Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or bone-in thighs), about 6 oz (170g) each
  • 4 cups (950 ml) cold water
  • 1/4 cup (50g) kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) sugar
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
  • 2 cups (480ml) vegetable oil, for frying
  • 2 cups (256g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (24g) sugar
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, separated
  • 1 ¾ cups (420ml) buttermilk
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Maple syrup, for drizzling
  • Hot sauce (optional), for drizzling
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (optional), for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Combine brine ingredients in a large bowl. Add chicken and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
  2. Whisk together flour, spices, and herbs in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, whisk together eggs and buttermilk.
  3. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly in the flour mixture again.
  4. Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add chicken and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Place fried chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
  6. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  7. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  8. In a separate bowl, whip egg whites until stiff peaks form.
  9. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Don't overmix! Fold in whipped egg whites.
  10. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions. Pour batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook until golden brown and crispy.
  11. Place a waffle on each plate, top with fried chicken, and drizzle generously with maple syrup and hot sauce (if desired). Garnish with fresh thyme, if desired.