It's no secret that chicken is one of the most popular foods in America, cooked and served in many different ways (including baking, frying, grilling, and more). Most often eaten during lunch or dinner, chicken can appear between two pieces of bread, still on the bone, or baked into a casserole. For breakfast, many individuals enjoy pouring sticky maple syrup over some tasty waffles to help energize them for the day ahead. It seems strange to picture a world without these two staples of the American diet, and it may seem strange to combine the two dishes into one—but there was once a world without the waffle, and chicken and waffles have now been combined to create a delicious mashup:

The Sweet Origin of Waffles

Believe it or not, there was a period of time where the waffle didn't exist! If you've ever tasted the thin communion wafers used in many churches to this day, you've experienced the ancient cousin of the waffle. In the Middle Ages, secular bakeries began adding to the growing demand for the wafers, eventually growing the design and thickness into another product entirely—the fluffy waffle! As the love for the food grew throughout the world and made its way to America, founding father Thomas Jefferson caught onto the delicious meal and started a craving throughout the nation. The addiction to waffles became so large in America that many individuals even hosted waffle parties for their friends and family to enjoy.

Combining Sweet and Savory

As the years progressed and both waffles and chicken became more popular items on the common American menu, a restaurant in New York called Wells Supper Club opened in 1938. Deciding to try something new that no one else had ever tried before, Wells Supper Club placed a fried chicken breast atop a fluffy waffle before pouring maple syrup over the entire thing. Although some had tried combining pulled chicken and gravy with waffles, no one had yet attempted to add the sweet flavor of maple syrup. In theory, it sounds like a crazy idea that would fade into obscurity throughout the years—but those daring enough to try the combination loved it. In fact, famous individuals of the time such as Nat King Cole and Sammy Davis Jr. made the restaurant a frequent stop for their meals.

Delicious Pairing

As the years have continued to pass, the dish of chicken and waffles has not only gained steam but has become a popular mashup available in many restaurants across America. There are many different reasons that people enjoy the taste of chicken and waffles—some enjoy the sweet and the salty combination while others talk more about the crunch of the waffle and the crunch of the fried chicken being superb. Whatever the draw is for you, a plate of chicken and waffles is perfect for any occasion! Contact professional caterers today, such as those from Lucarelli's Banquet Center, to see if these items are among their offerings.