Perfect Fried Chicken and Waffles Recipe

Ingredients

• for the fried chicken:
• 1 ½ cups | 375 ml buttermilk
• 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup | 150 grams all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup | 33 grams cornstarch
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
• canola oil, for frying
• for the syrup:
• ¾ cup | 180 ml maple syrup
• ¼ cup | 60 ml honey
• ¼ cup | 60 ml bourbon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• for the waffles:
• 1 cup | 140 grams all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup | 55 grams granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 large egg, separated
• ¾ cup | 180 ml buttermilk
• ¼ cup | 60 ml whole milk
• 4 tablespoons | 65 grams unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method

1. Make the bourbon maple syrup: In a small saucepan, heat the syrup, honey, and bourbon, stirring, for about 3 minutes over medium heat. Add the butter, one cube at a time, mixing until fully incorporated before adding more. Set the syrup aside.
2. Fry the chicken: Mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, and paprika in a large bowl. Heat 2-inches canola oil in a large saucepan until a deep-fry thermometer reaches 350°F. Working in batches, dredge the chicken in the dry batter and fry, turning as needed, until golden and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a sheet tray fitted with a cooling rack, season with salt, and keep warm in a 250°F oven.
3. Make the waffles: Heat the waffle iron. In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
4. Using a hand mixer, beat the egg whites in a medium bowl until stiff peaks form.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the egg yolks, buttermilk, milk, melted butter, vinegar, and vanilla. Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until incorporated. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the egg whites.
6. Pour about ¾ cup of batter into each waffle mold and cook on the classic setting until golden, about 3 to 4 minutes.
7. To serve, divide the waffles among plates and top with chicken. Drizzle with the syrup and enjoy.