Here is a big, comprehensive guide to a delicious and fun “Breakfast for Dinner” concept, presented as you’ve requested.
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Breakfast for Dinner: The Ultimate “Brinner” Fried Chicken and Savory Waffles
Introduction
There’s a magical meal that breaks all the rules, and its name is “Brinner.” It’s the delightful rebellion of enjoying morning classics under the cloak of twilight. And the undisputed, heavyweight champion of the brinner world is this: Fried Chicken and Waffles.
This dish is the perfect paradox. It’s a harmonious collision of sweet and salty, crispy and tender, indulgent and comforting. It’s the meal you turn to when the day has been long and only a culinary hug will do. It’s for the rebel in all of us who knows that breakfast foods aren’t just for mornings; they’re a state of mind. So, is breakfast for dinner a win or a no? It’s a resounding YAY, and this recipe is why.
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History
The origins of Chicken and Waffles are a true American story, with roots in two different culinary traditions.
· The Pennsylvania Dutch: In the 17th century, they were known for combining simple, hearty foods. They would top their waffles with pulled chicken and gravy, creating a savory, comforting meal.
· Soul Food: In the American South, particularly in Harlem, New York, during the Jazz Age, the dish took on its sweet-and-savory form. It became a late-night staple for jazz musicians and patrons who wanted a meal that felt both luxurious and satisfying after a long night of music. Places like the legendary Wells Supper Club popularized the version we know and love today: a crispy, well-seasoned piece of fried chicken served atop a classic, fluffy waffle, often finished with a drizzle of maple syrup.
It’s a dish born from ingenuity and solidified by culture, representing a perfect fusion of culinary paths.
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Benefits
· The Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s the perfect end to a stressful day. The combination of crispy, juicy chicken and soft, warm waffles triggers a powerful sense of well-being and satisfaction.
· Nutritional Balance (Sort Of): You get protein from the chicken, carbohydrates for energy from the waffles, and if you add a side of fruit, you can even sneak in some vitamins! It’s a more balanced meal than a standard burger and fries.
· Fun & Social: This is a meal meant to be shared. Put everything in the center of the table and let everyone build their own perfect bite. It’s interactive, fun, and creates a memorable dining experience.
· Mood Booster: Breaking the rules of conventional mealtimes is a small act of rebellion that can brighten your whole evening. It’s a delicious way to surprise and delight your family or roommates.
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Lovers
This dish is for the jazz lover, the soul food aficionado, the comfort-seeker, the adventurer. It’s for the kid in all of us who wished we could have pancakes for dinner. It’s for the busy parent who needs a surefire win, and for the couple having a fun, casual date night in. If you love the interplay of sweet and salty, or if you simply believe that delicious food has no time constraints, this recipe is for you.
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Formation
This recipe is broken down into three key components that come together to form the perfect plate:
1. The Chicken: Brined for juiciness, seasoned boldly, and fried to a golden-brown, shatteringly crisp perfection.
2. The Waffles: Buttermilk waffles that are light and airy on the inside with a beautifully crisp exterior, with a touch of savory flair.
3. The Assembly: The final act, where the hot waffle meets the hot chicken, and everything is anointed with a final flourish.
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The Big Recipe: Fried Chicken & Savory Buttermilk Waffles
This recipe yields 4 hearty servings.
Part 1: The Buttermilk Brined Fried Chicken
Ingredients:
· For the Brine:
· 2 cups buttermilk
· 2 large eggs
· 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank’s or Tabasco)
· 1 teaspoon salt
· 1 teaspoon black pepper
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· For the Chicken:
· 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or a mix of drumsticks and thighs)
· For the Dredge:
· 2 cups all-purpose flour
· 1/4 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
· 1 tablespoon paprika
· 1 tablespoon garlic powder
· 1 tablespoon onion powder
· 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
· 2 teaspoons salt
· 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
· For Frying:
· Peanut or vegetable oil, for frying (enough to have about 2 inches of oil in your pot)
Method:
1. Brine the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken pieces, turning to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours. The longer, the better!
2. Prepare the Dredge: In a large, shallow dish or a paper bag, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Dredge the Chicken: Remove a piece of chicken from the buttermilk brine, letting the excess drip off. Dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently so it adheres. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Repeat with all pieces. Let the chicken rest for 15-20 minutes while you heat the oil and make the waffles. This helps the coating stick.
4. Fry the Chicken: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place a few pieces of chicken in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a clean wire rack to drain and stay crispy. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Part 2: The Savory Cheddar & Chive Waffles
Ingredients:
· 2 cups all-purpose flour
· 1 tablespoon baking powder
· 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
· 1 teaspoon salt
· 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
· 2 large eggs, separated
· 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
· 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
· 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
· 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
Method:
1. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Then whisk in the buttermilk and melted butter until combined.
4. Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps. Do not overmix.
5. Whip Egg Whites: In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites, the grated cheddar, and the chopped chives into the batter until just incorporated. This makes the waffles extra light and fluffy.
6. Cook: Pour the recommended amount of batter (usually about 1/2 to 3/4 cup, depending on your iron) onto the hot waffle iron. Close and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Keep cooked waffles warm in a low oven (200°F) directly on the oven rack to keep them crisp.
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Methods & Formation: The Grand Assembly
1. The Foundation: Place a warm, crispy cheddar-chive waffle in the center of each plate.
2. The Crown: Gently place a piece of perfectly fried chicken on top of the waffle. For a more elegant presentation, you can place it slightly to the side, allowing the waffle to peek through.
3. The Finishing Touch: Drizzle generously with warm maple syrup. The slight saltiness of the cheese and chives in the waffle will perfectly balance the sweetness of the syrup, while the spicy, savory chicken provides the ultimate counterpoint.
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Nutrition (Approximate, per serving)
· Calories: 950-1150
· Protein: 45-55g
· Fat: 55-65g
· Carbohydrates: 70-80g
· Fiber: 3g
· Sugar: 10-15g (depending on syrup)
Note: This is a decadent comfort food. To lighten it up, you could use boneless, skinless chicken thighs and pan-fry them with less oil, or bake the chicken. You can also use whole wheat flour for part of the waffle recipe.
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Conclusion
So, is breakfast for dinner a win or a no? This recipe for Fried Chicken and Savory Waffles is the ultimate proof that it’s a triumphant, glorious YAY. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a delicious celebration of culinary creativity, comfort, and the simple joy of eating exactly what you want, exactly when you want it.
Go on, fire up the skillet and the waffle iron. Your new favorite dinner awaits.
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Lovers (Reprise)
…and for the lovers who made it this far, remember that the best meals are made with love and a little bit of audacity. Share this one with the people you love breaking the rules with.