Chicken and waffles is a classic dish that combines savory and sweet, crispy and tender in a way that captures the heart and soul of comfort food. In Chicago, this beloved pairing has evolved into a cultural and culinary icon, infusing elements of the city’s rich history, diverse communities, and passion for food. While chicken and waffles originated in the southern United States, its popularity spread across the country, becoming a staple in many soul food restaurants and eateries. Chicago, known for its deep food culture, put its own spin on this timeless dish, adding regional ingredients, flavors, and techniques.
In this article, we will delve into the origins of chicken and waffles, its rise in Chicago, and provide you with an exclusive, Chicago-style chicken and waffles recipe. This recipe focuses on the nuances that make it unique to the Windy City, while retaining the soulful essence that defines this culinary masterpiece.
The History of Chicken and Waffles
Origins in the South
The roots of chicken and waffles trace back to the 1600s in the southern United States. The concept was born out of a fusion of African, American, and European culinary traditions. Fried chicken, a staple in African American cuisine, was brought to the South by enslaved Africans, and waffles, a European dish, were a popular breakfast item among settlers. The combination of these two foods may seem unexpected, but it makes sense when viewed through the lens of soul food, which is all about comfort, nourishment, and creativity.
The Harlem Renaissance and Chicken and Waffles’ Popularity
While chicken and waffles have a Southern origin, they gained widespread recognition during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1930s. At Wells’ Supper Club, a famous Harlem establishment, late-night diners would enjoy a meal that was neither breakfast nor dinner — fried chicken and waffles. This blend of sweet and savory became iconic and contributed to the dish’s nationwide appeal.
Chicken and Waffles in Chicago
As African Americans migrated north during the Great Migration, many brought their culinary traditions with them. Chicago, with its booming industrial economy and vibrant culture, became a melting pot of southern flavors. Soul food restaurants flourished on the South Side of Chicago, where chicken and waffles became a crowd favorite. Over time, chefs in Chicago added their own spin to the dish, incorporating local ingredients and elevating it with a touch of Chicago’s distinct food identity — known for indulgence and innovation.
A Chicago Twist on Tradition
Chicago’s approach to chicken and waffles reflects the city’s dynamic culinary landscape. Here, you’ll find variations that feature spicy fried chicken inspired by the city’s love for heat (think mild to hot sauces akin to Chicago-style hot dogs), waffles infused with unique flavors like sweet corn, and syrups made with locally sourced maple or fruit compotes. While honoring the original combination of crispy fried chicken and golden waffles, Chicago chefs aren’t afraid to experiment with texture, seasoning, and presentation.
Now, let’s explore an exclusive Chicago-style chicken and waffles recipe that you can recreate in your own kitchen.
Chicago-Style Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Ingredients
For the Fried Chicken:
- 8 pieces of bone-in chicken (thighs, drumsticks, and wings work best)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional, for added heat)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup finely ground cornmeal (optional, for a Chicago twist)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
For the Maple Butter Syrup:
- 1 cup maple syrup (preferably local or Grade A)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional, for added richness)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This step helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. The cornstarch is the secret ingredient that gives the chicken an extra crispy texture.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks. Set the coated chicken aside on a wire rack to allow the coating to adhere.
Step 2: Fry the Chicken
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature, as this is crucial for achieving crispy and evenly cooked chicken.
- Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each piece for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. Keep the fried chicken warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven while you prepare the waffles.
Step 3: Make the Waffles
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cornmeal (if using). The cornmeal adds a subtle crunch and a nod to the Midwest’s corn-growing legacy.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs until they are light and frothy. Add the buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and honey (if using), and whisk until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold the batter together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
- Spray the waffle iron with nonstick spray and pour about ½ cup of batter into the center. Cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions until the waffles are golden brown and crisp. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Step 4: Maple Butter Syrup
- In a small saucepan, heat the maple syrup and butter over low heat until the butter is fully melted. Stir in the vanilla extract and bourbon (if using) and simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly before serving. This rich, buttery syrup is the perfect complement to both the chicken and the waffles.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- To serve, place a waffle on each plate and top with one or two pieces of fried chicken. Drizzle generously with the maple butter syrup, or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor, and don’t forget a side of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Chicago-Style Variations and Tips
Add a Spicy Kick
Chicagoans love their heat, so if you’re a fan of spicy food, consider making a hot honey glaze to drizzle over the fried chicken. Combine honey with your favorite hot sauce, and heat it until the mixture is warm and pourable. The sweetness of the honey complements the spicy fried chicken perfectly, giving it a complex and satisfying flavor.
Waffles with a Twist
For a more Chicago-centric version of the waffles, experiment with different mix-ins. Adding a bit of shredded sharp cheddar or a sprinkle of cooked, crumbled bacon into the waffle batter can elevate the dish to a new level of savory goodness. If you want to lean into the Midwestern love for corn, amp up the cornmeal content in your waffles to give them a heartier, more rustic texture.
Experiment with Syrups
While maple butter syrup is a classic, Chicago chefs often take creative liberties by infusing syrups with local ingredients like berries or stone fruits when they’re in season. For a more autumnal twist, you could even make an apple cider reduction by simmering apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a bit of brown sugar.
The Cultural Significance of Chicken and Waffles in Chicago
While chicken and waffles is undeniably a delicious comfort food, it also carries a deeper cultural significance, particularly in Chicago’s African American community. Soul food restaurants on the South Side are more than just places to eat—they are hubs for community gathering, culture, and heritage. These establishments often serve as living testaments to the resilience, creativity, and adaptability of African Americans who made their way to Chicago during the Great Migration, bringing their traditions, flavors, and stories along with them.
Moreover, chicken and waffles symbolizes the blending of cultures and histories. It’s a dish that refuses to be defined by traditional meal categories; it can be eaten for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, much like the people who have adapted to new places and challenges while maintaining their roots. In Chicago, chicken and waffles represents both nostalgia for the South and the innovative spirit of a city always evolving its culinary scene.
Conclusion
Chicago-style chicken and waffles is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that celebrates flavor, texture, and tradition. Whether you’re enjoying this dish in a classic soul food restaurant on the South Side or recreating it at home with your own twists, it’s bound to be a satisfying, memorable culinary adventure. With this exclusive recipe, you can capture the essence of Chicago’s love for comfort food and bring the taste of the Windy City into your kitchen.
Happy cooking!