Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Brine the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, for the best flavor.

2. Coat the Chicken: In a separate bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch together. Dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat evenly.

3. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

   
   

Step 2: Make the Waffles

1. Prepare the Batter: In one bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

2. Cook the Waffles: Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Cook the batter in a preheated waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions until golden and crisp.

Step 3: Make the Spicy Honey Butter Sauce

1. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, melted butter, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the spice level to your taste by adding more hot sauce or cayenne if you like it spicier.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Plate It: Place a waffle on each plate and top with a piece of fried chicken.

2. Drizzle the Sauce: Generously drizzle the spicy honey butter sauce over the chicken and waffles.

Notes:

• For extra crispy chicken, try double-dipping: first dip the chicken in buttermilk, then coat with the flour mixture, and repeat.

• Marinating the chicken overnight will give it an even deeper flavor.

• Make sure to preheat your waffle iron for the crispiest waffles.

• You can also serve these as waffle tacos by folding the waffles while they’re warm to create taco-shaped shells.