Have you ever wondered where chicken and waffles actually comes from? This delicious combo that seems like it shouldn’t work (but definitely does) has a fascinating history that’s way more complex than most people realize. I’ve spent way too much time researching this topic, and what I found might surprise you!
Turns out, chicken and waffles isn’t as straightforward as you might think. The dish has multiple origin stories, with different regions claiming it as their own. Let’s dive into this tasty mystery and uncover the real birthplace of this beloved comfort food.
The Pennsylvania Dutch Connection: The Original Chicken and Waffles?
Many food historians believe that chicken and waffles first appeared during America’s colonial period in the 1600s in Pennsylvania Dutch country. This might shock those who assumed it was a Southern creation!
The traditional Pennsylvania Dutch version looks pretty different from what most of us picture today. Instead of crispy fried chicken, their version featured:
- Plain waffles
- Pulled, stewed chicken on top
- Covered in gravy
By the 1860s, this version of chicken and waffles had become a common Sunday dish among the Pennsylvania Dutch. It was so popular that by the end of the 19th century it became a symbol of Pennsylvania Dutch Country partly because of its association with tourism.
In fact, a 1901 memoir mentioned a tavern in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood that was famous for “suppers of spring chickens and waffles.” And get this – a 1909 Griswold’s waffle iron advertisement actually promised that with their product, “You can attend a chicken and waffle supper right at home any time you have the notion!”
Thomas Jefferson: Waffle Influencer?
Believe it or not, Thomas Jefferson played a role in the popularity of waffles in America! Waffles entered American cuisine in the 1600s with European colonists, but their popularity got a significant boost after 1789 when Jefferson purchased four waffle irons in Amsterdam.
Some food historians even suggest that the chicken and waffles combo might have originated around this time. Soul food historian Adrian Miller theorizes that enslaved Africans created an early version using rice flour batter for waffles (which would’ve been thinner and crispier than modern waffles) and served them with fried chicken and preserves as the sweet component.
The Southern Connection: Plantation Breakfasts?
While Southerners today might not want to claim chicken and waffles as their own (as NPR discovered when they called it a traditional Southern food in 2013), there is some historical evidence connecting the dish to the South.
By the 1840s, broiled chicken and waffles were the celebrated specialty at Warriner’s Tavern in Springfield, Massachusetts, owned by abolitionists “Uncle” Jeremy Warriner and his wife “Aunt” Phoebe. Prior to the Civil War, chicken and waffles were apparently extravagant breakfast staples in plantation houses throughout much of the South, prepared by well-trained cooks.
But interestingly, the combo doesn’t appear in early Southern cookbooks like Mrs. Porter’s Southern Cookery Book (1871) or What Mrs. Fisher Knows About Old Southern Cooking (1881), which was the first cookbook written by an African American. This suggests the dish might have gained its Southern association later.
The Harlem Renaissance: Jazz Age Roots
One of the most compelling origin stories for modern chicken and waffles comes from Harlem in the 1930s. The dish was served in the African-American community at places like:
- Tillie’s Chicken Shack
- Richard Wells’ jazz nightclub
- Most famously, the Wells Supper Club
The story goes that jazz musicians would finish their late-night sets – too late for dinner but too early for breakfast – and crave something that satisfied both meal cravings. Chicken and waffles was the perfect solution! This version featured fried chicken with butter and syrup on waffles.
The dish became so popular in Harlem that in 1935, trumpeter Bunny Berigan even composed a jazz instrumental titled “Chicken and Waffles”!
Roscoe’s: Hollywood’s Chicken and Waffles Connection
Chicken and waffles got a major boost in popularity when it traveled west to Los Angeles. By 1931, the dish was already being served at a restaurant called The Maryland, which marketed it as a Southern specialty.
But the real game-changer came in the 1970s, when former Harlem resident Herb Hudson opened Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles in Los Angeles. This restaurant became a Hollywood favorite, referenced in several movies and frequented by celebrities. Roscoe’s success helped spread the gospel of chicken and waffles across the country and eventually turned into a small chain.
European Immigrants Add Their Twist
There’s yet another chicken and waffles origin story involving German immigrants in the 19th century. They created their own version for Sunday dinner where they smothered the combo in gravy. This style eventually became, as Adrian Miller put it, the “gold standard of plantation hospitality.”
So… Where IS Chicken and Waffles From?
After all this research, I can confidently say that chicken and waffles isn’t from just ONE place. It’s a beautiful culinary mashup with multiple origin points that evolved over time:
- Pennsylvania Dutch Origin (1600s): The earliest documented version featuring stewed chicken with gravy on waffles
- Plantation South Version (Early 1800s): Became a breakfast staple in wealthy Southern homes
- Harlem Renaissance Version (1930s): The late-night jazz musician meal that popularized the fried chicken with butter and syrup version
- Los Angeles Popularization (1970s): Roscoe’s spread the dish to wider audiences
What’s really interesting is how the dish continues to evolve. Today’s chicken and waffles is served at diners, fast food spots, and even upscale restaurants. It’s become an “any time of the day you want it” meal.
