Chicken and waffles have been a staple of Southern cuisine for decades. Like many recipes, there have been hundreds of chefs, cities, and restaurants all claiming credit for the original. To explore the origins of this classic pairing, here's a brief history of the combo and some insight into how it has evolved over the years.

What Are the Origins of Chicken & Waffles?

The origins of chicken and waffles have been heavily disputed. Claims of having the original combination range from Los Angeles to Harlem. Some also claim that it originated in the southern states, but many southerners don't think it's unique to their region.

One hypothesis is that chicken and waffles started with Pennsylvania Dutch home cooks in the 1600s as a dish that came in a variety of forms with different bird meats. Others claim that this combination goes all the way back to the 1700s when Thomas Jefferson introduced the waffle iron to Americans after his adventures in France. 

On the other hand, Adrian Miller wrote that German settlers during the 19th century would make chicken and waffles, adding gravy on top. During and after the Civil War, there are also narratives from enslaved cooks that talk about frying chicken and the presence of a wafer in the kitchen.

Regardless of its original introduction, by the 1930s, chicken and waffles started showing up in various restaurants across the east and west coasts and quickly became a favorite in many parts of the U.S.

What Are Modern Twists on the Traditional Chicken & Waffles?

Some of today's more popular recipes feature extra spice. With the fluffy, sweetened batter of waffles and maple syrup, it’s easy to add a little heat to the seasoning or other toppings. Restaurant chefs will often add jalapeno butter and pepper jam to turn up the spiciness.

Coating and frying the chicken in waffle batter is another common twist on the famous dish. Whether it’s covering small chicken pieces in batter or using waffle crumbles and baking them in the oven, you still get the sweet, savory, and crunchy combination. Pair it with a maple sauce or a side of butter for a delicious meal.

If you’re looking for a delicious, handheld twist on chicken and waffles, then head on over to Chick’nCone. This St. Louis, MO, restaurant offers a unique dining experience for customers, combining their homemade waffles cones and their mouthwatering fried chicken into one. This fast, fresh, and friendly environment offers quality ingredients and excellent service at every visit. Stop in to try one of their cones, or head to their website to check out their menu or order takeout. You can also call them at (314) 449-1075 with any questions.