Fried Chicken and Waffles

Instructions

1. Brine Chicken:

2. In a large bowl, mix together buttermilk and 1 Tablespoon of salt. Add the chicken pieces, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

3. Waffles:

4. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda and powder, and salt.

5. Stir the milk, sour cream, butter and egg yolks. Fold the mixture into the dry ingredients just until combined.

6. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form and fold into the batter. Do not over mix.

7. Heat the waffle iron, brush grates with melted butter. Spoon about ⅓ cup of batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook until golden, about 5 minutes. Repeat until finished.

8. Fry the Chicken:

9. In a large shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cayenne, paprika, salt, and pepper. Using tongs, take chicken from the buttermilk mixture, toss into the flour mixture. Shake off excess and place onto a wire rack to rest for 30 minutes.

10. Fill a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 3 inches of vegetable oil until it reaches 350°F. Prepare a sheet pan with paper towels, top it with a wire rack and set aside.

11. Fry chicken in batches until cooked and golden, about 6 to 8 minutes and chicken reaches an intrnal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken to prepared wire rack.

12. Add waffles to a plate, top with chicken and drizzle with maple syrup before serving.