Chicken and Waffles Recipe: A Classic Dish Reimagined
This recipe will guide you through making delicious chicken and waffles, a beloved brunch classic. We'll cover everything from the perfect crispy chicken to fluffy, golden waffles. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For Serving (Optional):
- Maple syrup
- Butter
- Fruit (berries, bananas)
Instructions:
Making the Chicken:
- Prepare the chicken: In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken: Dip each chicken piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Create the batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and buttermilk.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each floured chicken piece into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then, dredge it back into the flour mixture for a double coating. This helps create extra crispy chicken.
- Fry the chicken: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain the chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Making the Waffles:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
- Combine wet and dry: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix. A few lumps are okay.
- Cook the waffles: Heat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron, following the manufacturer's instructions for the amount of batter to use.
- Cook until golden: Cook until golden brown and crispy, usually about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve immediately: Serve the waffles warm and crispy.
Assembling the Dish:
Place a crispy chicken piece on top of each waffle. Drizzle generously with maple syrup and add a pat of butter. Garnish with your favorite fruits for an extra touch of deliciousness.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When frying the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Let the chicken rest: After frying the chicken, let it rest on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer sweeter waffles, add a bit more sugar to the batter.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings, such as whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
This recipe provides a foundational approach to making chicken and waffles. Feel free to adapt it to your own preferences and enjoy this classic dish! Remember to use high-quality ingredients for the best results. Enjoy!
