Description
A classic Southern dish featuring crispy fried chicken thighs served atop fluffy buttermilk waffles, drizzled with warm cinnamon maple syrup for a perfect sweet and savory combination.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Brine
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce or pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Fried Chicken
- 6 chicken thighs
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups to fill 2 inches in pan)
Flour Coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Buttermilk Waffles
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Maple Syrup
- 1 cup real maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the brine: In a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon Kosher salt, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons paprika, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir in the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce or pickle juice until fully mixed.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the buttermilk brine, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Prepare the flour coating: In a large brown paper bag or resealable freezer bag, mix together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons paprika, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Remove chicken pieces one at a time from the brine, shaking off excess liquid. Place 3 to 4 pieces in the flour mixture bag and shake well to evenly coat both sides. Set aside coated chicken.
- Heat oil and fry chicken: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry 3 to 4 chicken pieces at a time without overcrowding the pan. Cook bone-in chicken thighs for 10 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the crust is golden and crispy. Adjust time if using boneless chicken to 6 to 7 minutes per side. Drain cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate and let rest for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Make the waffles: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and melted butter until combined. Add flour, baking powder, and Kosher salt, and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing. Preheat the waffle iron and spray with nonstick spray. Pour about ¾ cup of batter per waffle and cook until golden and cooked through. Repeat for remaining batter.
- Prepare cinnamon maple syrup: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine maple syrup, butter, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until butter is melted and syrup is warm and fragrant.
- Assemble and serve: Place fried chicken pieces on top of warm waffles and drizzle generously with cinnamon maple syrup. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of savory chicken and sweet waffles.
Notes
- Remove chicken from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before frying to ensure it is not cold; frying cold chicken can lead to uneven cooking.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to avoid burning the crust or undercooking the inside.
- Do not overmix waffle batter; mix just until ingredients are combined for tender waffles.
- Spray waffle iron with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy waffle removal.
- Cook the waffles right after frying the chicken to allow the chicken to rest while the waffles cook—they reheat quickly.
- Optional: Add chocolate chips or shredded cheddar cheese to waffle batter for creative twists.
- Serve the dish warm with plenty of maple syrup for best flavor.
