Elevate Your Chicken and Waffles Game: Affordable, Delicious, and Unique

Chicken and waffles is a classic dish, beloved across the U.S., especially in the southern states. While this combination is often seen as a luxury brunch item, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Let’s make a version that’s affordable, easy to prepare, and uniquely delicious.

Key Takeaway: Affordable and Delicious Chicken and Waffles

You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy gourmet chicken and waffles. With a few tweaks and creative techniques, you can create a mouthwatering dish that rivals any restaurant offering, right in your kitchen.

The Challenge: Making Chicken and Waffles Cheaply

Creating this dish cheaply can be tricky, especially without a waffle iron. But don’t worry—we’ve got some alternatives that will still give you that crispy, delicious experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Waffle Batter:

• Dry Ingredients:
• 2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (24g) white sugar
• ½ teaspoon (2g) fine sea salt
• 1 tablespoon (10g) baking powder
• Wet Ingredients:
• 2 whole eggs
• ½ cup (102g) vegetable oil
• 1¾ cups (415ml) whole milk

For the Fried Chicken:

• Marinade:
• 1½ cups (350ml) buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons (32g) pickle juice (optional)
• 2 teaspoons (5g) paprika
• 2 teaspoons (7g) kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon (6g) MSG (optional)
• Dredge:
• 2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons (7g) salt
• 1 tablespoon (30g) garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon (2g) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon (3g) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (2g) celery powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon (6g) MSG (optional)
• Frying Oil:
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Optional Nashville Hot Oil:

• 1 tablespoon (15g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons (7g) kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons (5g) paprika
• 1 tablespoon (13g) garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons (30g) cayenne powder
• ½ teaspoon (5g) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon (5g) MSG (optional)
• 1 cup (240ml) hot oil (from the fryer)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Waffle Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the vegetable oil and milk, whisking until smooth.
3. Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing until you get a smooth batter. Add a touch of salt if needed.

2. Cooking the Waffles (Without a Waffle Iron)

• Grill Pan Method:
• Heat a greased grill pan over medium heat.
• Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly. Cook until bubbles form and the edges are set, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
• Funnel Cake Waffle Method:
• Heat 6-8 quarts of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottom pot to 350°F (175°C).
• Pour the batter into a piping bag or a plastic bag with the tip cut off.
• Pipe a zigzag pattern into the hot oil. Fry until golden and crisp, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on a wire rack.

3. Preparing the Fried Chicken

1. In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk, pickle juice, paprika, salt, and MSG. Add the chicken drumsticks, tossing to coat. Set aside.
2. In another large bowl, mix the dredge ingredients: flour, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, celery powder, and MSG.
3. Heat the oil in the same pot used for the waffles to 350°F (175°C).
4. Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture, making sure to press the flour into every crevice.
5. Fry the chicken in batches, maintaining the oil temperature at 310-325°F (155-165°C). Cook for 5-8 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Drain on a wire rack.

4. Optional: Nashville Hot Oil

1. Mix the dry ingredients in a medium bowl.
2. Carefully add 1 cup of hot oil from the fryer, whisking until combined.
3. Dip the fried chicken into the hot oil, ensuring even coating. Drain on a wire rack.

Serving Suggestions

• Place a waffle or funnel cake waffle on a plate.
• Top with crispy fried chicken.
• Drizzle with maple syrup or honey.
• Add a pat of butter if desired.

Conclusion: Affordable Gourmet at Home

Making chicken and waffles at home doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. By following these steps, you can enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without the high price tag. Experiment with different toppings and variations to make this dish truly your own. Happy cooking!