Ingredients:

  • 1.4kg (3 lbs) bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces
  • 950ml (4 cups) buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 500g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Vegetable or peanut oil, for frying (approx. 1.9L/2 quarts)
  • 310g (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 4 tbsp sugar
  • 4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 475ml (2 cups) milk
  • 115g (1/2 cup/1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Maple syrup, hot sauce, honey
  • Fresh fruit (berries, peaches)
  • Whipped cream

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined.
  3. In a large ziplock bag or bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Remove chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure it adheres well. Let the dredged chicken rest for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Heat vegetable or peanut oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 160°C (325°F). Carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Remove chicken from the oil and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
  5. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pour the appropriate amount of batter onto the hot waffle iron. Cook until golden brown and crisp, following the waffle iron's instructions.
  6. Place a waffle on a plate. Top with a piece or two of fried chicken. Drizzle with maple syrup, hot sauce, honey, or your favourite toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles!