Entree: United States – New York City – Chicken and Waffles (Crispy fried chicken served alongside sweet breakfast-style waffles)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 25 min

Additional 4 hrs

Total 4 hrs 30 min

Ingredients

- 4 bone-in chicken thighs, approx. 6 oz (170 g) each
- 2 cups (480 ml) buttermilk
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) hot sauce (optional)
- 2 tsp (10 g) kosher salt, divided
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/4 cup (32 g) cornstarch
- 1 tbsp (15 g) baking powder
- 2 tsp (10 g) paprika
- 1 tsp (5 g) cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp (5 g) black pepper
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (for dredge or thinning batter as needed)
- 2 large eggs (approx. 100 g)
- Vegetable oil for deep-frying (as needed)
- For waffles: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp (14 g) baking powder
- 1/2 tsp (3 g) salt
- 2 large eggs (approx. 100 g)
- 1 3/4 cups (420 ml) milk
- 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- Unsalted butter and maple syrup for serving

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: in a bowl whisk buttermilk, hot sauce (if using) and 1 tsp (5 g) salt. Submerge chicken thighs, cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Prepare the dredge: in a large bowl combine 2 cups (250 g) flour, cornstarch, 1 tbsp (15 g) baking powder, paprika, cayenne, black pepper and remaining 1 tsp (5 g) salt. Beat eggs and 1 cup (240 ml) milk together in a separate bowl for a wet dip.
3. Heat oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Remove chicken from marinade, let excess drip off, then dredge in flour mixture, dip into the egg-milk mixture, and dredge again in the flour mixture for a double-coating. Let rest 10 minutes on a rack to set the crust.
4. Fry the chicken in batches, maintaining temperature at about 325–350°F (160–175°C), until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 12–15 minutes for bone-in thighs. Drain on a rack.
5. Make the waffles: preheat waffle iron. In a bowl whisk flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. In another bowl whisk eggs, milk, melted butter and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Cook waffles according to your waffle iron’s directions until golden and crisp.
6. Plate: place waffle on plate, top with a fried chicken thigh, a pat of butter and drizzle with warm maple syrup. Serve immediately.