Welcome, folks, to Smoked Bros version of Nashville-style Hot Chicken and Waffles Sandwich! This recipe is sure to impress your dinner guests with its perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. For the waffles, we'll be using a tender and slightly sweet batter to complement the spicy chicken. And for the chicken, we'll be making it insanely crunchy on the outside with a slightly sticky, spicy glaze that will leave your taste buds dancing.
*In this recipe we will provide you with directions on air frying and pan frying techniques.
The History of Chicken and Waffles
Today, we're going to talk about one of America's most iconic and delicious dishes: chicken and waffles.
Now, the exact origins of this dish are shrouded in mystery and debate, but we do know that it has its roots in the southern United States, particularly in African American communities. The dish was first created in the late 19th or early 20th century, and it quickly became a favorite among its devotees.
One theory suggests that the dish was born out of necessity. African American cooks who worked in private homes in the South would often use leftover fried chicken batter to make waffles for themselves. Over time, these two dishes were combined into one delicious meal.
Another theory suggests that chicken and waffles became popular in African American neighborhoods in Harlem, New York, in the early 1900s. Late-night restaurants and jazz clubs in the area would serve the dish, and it quickly became a favorite of musicians and other patrons.
Regardless of its origins, chicken and waffles have become an iconic dish in the United States. In fact, it's been featured on numerous cooking shows and food blogs, and it's a staple of soul food restaurants and diners throughout the country.
Now, you might be wondering why this combination of chicken and waffles works so well together. Well, the crispy, salty chicken pairs perfectly with the sweet, fluffy waffles. It's a perfect balance of flavors and textures that has made this dish an American classic.
So there you have it, folks: the delicious and fascinating history of chicken and waffles. If you haven't tried this dish yet, I highly recommend that you do. And if you're feeling adventurous, why not try making it at home? It's easier than you might think, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Six Tips to Elevate your Chicken and Waffles Game.
If you're looking to take your chicken and waffles to the next level, here are some tips to help you elevate your dish:
Use high-quality ingredients: To make the best chicken and waffles, it's important to use high-quality ingredients. Choose fresh chicken and high-quality waffle mix or make your own from scratch.
Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken before you fry it can add extra flavor to the dish. You can use a simple marinade of buttermilk, hot sauce, and spices, or get creative with your own recipe.
Fry the chicken to perfection: To get perfectly crispy chicken, make sure you heat your oil to the right temperature and don't overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches, and drain it on a wire rack to keep it crispy.
Add some spice: If you like your food spicy, consider adding some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to your chicken breading. This will give your dish an extra kick and take it to the next level.
Top it off: To really elevate your chicken and waffles, consider adding some interesting toppings. Some popular options include maple syrup, honey, hot sauce, Pecan Recon, and even bacon.
Play with presentation: You can make your dish look more elegant and appealing by playing with presentation. Try stacking your chicken and waffles, adding some fresh herbs, or serving it on a colorful plate.
By following these tips, you can take your chicken and waffles from a classic comfort food to a gourmet meal that's sure to impress.
Chicken and Waffles Ingredients:
For the waffles:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cooking spray
For the chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 tablespoons Smoked Bros Gun Run
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
1 tablespoon hot sauce (Optional)*
Vegetable oil for frying
For the maple butter sauce:
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon Smoked Bros Gun Run
Salt to taste
Air Fryer Directions:
1. For the waffles, preheat waffle iron. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, whisking until just combined.
2. Spray waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour batter onto waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer's instructions. Repeat until all batter is used.
3. For the chicken, preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F. In a shallow dish, whisk together all dry ingredients. In a separate dish, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. Dip chicken thighs in buttermilk mixture, then dredge in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Spray air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place chicken thighs in the basket and spray with cooking spray. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and crispy.
5. For the maple butter sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste.
6. To assemble the sandwich, place a waffle on a plate, top with all the fixin's.
Pan Frying Directions:
1. For the waffles, preheat waffle iron. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, whisking until just combined.
2. Spray waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour batter onto waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer's instructions. Repeat until all batter is used.
3. For the chicken, In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot. In a shallow dish, whisk together all dry ingredients. In a separate dish, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. Dip chicken thighs in buttermilk mixture, then dredge in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
4. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
5. For the maple butter sauce, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste.
6. To assemble the sandwich, place a waffle on a plate, top with all the fixin's.
About Us
Offering Veteran Spices and BBQ Rubs, Smoked Bros is a SOF veteran-owned spices & seasoning company serving craft flavors to people who love the All-America pastime of BBQ. We develop our kinetic flavor profiles with the same surgical precision as our military missions, defending the greatest country on the planet.
At Smoked Bros, we use the highest quality ingredients ethically sourced from around the globe and deliver them to your front door. The quality of our craft seasonings at our price point is unmatched.
Here at Smoked Bros, we are committed to delivering the highest quality ingredients ethically sourced from around the globe. We give back to America’s warfighters, first responders, and underserved communities with every purchase.
