Chicken and Waffles with Maple Butter Sauce

Ingredients

• For the chicken: For the chicken:
• 4 chicken thighs 4 chicken thighs
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the waffles: For the waffles:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups (415ml) milk 1 3/4 cups (415ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• Cooking spray, for greasing Cooking spray, for greasing
• For the maple butter sauce: For the maple butter sauce:
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (120ml) maple syrup 1/2 cup (120ml) maple syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 780 kcal / 3264 KJ
• Fat: 48g (total), 22g (saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 62g (total), 15g (sugars)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper for the chicken.
3. 3.
   Dip each chicken thigh into the flour mixture, coating it evenly.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken thighs until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Transfer the fried chicken to a baking sheet and keep warm in the preheated oven.
5. 5.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the waffles.
6. 6.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
7. 7.
   Preheat a waffle iron and lightly grease it with cooking spray. Pour the waffle batter onto the iron and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions. Repeat with the remaining batter.
8. 8.
   For the maple butter sauce, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until well combined. Keep warm.
9. 9.
   Serve the crispy fried chicken alongside the fluffy waffles and drizzle with the maple butter sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken thighs — For extra crispy chicken, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before coating them in the flour mixture.
• Waffle batter — Be careful not to overmix the waffle batter, as it can result in dense waffles. Mix until just combined for light and fluffy waffles.
• Maple syrup — Opt for pure maple syrup for the best flavor in the maple butter sauce.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for the chicken.
• To keep the fried chicken crispy, place it on a wire rack after frying instead of directly on a plate.
• If you don't have a waffle iron, you can make pancakes instead by pouring the batter onto a hot griddle.
• Customize the maple butter sauce by adding a dash of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon for a unique twist.
• Serve the Chicken and Waffles with a side of hot sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Serving advice

Serve the Chicken and Waffles hot, with the maple butter sauce generously drizzled over the chicken and waffles. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

Arrange the crispy fried chicken thighs on a platter, with the fluffy waffles stacked alongside. Drizzle the maple butter sauce over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Sprinkle some powdered sugar over the waffles for an elegant touch.