The chicken and waffle sandwich combines crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles, giving you the ultimate flavor experience. Start by marinating the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce, then coat it in seasoned flour before frying until golden brown. Assemble the sandwich by layering the chicken on a toasted waffle, topping it with coleslaw and a drizzle of spicy maple syrup. With the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, you won’t want to miss the details on making it!
Key Takeaways
- Marinate chicken thighs in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 1 hour to enhance tenderness and flavor.
- Coat marinated chicken in a seasoned flour mixture for added flavor and crunch, considering double coating for extra crispiness.
- Fry chicken in hot oil until golden brown, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Assemble the sandwich by placing crispy chicken on a toasted waffle, topped with hot honey butter and coleslaw for crunch.
- Drizzle with spicy oil mixture and extra hot sauce for balanced flavor and an added kick to the sandwich.
Recipe_
The Chicken and Waffle Sandwich is a delightful fusion of savory and sweet that has captured the hearts of food lovers everywhere. This dish features crispy chicken tenders nestled between two fluffy, golden waffles, often enhanced with a dollop of coleslaw and a drizzle of maple syrup or a hot honey butter mixture. The combination of textures and flavors—crunchy, soft, sweet, and spicy—creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for brunch or a hearty dinner.
The Chicken and Waffle Sandwich beautifully blends savory and sweet, offering a delightful experience that’s perfect for any meal.
To prepare this dish, you’ll want to start by marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor and guarantee it remains juicy during frying. While the chicken is soaking up the flavors, you can whip up the waffle batter and get your cooking station ready. This recipe is a bit involved, but the end result is definitely worth the effort.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 waffles (store-bought or homemade)
- Coleslaw (for topping)
- Maple syrup or hot honey butter (for drizzling)
Cooking Instructions
Begin by marinating the chicken thighs in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
After marinating, preheat your frying oil to 350°F. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture, guaranteeing it’s well coated.
Fry the chicken in hot oil for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked. While the chicken is frying, prepare your waffles according to package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe.
Once everything is cooked, assemble the sandwich by placing the fried chicken between two waffles, topping it with coleslaw and your choice of syrup or sauce.
Extra Tips
For the best results, verify your oil is at the correct temperature before frying; this will give you a crispy texture without greasiness.
If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount of hot sauce in the marinade. Experiment with different toppings, such as pickles or jalapeños, to customize your sandwich to your taste.
Finally, if you’re making this for a crowd, consider preparing the chicken and waffles in advance and assembling them fresh to guarantee everything is warm and crispy when served. Enjoy your delicious Chicken and Waffle Sandwich!
Cooking Steps
Start by marinating the chicken thighs in a flavorful mix of buttermilk and hot sauce for at least an hour or, ideally, overnight.
Next, prepare your waffle batter by combining waffle mix, water, egg, and oil. Cook the batter in a mini waffle maker until golden brown, keeping them warm in an oven set to 250°F (120°C).
Then, coat the marinated chicken thighs in a seasoned flour mixture of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fry the chicken in hot oil heated to 350°F (175°C) for about 4 minutes per side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C). Drain the chicken on a wire rack.
Finally, assemble your sandwich with fried chicken, coleslaw, and a drizzle of spicy maple syrup between two waffles.
Step 1. Prepare Chicken Marinade Mixture
To create a flavorful chicken marinade, combine buttermilk and hot sauce in a bowl, making certain the chicken is fully submerged. Use about 1 cup of buttermilk to 2 tablespoons of hot sauce for a balanced spicy marinade.
Let the chicken thighs marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. This soaking process allows the acidity in the buttermilk to tenderize the chicken, enhancing its juiciness and overall flavor infusion.
After marinating, you’ll have chicken that’s not just tender but also packed with flavor. The next step is essential: coat the marinated chicken in a seasoned flour mixture. This will guarantee a crispy texture when you fry it, taking your chicken and waffle sandwich to the next level!
Step 2. Coat Chicken in Seasoned Flour
Once your chicken has marinated and is ready to go, it’s time to prepare the coating that will give it that irresistible crunch.
Start by mixing all-purpose flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create your seasoned flour mixture.
Confirm your marinated chicken thighs are well-drained before dredging them in this flour mixture for an even coating.
For an extra crispy texture, consider double coating: dip the chicken back into the buttermilk after the first flour coating, then re-coat it with the flour mixture again.
This technique enhances the crunchiness as you fry the chicken.
Step 3. Fry Chicken Until Golden Brown
Heat the oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C), ensuring you achieve that perfect frying temperature.
Carefully add the coated seasoned chicken thighs to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the chicken for approximately 4 minutes on each side, allowing it to develop a beautifully crispy outer layer.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Once done, transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil, preserving that delicious crunch.
