Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe

2022-11-03

By Southern Belle Cookin'

Southern Cuisine

Main Course

Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles is a classic Southern recipe that combines sweet and savory flavors. 

From Heart and Home to Nation-Wide Fame

A traditional southern main course that originated in the United States. However, its precise origins are difficult to trace, as various regions of the southern United States lay claim to the dish. 

The Harlem Connection vs. The Pennsylvania Dutch Theory

One popular theory is that chicken and waffles originated in the African American community of the southern United States, particularly in the city of Harlem in New York City during the 1930s. Another theory holds that the dish was a creation of Pennsylvania Dutch immigrants, who combined fried chicken with waffles as a Sunday morning breakfast dish. 

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

The dish typically features crispy fried chicken served on top of a fluffy waffle, with a drizzle of syrup or hot sauce added for flavor. Chicken and waffles is a dish that has evolved over time and can now be found in many different variations. Some versions of the dish use boneless chicken breasts or tenders instead of traditional fried chicken, while others use different types of waffles, such as sweet potato or cornmeal waffles.

Pitfalls on Chicken and Waffles 

 Frying the chicken: Fried chicken is a staple in Southern cuisine, but achieving the perfect crispy exterior while keeping the meat moist and flavorful can be a challenge. It's important to season the chicken with salt, pepper, and other spices to enhance the flavor before coating it in flour and an egg wash. Frying the chicken in hot oil until it's golden brown and cooked through can create a delicious and satisfying texture.

 Waffle consistency: Just like with any type of waffle, getting the consistency of Chicken and Waffles main carbohydrate component can be challenging. Achieving a crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy and tender interior can be achieved through the proper mixing and using the right amount of ingredients.

 Pairing flavors: The combination of savory fried chicken and sweet syrupy waffles can be tricky to balance. The flavors and textures need to complement each other in a complementary way to make a stunning dish. Experimenting with spicy and savory seasonings and different types of syrup can help to find the right flavor balance.

 Plating: Plating and serving can also be challenging, as the dish is quite filling and can easily become messy. It’s important to cut up the chicken into more manageable pieces and choosing a waffle shape that can hold the chicken easier. Plating with a drizzle of syrup and a garnish of fresh herbs for a balanced look. Serving hot can also be crucial to achieve an ideal meal.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb chicken wings

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp paprika

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 egg

• 1 cup milk

• Vegetable oil

• 1 package frozen waffles

• Butter and maple syrup

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

2. In another bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.

3. Dip the chicken wings into the egg mixture, then coat in the flour mixture.

4. Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Fry the chicken wings in batches for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

5. Prepare the frozen waffles according to package instructions.

6. Serve the chicken wings on top of the waffles with butter and maple syrup.

Preparation Time 20 min

Cook Time 30 min

Total time 50 min

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 710

Fat: 43 g

Saturated Fat: 11 g

Carbohydrates: 49 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 8 g

Protein: 29 g

Regional Ingredients Variations of Chicken and Waffles

Kentucky, they may use fried chicken breast on top of a Belgian waffle and drizzle with bourbon syrup, creating a dish known as "Kentucky Fried Chicken and Waffles".

Georgia, they may marinate the chicken in buttermilk and seasonings before frying and serve with a sweet peach compote on top of a homemade waffle, creating a dish known as "Georgia Peach Chicken and Waffles".

Pennsylvania, they may use gravy and shredded chicken on top of a crispy waffle, creating a dish known as "Amish Chicken and Waffles".

California, they may use an Asian-inspired twist on the dish, using a Korean-style fried chicken and serving it with a green onion waffle and a drizzle of spicy honey, creating a dish known as "Korean Fried Chicken and Waffles".

New York, they may use a healthier version of the dish, using grilled chicken with a kale and apple slaw on top of a whole-wheat waffle, creating a dish known as "Healthy Chicken and Waffles".

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