SOUTHERN-STYLE CHICKEN AND WAFFLES

Savor the Southern Charm: Chicken and Waffles Recipe

Chicken and waffles, a quintessential Southern comfort food, offers the perfect harmony of savory and sweet flavors. This beloved dish brings together crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup. Whether enjoyed for brunch, lunch, or dinner, chicken and waffles never fail to delight the taste buds and warm the soul. Let’s embark on a culinary journey to recreate this Southern classic in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into long strips
• 3 cups buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons Tabasco hot sauce
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Canola oil
• 2 cups Bisquick mix
• 1⅓ cups milk
• 1 egg, beaten.
• Nonstick spray
• Maple syrup

Instructions

Marinating the Chicken:

1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and Tabasco hot sauce. Add the chicken strips to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
2. After marinating, remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk mixture and let any excess liquid drip off.

Coating and Frying the Chicken:

1. In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Mix well to combine.
2. Dredge each chicken strip in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
3. In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat enough canola oil to submerge the chicken strips to a temperature of 350°F (175°C).
4. Carefully add the coated chicken strips to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry the chicken strips for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken strips to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Making the Waffles:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Bisquick mix, milk, and beaten egg. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined.
2. Preheat a waffle iron and lightly spray it with nonstick spray.
3. Pour the waffle batter onto the preheated waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Cook the waffles until golden brown and crispy.
4. Once cooked, remove the waffles from the iron and place them on a serving plate.

Assembling Chicken and Waffles:

1. Place a crispy fried chicken strip on top of each waffle.
2. Drizzle the assembled chicken and waffles with maple syrup, serving the remaining syrup on the side for dipping.
3. Serve hot and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

Cook Notes and Variations

• For extra crispy chicken, you can double coat the chicken strips by dipping them in the buttermilk mixture and seasoned flour mixture twice before frying.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends for the flour mixture to customize the flavor of the fried chicken. Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, or smoked paprika are all excellent options.
• If you prefer bone-in chicken, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or chicken wings instead of boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

Keto and Low Carb Versions

For those following a keto or low carb diet, here’s how to adapt this recipe:

• Substitute almond flour or coconut flour for the all-purpose flour in the seasoned flour mixture to reduce the carb content.
• Use pork rinds or crushed pork rind crumbs as a low carb alternative to the Bisquick mix for the waffles.
• Instead of marinating the chicken in buttermilk, use a mixture of heavy cream and hot sauce to coat the chicken strips before dredging them in the seasoned flour mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs if you prefer. Keep in mind that chicken breast tends to be leaner and may require less cooking time than chicken thighs.
2. Can I make the chicken and waffles in advance? While the chicken is best enjoyed fresh and crispy, you can make the waffles in advance and reheat them in a toaster or oven before serving. The chicken can be reheated in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Can I make the waffles without a waffle iron? If you don’t have a waffle iron, you can make pancakes instead of waffles using the same batter. Simply pour the batter onto a greased griddle or skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides.
4. What other toppings can I add to chicken and waffles? Chicken and waffles are incredibly versatile and can be topped with a variety of ingredients to suit your taste. Some popular toppings include melted cheese, crispy bacon, sliced avocado, or a fried egg.
5. Is there a vegetarian or vegan alternative to chicken and waffles? Yes, you can create a vegetarian or vegan version of chicken and waffles using plant-based chicken substitutes such as seitan or tofu. Simply season and prepare the plant-based “chicken” according to your preference and serve it with vegan waffles and maple syrup.

Chicken and waffles is a classic Southern dish that offers the perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. With crispy fried chicken, fluffy waffles, and a drizzle of maple syrup, this dish is a celebration of comfort food at its finest. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, chicken and waffles never fail to satisfy and delight. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and prepare to indulge in a taste of Southern hospitality with this irresistible recipe.