If you’re frying multiple batches, keep the chicken warm in an oven set to 250°F (120°C) until you’re ready to serve.
Enjoy your perfectly fried chicken!
Step 4. Assemble Sandwich With Waffles
Start by placing a piece of crispy fried chicken on a toasted waffle.
Next, spread a generous layer of hot honey butter over the fried chicken, adding a delightful sweetness and spice that elevates the flavor.
For an enticing crunch and invigorating contrast, add 1/4 cup of coleslaw on top of the chicken.
Drizzle 2 teaspoons of spicy maple mixture over the coleslaw to introduce another layer of bold flavor.
Finally, place a second waffle on top to complete your sandwich.
The combination of textures—the crispy chicken, creamy coleslaw, and fluffy waffles—creates a satisfying bite.
Repeat this assembly process for any remaining ingredients, and you’ll have a delicious chicken and waffle sandwich ready to enjoy!
Step 5. Add Spicy Sauce Generously
After assembling your sandwich with crispy fried chicken and waffles, it’s time to amp up the flavor with a generous application of spicy sauce.
Start by preparing a spicy oil mixture using the remaining spices and hot oil, and then brush the fried chicken generously with it. This guarantees every bite is packed with flavor.
Next, drizzle some hot honey butter over the chicken for that perfect balance of sweetness and spice. If you want an extra kick, consider adding extra hot sauce to the coleslaw.
When you assemble the sandwich, make certain to distribute the spicy sauce evenly to create a consistent flavor profile throughout.
Enjoy the deliciously spicy experience!
History
Chicken and waffles have a rich history that dates back to the 19th century, emerging primarily within the Southern United States, particularly in African American communities.
This delightful dish gained prominence in the 1930s when the Wells Supper Club in Harlem featured it, intertwining it with jazz culture. You’ll notice how the contrast of flavors and textures—savory fried chicken paired with sweet, fluffy waffles—creates a comforting meal like no other.
By the 1970s and 1980s, chicken and waffles became a staple in soul food restaurants and diners across the nation.
In the 1970s and 1980s, chicken and waffles solidified their status as a beloved staple in soul food eateries nationwide.
Today, you can find various gourmet versions and brunch offerings, proving that this classic comfort food continues to evolve while remaining beloved by many.
Final Thoughts
While many dishes come and go, the chicken and waffle sandwich stands out as a timeless comfort food that continually captivates taste buds.
This delightful combination of crispy marinated chicken thighs and homemade waffles, complemented by invigorating coleslaw, creates a unique flavor experience. The sandwich’s appeal lies in its spicy maple mixture drizzled over the chicken on a waffle, bringing together sweet and savory elements.
You can easily customize it with various toppings to suit your preference. However, keep in mind the nutritional information, as it contains approximately 1736 calories, largely due to the frying process.
Indulging in this dish makes for a satisfying meal, perfect for casual dining and sure to please everyone at the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do You Put on a Chicken and Waffle Sandwich?
When you’re thinking about what to put on a sandwich, consider adding layers of flavor and texture.
You might enjoy crispy lettuce for crunch, sliced tomatoes for freshness, or creamy avocado for richness.
If you like a kick, a drizzle of hot sauce or a spread of spicy mayo could amp up the taste.
Don’t forget to top it off with your favorite cheese for that melty goodness that ties everything together!
Is Chicken and Waffles Good Together?
When you think about unexpected pairings, chicken and waffles might surprise you. They’re a perfect blend of savory and sweet, creating a flavor explosion that just works.
You’ll find the crispy chicken complements the fluffy waffles beautifully, offering a comforting dish that satisfies cravings. Many folks love adding a drizzle of maple syrup or a kick of hot sauce, enhancing the experience even further.
Does Chick Fil a Make Chicken and Waffles?
Chick-fil-A doesn’t have a traditional chicken and waffles dish on their menu, but they do offer Chicken and Waffle Sliders during special promotions.
You can also create your own chicken and waffle experience by pairing their classic chicken sandwich with Belgian waffles.
Some locations might even serve it with syrup or honey for that sweet touch.
Does KFC Make Chicken and Waffles?
Yes, KFC does make chicken and waffles as a limited-time offering in select locations.
You’ll find crispy chicken served atop a fluffy waffle, often drizzled with maple syrup for that perfect sweet and savory balance.
However, availability can vary by region, so it’s best to check with your local KFC to see if they’re serving it.
It’s a unique indulgence worth trying if you get the chance!
Conclusion
To sum up, your chicken and waffle sandwich is not just a meal; it’s a delicious fusion of flavors that’s become a favorite across the U.S. Did you know that over 50% of Americans enjoy this unique dish at least once a year? As you bite into your crispy chicken nestled between warm, fluffy waffles, you’re not just savoring a treat—you’re partaking in a culinary tradition that brings people together. Enjoy every mouthful!
