Growing up in Pennsylvania, Julian Ranallo never got the real, Southern fried chicken and waffle experience. So, the Pittsburgh-based home chef, food stylist, and photographer created his own recipe, one that captures that true, crispy fried chicken from down South. Paired with fluffy waffles and a spicy, sweet hot honey butter sauce, this recipe for chicken and waffles is of Julian’s all-time brunch favorites.
History of Chicken and Waffles
Over the years, it has definitely become associated with the South. But many say this recipe actually comes from Pennsylvania Dutch colonies across the Northeast in the 1600s. Also, surprisingly, it went all the way from Pennsylvania Dutch to jazz musicians. In the 1930’s, the Wells Supper Club in Harlem, New York became a popular spot for jazz musicians to eat chicken and waffles between dinner and breakfast in the neighborhood. When you indulge in this recipe, you’re biting into not just a savory piece of chicken but a piece of American jazz history.
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Chicken and Waffles
- Yield: Makes about 6
Description
This Chicken and Waffles recipe brings together crispy Southern-style fried chicken, fluffy golden waffles, and a sweet-spicy hot honey butter sauce. It’s a comforting brunch favorite that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
For the Southern Fried Chicken Strips:
- 3 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- Vegetable Oil for frying
- Buttermilk Brine
- 3 cups buttermilk
- 1 1/2 tbsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
For the Hot Honey Butter Sauce:
- 1/4 Cup Honey
- 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
- Pinch of Kosher Salt
For the Seasoned Flour:
- 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/3 Cup Cornstarch
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Kosher Salt
- 2 tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
For the Waffles:
- 2 Large Eggs
- 2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 3/4 Cups Whole Milk
- 1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 4 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
For the Southern Fried Chicken Strips:
- Start the night before by cutting your chicken breasts into strips and removing any unwanted fat. Then, place them in a large bowl and cover them with buttermilk.
- Add in the spices for the brine, mix together well, and cover with plastic wrap.
- Place in the refrigerator overnight.
For the Hot Honey Butter Sauce:
- Start the Hot Honey Butter Sauce by adding the honey, unsalted butter, chili powder, and salt to a small saucepot and whisking regularly.
- Bring it to a simmer for about 5 mins.
For the Seasoned Flour:
- Whisk ingredients together in mixing bowl and set aside before cooking process.
To Assemble:
- Once your chicken has sat overnight, season your flour. In a large bowl add in the flour & spices and mix well.
- In a nonstick frying pan add vegetable oil, about 1/2 inch high, and heat over medium to high heat. While your oil is heating up, start getting your waffles ready. Preheat the waffle iron, then beat the eggs in a large bowl until fluffy. Then, beat in the flour, milk, vegetable oil, sugar, baking powder, salt, and vanilla, until smooth.
- Now, take the strips of chicken from the brine, one at a time, letting the excess drip off, and place them in the bowl with the flour mixture and make sure to cover the entire chicken strip. Then, transfer them into the hot oil. Cook 4-5 in the pan at a time, about 5-6 mins on each side until golden brown. Once done, place each piece on a wire rack and repeat until all chicken strips are cooked.
- While frying the chicken strips, spray the waffle iron with nonstick spray and place scoop about 1/4 cup of waffle mix into the iron. Let cook to your desired darkness. (Golden brown takes about 4-5 mins).
- Once everything is done, stack up your waffles, top ‘em with some chicken, drizzle with the hot honey butter sauce, and enjoy!
Recipes and Photography by Julian Ranallo
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