Rosemary Chicken Tenders and Savory Waffles
Chicken and waffles may sound like an odd pairing. Until you try it, that is. The combination of crispy, juicy, salty fried chicken and fluffy, chewy, waffles (with plenty of syrup) is pure magic. The ultimate sweet-and-savory dish, chicken and waffles can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or anytime in between. Born of the soul-food tradition in Harlem, this unassuming combination has seen a bit of a renaissance as of late, with hip kitchens across the country putting their own spin on it. We have our own take, in the form of this recipe for rosemary chicken tenders with savory waffles. But first, a bit of history.
There is some debate over the exact origin of chicken and waffles. A dish consisting of pulled chicken and gravy served over waffles has been enjoyed by Pennsylvania Dutch families since the 1600s. While the basic components are similar, there is little evidence to connect this early recipe with the more famous soul-food inspired take on chicken and waffles found in many restaurants today. Typically consisting of fried chicken pieces over breakfast-style waffles, served with butter and syrup, this version has its roots in the jazz scene in Harlem, New York. In 1938, Joseph T. Wells opened Wells Supper Club, which quickly became a popular late-night spot for jazz musicians who were looking for a bite to eat after their gigs. Legend has it that Wells started serving the now-famous combination of fried chicken and waffles to cater to the musicians who had arrived too late for dinner and too early for breakfast. In its heyday, Wells was a favorite hangout of such legends as Nat King Cole and Sammy Davis Jr.
Though Wells was quite popular in its day, the dynamic duo of chicken and waffles wouldn't really hit the mainstream until a few decades later, on the other side of the country. In 1976, Harlem native Herb Hudson opened Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles in Los Angeles. Hudson had some ties to Motown, and used his influence to get his famous friends (including Nat King Cole’s daughter, Natalie) to help spread the word. His restaurant soon became a Hollywood institution. Roscoe’s remains popular with celebrities to this day, even garnering a visit from President Barack Obama in 2011.
While you can’t go wrong with traditional fried chicken and waffles, we decided to play with the formula a little. For this recipe, we’re making fried chicken tenders with a rosemary-panko breading. We pair these with savory waffles infused with pink peppercorns and shredded cheese. Never fear, though; you still get to drizzle on all the syrup you want to bring back the sweet-and-savory balance that has made chicken and waffles a classic for decades.
Chicken and Waffles Recipe
Yields 4 servings
Rosemary Chicken Tenders Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tender pieces
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Rosemary
- ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Chicken Tenders Directions:
Place 2 inches of peanut or canola oil into a large cast iron skillet. Heat to 400 degrees.
Place three small bowls in a line. Beat the two eggs in the first. Add the flour to the second. In the third bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, rosemary, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine.
Dip the chicken strips into the flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally dredge them into the seasoned panko. Carefully place the breaded pieces into the preheated oil. Fry until golden brown, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Remove to a sheet tray lined with paper towels.
Savory Pink Peppercorn Waffle Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 8 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheese of your choice
- 1 teaspoon Pink Peppercorns, ground
Savory Waffle Directions:
Whisk together the eggs, milk and melted butter in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and pink peppercorns. Whisk to combine. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Whisk to combine. Fold in the cheese. Cook according to the waffle iron manufacturer’s directions. Remove from the waffle iron. Place two waffles onto a plate and add two to three chicken tenders. Drizzle with pure maple syrup.
Share your thoughts, leave a comment