I had never eaten chicken and waffles until I moved to Southern California. To be honest, breakfast was a clear division of sweets and savories. I did NOT want my bacon and eggs in my syrup! Once we relocated, I was obligated to try Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles. I mean, this is a little slice of Americana right here in Pasadena, CA! Soul food served up on perfectly light and golden waffle. The legendary flavor of this classic fried chicken kissed by the golden maple syrup… It’s food of the freaking gods I tell you!

I have thought about doing some sort of spin on the dish, but didn’t want to replicate it. Because seriously, I would just be setting myself up for failure! So, I found myself with a pound of chicken breast tenders and decided to bring this idea to fruition. What I ended up with was fantastic and will be served as an appetizer for parties to come! Let’s do this!

You will need the following:

• 1lb chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
• 1 recipe for waffles. I used bisquick it made 4 large waffles, but let’s be real, if your busy use frozen! Pop that shit in the toaster and handle your business!
• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1 heaping Tbsp. sea salt
• 1 heaping Tbsp. ground pepper
• 1 heaping Tbsp. paprika
• 1 heaping Tbsp. garlic powder
• vegetable oil for frying

Directions:

1. Mix flour and spices in a medium bowl and toss in raw chicken pieces until evenly coated.
2. Heat oil in a large deep skillet over a medium high heat. If you have a deep fryer, use that method if you like!
3. Add coated chicken to hot oil and fry until crispy and golden on all sides.
4. Make waffles and cut them into pieces that are about two bites each.
5. Next, whip butter and maple syrup together until smooth. Slather generously onto waffle pieces.
6. Top each waffle piece with a chicken bite and hold together with a toothpick.

We ate these hot off the fry pan and cold and frankly, there ain’t nothin’ wrong with cold fried chicken! This recipe is a winner and I hope you’ll try it at your next party. Do share it with me if you do. Swearing Mom out.