Welcome to a culinary journey that transforms your mealtime into an unforgettable experience: Fried Chicken and Waffles with Apple Butter & Kale Slaw. This delightful dish perfectly marries the crispy, savory goodness of expertly fried chicken with the comforting fluffiness of golden waffles. But we don’t stop there; a rich, sweet apple butter and a vibrant, tangy kale slaw elevate this classic combination, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that tantalize the palate. Whether you’re planning a luxurious breakfast, an indulgent brunch, or a hearty dinner, this recipe promises a truly memorable and satisfying meal. It’s a dish that speaks to the soul, combining homestyle comfort with sophisticated flair, making it an absolute must-try for any food enthusiast seeking to impress or simply enjoy a fantastic meal.
Today is a truly special occasion, bubbling with excitement and anticipation! We’re absolutely thrilled to throw a surprise virtual baby shower for our dear friend, Ashley, the brilliant mind behind the beloved food blog, Edible Perspective. Ashley is not just a talented food blogger; she’s an incredible human being whose passion for life shines through in everything she does. Her culinary creations are consistently inspiring, and her food photography is nothing short of breathtaking – truly “lights out amazing,” as we like to say! But beyond her undeniable skill in the kitchen and behind the lens, it’s Ashley’s infectious zest for life, her unparalleled expertise in crafting the most delightful breakfast dishes, and her wonderfully soothing charm that truly make her one of a kind. She has a unique ability to make anyone feel welcome and appreciated, both through her blog and in person. We couldn’t be happier to celebrate this wonderful milestone with her as she prepares to welcome a new bundle of joy into her life.
In honor of Ashley and her impending arrival, a collective of enthusiastic food bloggers, including myself, have banded together to orchestrate this joyous surprise. We hope you’ve arrived with a hearty appetite, because we’ve pulled out all the stops to curate the most expansive and enticing “virtual” breakfast spread you could possibly imagine! Given Ashley’s well-known adoration for all things breakfast, it was only natural to craft a menu that pays homage to her favorite meal of the day. Our virtual tables are groaning under the weight of an incredible variety of dishes, ensuring there’s something to delight every palate. From wholesome, comforting oatmeal to robust, savory egg skillets, trendy and delicious avocado toasts, and even decadent, deep-fried Nutella French toast – yes, you read that right! We’ve gathered an array of culinary delights designed to celebrate Ashley’s passion for breakfast in the most delicious way possible. (Side note to myself: I absolutely *must* try making that deep-fried Nutella French toast ASAP – it sounds heavenly!)
For my contribution to this magnificent breakfast celebration, I decided to embrace a beloved classic with a delightful twist. I prepared our much-loved recipe for Fried Chicken & Waffle Sliders, complemented by a homemade Apple Butter & refreshing Kale Slaw. While the name might sound like a mouthful, let me assure you, this dish is an absolute revelation. It’s a masterful blend of sweet and savory notes that never fails to impress and leaves everyone thoroughly satisfied. Each slider features a perfectly golden, airy waffle, serving as the ideal foundation for a tender, exceptionally flavorful piece of our famous fried chicken – a recipe we hold dear, not least because its secret lies in a subtle hint of Tabasco in the batter, providing an irresistible kick! To complete this culinary masterpiece, we often crown it with a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg, allowing that luscious, runny yolk to cascade over the chicken and waffle, adding an extra layer of richness. The vibrant kale slaw is not merely a garnish; it provides a much-needed balance, cutting through the richness with its fresh, tangy crunch, ensuring every bite is perfectly harmonious. This dish is truly a celebration of textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for any celebratory meal, especially one as joyful as a baby shower.
Happy Baby Shower, Ashley! From all of us, we send our deepest love and warmest wishes for this incredibly exciting new chapter. We are so happy for you and can’t wait to meet the newest addition to your family. We encourage everyone to dive into the full spectrum of our virtual breakfast celebration! Make sure to explore the wonderful array of breakfast shower goodies by checking out the Instagram hashtag #ediblebabybash. You’ll find a feast for your eyes and plenty of inspiration for your next breakfast or brunch spread. It’s a beautiful collection of dishes from talented bloggers, all united in celebrating our wonderful friend Ashley.
