Fried Chicken on Waffles with Maple Syrup Gravy

Who would've thought that these could go so perfect together!  I absolutely loved the subtle spiciness of the chicken combined with the sweetness of the gravy.  It is a match made in heaven!  This is one of our favorite family meals.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

-vegetable or canola oil, for frying
-8 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on

-1 1/2 cups flour

-1 1/2 Tbs seasoned salt

-1 Tbs garlic powder

-2 tsp ground black pepper

-1 tsp cayenne

For the gravy:

-1/2 cup butter

-6 Tbs flour

-2 cups chicken stock

-1/2 cup brown sugar

-1 cup  pure maple syrup

-salt and pepper, to taste
For the waffles:
-2 cups flour
-1 tsp salt
-4 tsp baking powder
-2 Tbs sugar
-2 eggs, beaten
-1 1/2 cups warm milk
-1/3 cup butter, melted
-1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:

Start by making the fried chicken.

Heat oil in frying pan to medium heat.  Do not raise the temperature or your chicken will burn and not cook all the way through!

Score each thigh on both sides.

Mix flour, salt, garlic powder, pepper and cayenne in shallow dish.  Dredge scored chicken and coat well on both sides.  Add chicken to hot oil.  Cook for 10-15 minutes on each sides, or until golden brown and juices run clear.  Drain on paper towels.
As the chicken is getting happy, make the gravy.

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan.  Add the flour to form a roux.  Add chicken stock and brown sugar.  Cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens.  Add the maple syrup, salt and pepper.  Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.  Stir well and cook for about 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.

Finally, let's make the waffles.
Mix all ingredients together by hand until well blended, with no lumps.  Ladle batter into preheated waffle iron.  Cook until golden brown.
To assemble the dish, place a waffle on bottom of plate.  Place a piece of chicken on top of the waffle and top with delicious gravy.  Serve hot and enjoy!