Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles is a classic comfort food pairing that combines the savory, crispy goodness of fried chicken with the sweet, fluffy delight of waffles. This dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for brunch or dinner. The fried chicken is marinated in buttermilk to ensure it’s juicy and tender, then coated in a spiced flour mixture and fried to golden perfection. Paired with light, buttery waffles and drizzled with maple syrup, this dish provides a delightful contrast of sweet and savory that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
For the Fried Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving:
- Maple syrup
- Butter
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to marinate.
- Prepare the Chicken Coating:
- In a large, shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 10-12 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Make the Waffles:
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and then whisk in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (a few lumps are okay).
- Pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions until golden brown.
- Serve:
- Plate the waffles and top with a piece of fried chicken.
- Drizzle with maple syrup and add a pat of butter if desired.
Enjoy your Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles, a perfect combination of sweet and savory that’s sure to delight your taste buds!
