Fried Chicken & Waffles from Yardbird features crispy, golden-brown buttermilk fried chicken atop fluffy, buttery waffles, drizzled with sweet maple syrup for a delicious blend of savory and sweet flavors.
Equipments
- Deep fryer or heavy-duty pot
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Sheet pan with wire rack
- Meat thermometer
- Waffle maker
- Ladle or measuring cup (for waffle batter)
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Cooling rack
- Saucepan (for warming syrup)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- For the Fried Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Serving:
- Butter
- Maple syrup
Using buttermilk to marinate the chicken is crucial as it tenderizes the meat and enhances flavor, while the blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, and onion powders creates a balanced seasoning. Choose vegetable oil with a high smoke point for frying to achieve the chicken's signature crispy, golden-brown crust without burning. For the waffles, using whole milk and melted unsalted butter adds richness and moisture, ensuring they remain fluffy and buttery. Precise measurement of leavening agents like baking powder helps the waffles rise properly, producing the ideal texture. Your copycat Fried Chicken & Waffles from Yardbird will deliver the perfect harmony of savory, crispy chicken and sweet, fluffy waffles drizzled with pure maple syrup.
Instructions
- Cut whole chicken into pieces using chef’s knife and cutting board.
- In a large mixing bowl, marinate chicken in buttermilk; cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge each piece in seasoned flour, pressing to adhere.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer or heavy-duty pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken pieces in batches, turning with tongs, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on meat thermometer.
- Transfer fried chicken to sheet pan with wire rack to drain and keep crisp.
- Preheat waffle maker.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for waffles.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then whisk in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry waffle ingredients; mix until just combined.
- Ladle or pour batter into preheated waffle maker; cook according to manufacturer’s instructions until waffles are golden brown.
- Warm maple syrup in a saucepan.
- Place waffles on plates. Top each with fried chicken pieces.
- Add butter and drizzle with warmed maple syrup.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Yardbird's Fried Chicken & Waffles copycat menu captures the perfect harmony of crispy, seasoned buttermilk fried chicken paired with fluffy waffles drizzled in sweet maple syrup. If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute with plain yogurt or milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to maintain the tenderizing effect. To achieve crispy chicken without a deep fryer, use a heavy-duty pot filled with vegetable oil and monitor the temperature carefully using a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or burning. When making waffles, whole milk can be replaced with any milk alternative, but keep in mind it may slightly alter the texture and flavor. Use your preferred maple syrup or honey as the finishing drizzle for a personalized touch.
Tips
When frying chicken, maintain the oil temperature at a steady 350degF (175degC) to ensure even cooking and crispy texture while preventing greasy results. Use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC), ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat. For your waffles, avoid overmixing the batter to keep them light and fluffy, and preheat your waffle maker thoroughly to achieve a golden-brown crust. Allow fried chicken to rest on a wire rack after frying to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness before serving with the waffles and warm maple syrup.
Nutritions
Fried Chicken & Waffles from Yardbird provides a hearty balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, with the fried chicken offering a rich source of protein essential for muscle repair and growth. The buttermilk marinade adds some probiotics and calcium, while the buttery waffles contribute carbohydrates for energy and fat for satiety. Maple syrup adds natural sugars, which supply quick energy but should be consumed in moderation due to its high glycemic index. Your meal also contains spices like paprika and cayenne pepper that can boost metabolism and add antioxidants.
Storage
To keep Your fried chicken crispy, store it in an airtight container lined with paper towels at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate the chicken separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in an oven at 375degF (190degC) to restore crispiness. Waffles can be stored in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month before reheating in a toaster or oven.
Variation or Alternatives
Try substituting chicken thighs or drumsticks for whole chicken pieces to increase juiciness, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for safety. For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a blend of rice flour and cornstarch in the dredging mixture and waffle batter. Experiment with infusing your buttermilk marinade with hot sauce or herbs like thyme to elevate flavor depth. When cooking waffles, avoid overmixing the batter to maintain lightness and fluffiness in the final texture.
Allergies
Fried Chicken & Waffles from Yardbird contains common allergens such as wheat (all-purpose flour) and dairy (buttermilk, whole milk, unsalted butter) which may trigger reactions in individuals with gluten or lactose intolerance. The presence of eggs in the waffle batter can also cause allergic responses for those with egg allergies. If you have sensitivities to any of these ingredients, it's important to inform your server or consider alternative options.
Why this recipe?
Yardbird's Fried Chicken & Waffles menu stands out for its perfectly crispy, juicy chicken paired with fluffy, golden waffles, creating a harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors. The dish's unique combination of Southern comfort food and innovative seasoning makes it a favorite among food enthusiasts. Crafting a copycat version allows you to recreate this iconic culinary experience at home, capturing the irresistible texture and taste that define Yardbird's signature dish. Your homemade version can be customized to suit your flavor preferences, making it a rewarding and delicious cooking project.