“Fried Chicken Thighs with Honey Yogurt Waffles”

Breakfast is an important part of weekends for me whether I’m sharing it with friends, family, or just the husband. Seems like breakfast has become one the most wanted meals of the day. However, breakfast anytime of the day hits the spot like Fried Chicken Thighs with Honey Yogurt Waffles. Chicken and waffles can be found on numerous restaurant menus. Even better kids enjoy this delicious combination as much as adults. What’s not to love about crispy chicken and tender waffles drizzled with sweet syrup.

Fried Chicken Thighs with Honey Yogurt Waffles

I use chicken thighs in this recipe yet chicken tenderloins work really well, too. Next, combine ingredients for the marinade and refrigerate overnight. If you’re planning on making this meal on Sunday, soak the chicken Saturday overnight. Sunday morning will be a go and one marvelous breakfast on the way. My mouth is watering just thinking about the finished product. Something yummy for the tummy!

Fried Chicken Thighs with Honey Yogurt Waffles

After marinating the chicken overnight, it’s ready to fry. I like to bring chicken to room temperature because it makes it easier to shake off excess batter hence less popping when frying. Use wait time to mix up waffle batter, letting it rest 5 minutes before cooking.

Prepare waffle iron and cook waffles placing in a warm oven while you prepare remaining batter. Do the same with the chicken once fried. Now you’re ready to serve and create new memories over a fabulous breakfast or brunch. How about breakfast for dinner? Hmmm! Grab the maple syrup or honey and enjoy your weekend!

Fried Chicken Thighs with Honey Yogurt Waffles

 

Fried Chicken Thighs with Honey Yogurt Waffles

Marinade and Fry Mix:

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup Louisiana hot sauce

4 T. seasoning mix (recipe follows), divided

Peanut oil, for frying

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1/3 cup cornstarch

1 t. baking powder

Prepare marinade for chicken by combining buttermilk, hot sauce, and 2 T. seasoning mix. Pour marinade over chicken in a large bowl, massaging to coat completely and place bowl in refrigerator for at least 1 hour to 24 hours.

Remove chicken from refrigerator. In a shallow dish, mix flour, 2 T. seasoning mix, cornstarch, and baking powder and set aside.

Heat peanut oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees. Dredge chicken in flour mixture and place in fryer to cook about 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown and chicken rises to the top.

Place on paper towel for a minute the remove to a wire rack on top of a sheet pan. Keep chicken warm into 200-degree oven until all chicken is fried.

Serve on warm chicken on top of hot waffles with syrup or honey.

Fried Chicken Thighs with Honey Yogurt Waffles

Seasoning Mix:

1 T. Kosher salt

1 T. ground black pepper

1 T. cayenne pepper

1 T. garlic powder

1 T. onion powder

1 T. dried oregano

2 T. sweet paprika

Combine all ingredients for seasoning mix and store in an airtight container.

Waffle Batter:

3 T. unsalted butter, melted

1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup old-fashioned oats (do not use quick oats)

2 t. baking powder

1/4 t. baking soda

1/4 t. ground cinnamon

1/4 t. Kosher salt

1 1/4 cups milk

3/4 cup plain whole milk yogurt

1/3 cup clover honey

2 large eggs

1/2 t. pure vanilla extract

Maple syrup or honey, for serving

Heat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. Heat oven to 200-degree to keep prepared waffles warm while finishing the rest of waffles.

Melt butter and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, wheat flour. oats, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

In another bowl, mix together milk, yogurt, honey, eggs, and vanilla. Add liquid ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in butter and let sit 5 minutes.

Butter or spray waffle iron grids. Spoon about 1/2 cup batter in waffle iron to cover surface evenly. Adjust amount of batter depending on size of grids. Close lid and bake waffles until golden brown. Your waffle iron may have a built-in timer. Replace lid and cook an extra minute if not cooked to liking.

Lay waffles on rack and keep warm while you cook other waffles.

Top waffles with fried chicken and drizzle with maple syrup or honey.

 

Makes 4 to 6 servings.