of those magical combinations that just makes sense once you taste it. Sweet meets savory, crispy meets fluffy, and somehow it all comes together in perfect harmony. This dish has such a beautiful history in our community—from late-night jazz clubs to Sunday brunches, it's always been about bringing people together over something special. There's something so joyful about cutting into that perfectly crispy chicken, letting the syrup mingle with those fluffy waffle squares, and taking that first incredible bite. It's comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • • 8 chicken tenders or thighs
  • • 2 cups buttermilk
  • • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • • 2 tsp paprika
  • • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • • 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • • 2 tsp salt
  • • 1 tsp black pepper
  • • Oil for frying

For the Waffles:

  • • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • • 2 tbsp sugar
  • • 2 tsp baking powder
  • • 1 tsp salt
  • • 2 large eggs, separated
  • • 1 3/4 cups milk
  • • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • • Maple syrup and butter for serving

Instructions

  1. 1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator for best flavor.
  2. 2. For waffles: Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.
  3. 3. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Combine wet and dry waffle ingredients, then gently fold in egg whites for extra fluffiness.
  4. 4. Heat waffle iron and cook waffles according to manufacturer instructions until golden brown. Keep warm in oven at 200°F.
  5. 5. For chicken: Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
  6. 6. Heat oil to 350°F in a large pot or deep fryer. Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in seasoned flour mixture.
  7. 7. Fry chicken pieces for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  8. 8. Drain on paper towels or wire rack. Season immediately with a pinch of salt while hot.
  9. 9. Serve hot chicken over warm waffles with butter and maple syrup.
  10. 10. For extra indulgence, drizzle with honey butter or add a dash of hot sauce for those who like it spicy!

Bre's Pro Tips

  • • Buttermilk marinade makes the chicken incredibly tender
  • • Folding in beaten egg whites creates the fluffiest waffles
  • • Keep waffles warm in a low oven while frying chicken
  • • Try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the waffle batter for warmth
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