Chicken & Waffles

Description:

Chicken & Waffles may sound like an odd combination, but it is a popular brunch dish throughout many parts of the US. Today, this dish is most closely associated with Soul Food and the American South, but the origins of this dish are debated and complex. The most straightforward origin story is that a variation of this dish which consisted of chicken with gravy served over waffles, was brought to Pennsylvania by German immigrants. It is probable that this dish made its way south and became a popular dish among the African-American community in the region. This is likely the point where chicken in its fried form made its way into the pairing, giving birth to the dish that so many Americans know and love today.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 pieces of southern fried chicken (see recipe)

• Maple syrup for serving

• Salted butter, for serving

Batter

(Makes 3-4 waffles)

• 1/2 cup flour (60 g)

• 1/2 tsp baking powder (3 g)

• 1 tsp sugar (6 g)

• 1/4 tsp salt (1.5 g)

• 1 egg

• 1 cup buttermilk (235 ml)

 Preparation:

Whisk together the egg & buttermilk in a bowl. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, sugar & salt. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet until a lumpy batter forms. Do not over-mix. Spoon batter into a waffle press and cook.

To serve, place the chicken & waffles on a plate and top the waffles with the maple syrup & butter.

Notes:

• A waffle press is required for this recipe - you can use frozen waffles if you choose not to make your own.