An Abridged History of Chicken and Waffles

Chicken and waffles might seem like a bizarre, even twisted combination to a traditional English mind, but it’s actually a very popular dish in the US and beyond. The combination of salty, savoury fried chicken with sweet waffles is usually served with maple syrup and hot sauce. It sounds weird, but it’s a match made in culinary heaven.

But where did this wacky mixture of foods come from? When did chefs start firing up the waffle machine and the deep fryer at the same time? This article will delve into the proper history of fried chicken and waffles, from the Pennsylvania Dutch origins all the way to established brands like Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles and beyond.

Stewed chicken and waffles from the Pennsylvania Dutch

The first recorded format of waffles and chicken came from the Pennsylvania Dutch community in the 17th and 18th centuries. Back then, it was not a fried chicken and waffles situation, with the dish being a plate of plain waffles topped with stewed chicken and gravy. This version was a Sunday dinner classic or holiday meal, still enjoyed by certain communities across the US.

The Harlem Renaissance (the birth of the fried chicken)

The version known and loved today has its origins in the African-American community of Harlem. It was seen mostly in the jazz and supper clubs of New York city in the 1930s, with musicians leaving shifts too late for dinner but too early for breakfast. Chicken and waffles became something of a compromise for musicians, as it was substantial and morning-friendly.

Wells Supper Club was one of the great Soul Food spots in Harlem, widely credited with popularising the dish across the city and beyond.

The Southern connection to chicken and waffles

It’s worth noting that the sweet-savoury combination associated with chicken and waffles was being done in Southern American states for years, albeit with different components. Balanced cooking like this has a long history, with things like biscuits and gravy, along with pancake breakfasts.

The rise of branded outlets

In 1975, Herb Hudson left Harlem for Los Angeles, and on arrival, he brought Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles to life. This restaurant has seven locations across LA and set the precedent that a chain for chicken and waffles could work, inspiring multiple other chains wither specialising or choosing to serve the dish, such as:

The presence of the dish on menus in locations like this proves that it’s a winning combination that people all over the United States have an appetite for, whether enjoying a cheeky brunch or chowing down after a few cocktails.

International renditions of chicken and waffles

In recent years, chicken and waffles have made it over the pond to the UK and other parts of Europe, with various chains and independent restaurants serving their own interpretations of the comfort meal.

It’s worth noting that most British restaurants that serve chicken and waffles do so less traditionally, usually opting for crispy tenders on top of the waffles. The classic style usually includes large wings or chicken legs on the bone, rather than boneless breast pieces generally preferred by UK audiences.

Regional food styles like this mashup meal, Texas-style barbecue, smash burgers and Detroit-style pizza have all become popular in the UK, with the rise of food influencers and online content driving the demand for meals like these.

The existence of chicken and waffles in the UK and Europe has proven that even classic, regional and culturally specific foods like this can have new lives all over the world. It begs the question: what the next speciality craze will be on our shores!