These are not-cho average chicken and waffles--you haven’t lived until you've tried this finger-friendly version of your favorite brunch dish! Crispy and succulent dark meat chicken combines with fried waffles for the classic combo, then it’s turned up with cheddar, sour cream, and scallions and a drizzle of hot maple syrup. If you thought chicken and waffles couldn’t get any better, think again.
Cook Time
50 minutes
Total Time
1 hr 50 min
Yield
8 servings
Ingredients
2 cups buttermilk (480 mL)
3 teaspoons black pepper, divided
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
1 ½ cups maple syrup (505 g)
2 tablespoons vinegar based hot sauce
2 cups canola oil (240 mL), for frying
1 ½ cups all purpose flour (185 g)
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
3 large eggs
14 frozen waffles, cut into quarters
3 oz shredded cheddar cheese (85 g)
½ cup sour cream (120 mL)
2 tablespoons scallions, chopped
Nutrition Info
Calories 959
Fat 71g
Carbs 61g
Fiber 1g
Sugar 22g
Protein 22g
How to Make It
1. Step
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Place the chicken in the buttermilk mixture and toss to coat, then cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, up to overnight.
2. Step
Make the spicy maple syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup and hot sauce. Bring to a simmer, then cook for about 5 minutes, or until fragrant. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool. Set aside until ready to serve, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
3. Step
Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot until it reaches 325°F (170°C). Line 2 baking sheets with paper towels and set nearby.
4. Step
Working in batches, fry the quartered waffles in the hot oil for about 30 seconds on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and season with salt.
5. Step
In a large bowl, combine the flour, remaining 2 teaspoons of black pepper, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs well.
6. Step
Set a wire rack inside a baking sheet.
7. Step
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and, working in batches, coat the chicken in the flour mixture, then in the eggs, then in the flour again. Place on the wire rack.
8. Step
Working in batches, fry the chicken in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown on the outside. Season with additional salt if desired. Transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain.
9. Step
Turn the oven to broil.
10. Step
Arrange the fried waffles on a baking sheet, overlapping slightly. Top with the chicken and cheddar cheese.
11. Step
Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling. Watch carefully so it does not burn.
12. Step
Drizzle the nachos with ½ cup (120 ML) of the spicy maple syrup, dollop on the sour cream, and scatter the scallions over the top. Serve with the remaining spicy maple syrup alongside