Chicken and waffles is a classic Southern food pairing that combines crispy, savory fried chicken with sweet, fluffy waffles. While it may seem like an unusual combination, the sweet and salty flavors actually complement each other quite well. Here’s a closer look at the history of chicken and waffles and whether this dish really works.
The History of Chicken and Waffles
Chicken and waffles likely originated in the late 1800s in restaurants and diners that catered to African American communities in the South. One theory is that chicken and waffles emerged as a hearty, late-night meal for jazz musicians and club goers. The dish allowed musicians to get both dinner and breakfast in one sitting after performing late into the night.
Another theory is that chicken and waffles was created by African American farmworkers in the South who were served waffles and fried chicken as two separate parts of their meal. At some point, someone combined the two sides onto one plate, discovering how well the flavors complemented each other.
The dish gained mainstream popularity and recognition when restaurants like Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles in Los Angeles began serving it in the 1970s. Today, chicken and waffles is served in soul food restaurants and diners across the country.
Do Chicken and Waffles Go Well Together?
At first glance, chicken and waffles may seem like an odd pairing. Fried chicken is savory, crunchy, and salty. Waffles are sweet, soft, and syrupy. But when combined, the salty chicken balances out the sweetness of the waffle. The textures also complement each other, with the crunch of the fried chicken contrasting nicely with the fluffy waffle.
Here are some of the key reasons why chicken and waffles work so well together:
- The salty and savory flavors of the fried chicken balance out the sweet flavors of maple syrup and waffles.
- Crispy fried chicken provides crunch and richness, contrasting with the soft, fluffy texture of the waffle.
- Chicken and waffles provide a satisfying blend of breakfast and dinner on one plate.
- The combo includes a variety of flavors (sweet, salty, savory) and textures (crunchy, soft, fluffy).
- Maple syrup ties everything together, complementing both the chicken and the waffle.
Popular Styles of Chicken and Waffles
While the classic soul food version features fried chicken served alongside a waffle doused in syrup, there are a few popular regional variations:
- Southern style: Buttermilk fried chicken is served with a large, fluffy waffle and drizzled with maple syrup or honey.
- Pennsylvania Dutch style: Chicken is coated in flour and spices and pan-fried. Waffles are thin and crispy.
- Belgian style: Chicken is cooked Southern style while the waffle is thick and crispy Belgian-style.
Some other creative recipes include Nashville hot chicken and waffles featuring spicy fried chicken or chicken and carrot cake waffles with cinnamon and walnuts in the batter.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Waffles
To get the right balance of flavors and textures in chicken and waffles, keep these tips in mind:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for moist, flavorful meat that stays crisp.
- Brine chicken for added juiciness before coating in seasoned flour and frying.
- Make waffles from scratch for maximum fluffiness. Yeasted waffle batter works best.
- Use real maple syrup instead of pancake syrup for better flavor.
- Serve chicken on top of the waffle so it stays crispy.
- Add hot sauce, honey butter or fruit compotes for more flavor options.
Health Benefits of Chicken and Waffles
While fried chicken and waffles are a high-calorie combination, there are some potential health benefits to this soul food dish:
- Protein from chicken: A 4-ounce serving of fried chicken breast provides 27g protein for muscle repair and energy.
- Whole grains: Whole grain waffle batter provides more fiber, vitamins and minerals than white flour varieties.
- Boneless chicken option: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs reduces saturated fat and calories.
- Potassium: Waffles made with milk provide potassium, an essential nutrient for heart health.
To lighten up this dish, oven-bake chicken instead of frying and use reduced-sugar syrup. Multigrain or carrot cake waffles also add more nutrients.
Conclusion
Chicken and waffles may seem an unlikely pairing at first, but the combo of salty, crispy chicken with sweet, soft waffles really works. The contrasting flavors and textures complement each other beautifully. Fried chicken offers savory crunch while fluffy waffles provide a touch of sweetness, brought together with real maple syrup. This soul food favorite provides the best of breakfast and dinner in one delicious dish with some interesting regional twists across the South.