Fried Chicken and Waffles with Apple Butter & Kale Slaw Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delectable Fried Chicken and Waffles feast:
For the Crispy Fried Chicken:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more for frying, if not using a skillet)
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (for tender, juicy results)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 large egg, whisked
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco (the secret kick!)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Fluffy Waffles:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (for that perfect lift)
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Optional Garnish for Serving:
- Sunny side-up egg or poached egg
- Pure maple syrup, for drizzling
For the Sweet & Savory Apple Butter:
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter
- 1 medium apple, diced (we recommend a crisp, slightly tart variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A small pinch of salt
For the Zesty Kale Slaw:
- 2 cups kale, washed, thoroughly dried, and finely shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Preparing the Perfect Fried Chicken:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220°C). This will ensure your chicken cooks through perfectly and stays wonderfully crispy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, whisked egg, Tabasco, along with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This forms your flavorful marinade.
- Carefully place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow the chicken to marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes to absorb all the delicious flavors. For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate it in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
- In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cayenne pepper, and additional salt and pepper. This will be your dry dredge mixture.
- Add the vegetable oil to a 10-inch cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed frying pan. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers and is hot but not smoking (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C).
- Working one piece at a time, remove a chicken thigh from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken thoroughly into the flour mixture, pressing to ensure it’s fully coated. Gently shake off any loose, extra flour.
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook in batches. Cook for approximately 5 minutes on the first side, until beautifully golden brown and crispy.
- Using tongs, carefully flip the chicken pieces. Immediately transfer the skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle a little more salt over the hot chicken for enhanced flavor. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Whipping Up Fluffy Waffles:
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, large eggs, baking powder, whole milk, melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Whisk everything together until the batter is smooth and just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Once the waffle iron is hot and ready, lightly grease it if necessary. Pour about 1/4 cup of the waffle batter onto the center of the waffle iron (adjusting quantity based on your waffle iron’s size). Close the lid.
- Cook until the waffle iron indicates it’s ready, or until the waffle is golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully lift the lid and remove the cooked waffle. Place it on a baking sheet and transfer it to a 250-degree Fahrenheit (120°C) oven to keep warm while you cook the remaining waffles.
- Repeat this process until all of the waffle batter has been used, ensuring a warm batch of waffles for everyone.
Crafting the Homemade Apple Butter:
- In a food processor, combine the 1/2 stick of unsalted butter, diced apple, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Process until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice if desired.
Assembling the Zesty Kale Slaw:
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded kale, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Using clean hands, gently massage the kale for about 2-3 minutes. This process helps to tenderize the kale and allows it to absorb the flavors beautifully.
- Set the kale slaw in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the kale to soften slightly.
To assemble each incredible plate, begin by spreading a generous amount of the homemade apple butter on top of two warm, fluffy waffles. Carefully stack these waffles on a plate. Next, lovingly place a piece of your crispy fried chicken on top of the stacked waffles. For an extra touch of decadence and a beautiful presentation, you can optionally place a sunny side-up egg or a perfectly poached egg on top of the fried chicken. Finally, garnish the dish with a vibrant heap of the zesty kale slaw. Complete this culinary delight with a generous drizzle of pure maple syrup, allowing it to cascade over the chicken and waffles. Prepare for a truly unforgettable sweet and savory experience!
All images and text ©Lauren Grier for The Curious Plate
In conclusion, the enchanting combination of Fried Chicken and Waffles with Apple Butter and Kale Slaw offers a truly delightful and intricate blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. This dish is far more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that promises to create a satisfying and memorable moment with every single bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a memorable brunch, or simply indulging in a well-deserved treat, this recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and a touch of gourmet elegance that will leave everyone craving more. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any table, a true testament to the joy that good food brings.