Regional Variations of Chicken and Waffles
Depending on where you eat chicken and waffles, you might encounter different styles:
| Region | Chicken Style | Waffle Style | Toppings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Dutch | Pulled, stewed | Plain | Gravy |
| Southern | Fried, on the bone | Breakfast-style | Butter, syrup |
| Baltimore | Fried | Breakfast-style | Butter, syrup |
| Modern Soul Food | Fried, crispy | Belgian | Butter, syrup, sometimes hot sauce |
How to Enjoy Chicken and Waffles Like a Pro
According to food historian John T. Edge, there are really no strict rules of etiquette with chicken and waffles. However, he does recommend:
- The chicken should be on the bone
- Drizzle (don’t drown) the dish with maple syrup
- Add a splash of Tabasco for that perfect sweet-spicy balance
Why This Dish Works So Well
Ever wondered why this seemingly odd combo is so delicious? It’s all about contrasts:
- Sweet vs. savory
- Crispy vs. soft
- Crunchy vs. tender
Chicken and waffles creates what Edge calls “a cacophony of flavors for your taste buds” – in a word, “perfection.”
Final Thoughts: A Dish That Brings Us Together
What I love most about chicken and waffles is how it represents America’s melting pot of cuisines. It has roots in Pennsylvania Dutch tradition, African American culinary ingenuity, Southern hospitality, and big city innovation.
While researching this article, I kept thinking about how food evolves across regions and cultures. Chicken and waffles isn’t “from” any one place – it belongs to all of us, evolving through generations of cooks who found new ways to combine simple ingredients into something special.
So next time someone asks you “where is chicken and waffles from?”, you can smile knowingly and say, “Well, that’s complicated…” – and then share all the fascinating history behind this beloved dish.
P.S. If you’re ever in a restaurant debate about the “authentic” version of chicken and waffles, now you’ve got all the facts to settle it once and for all!
Waffles and Chicken Around the World
Belgium’s contribution to the world of waffles is undeniable. The traditional waffles are light and airy. However, Liège waffles are denser, richer, and made with dough serving as a better alternative that pairs beautifully with savory dishes. That means fried chicken is much better with them.
Chefs around the world started adding their cultural spin to the dish’s widespread popularity. It could be the Korean fried chicken with a spicy glaze instead of the classic fried chicken, or unique waffle flavors like matcha, red velvet, and coffee instead of the unflavored traditional waffle. This dish has truly gone global with these twists and interpretations.
What Makes the Perfect Waffles and Chicken?
The foundation of this dish lies in the balance between crispy, golden-fried chicken and soft, flavorful waffles. Each component must stand out individually while complementing the other perfectly. Beyond the basics, innovative techniques and creative additions further enhance the experience, offering endless possibilities to make this classic a personal masterpiece.
The beauty of waffles and chicken lies in the perfect balance of flavors. The soft, buttery texture and sweetness of the freshly made waffles topped with a drizzle of syrup bring the ideal contrast needed to the dish. Now imagine this with perfectly crispy golden fried chicken seasoned to perfection. There will be an irresistible harmony between the sweet and savory flavors. This dish blends indulgence with comfort, making it loved by all.
Do you know what makes this so exciting? It is the creative twists that chefs and home cooks bring. Some like to make it more spicy like the cayenne-seasoned chicken. While others like changing up the toppings or adding flavored syrups like bourbon maple or honey mustard.
Gluten-free waffle options and variations like adding fresh herbs or cheese to the batter cater to the evolving trends. These fun additions and innovations make a simple chicken and waffle a dynamic dish. Liège waffles are one such addition that is unique for its sugar caramelization that adds a delightful texture and flavor.
The Origin of Chicken and Waffles | Black Origins
FAQ
What is Chicken & Waffles?
Chicken and waffles is a combination platter of foods traditionally served at breakfast and dinner in one meal, common to soul food restaurants in the American South and beyond. Chicken Maryland is a form of pan-fried chicken, often marinated in buttermilk, served with cream gravy and native to the state of Maryland.
What do you eat with Chicken & Waffles?
“Husband had chicken and waffles and did not need to eat anything else all day.” “Chicken and waffles with maple butter (WOW).” Served with fries and greens. Choose 2 fillings: swiss, cheddar, goat cheese, spinach, mushrooms, chopped tomatoes, caramelized onions
What makes Chicken & Waffles so magical?
What makes chicken and waffles so magical is the salty, spicy crunch of the fried chicken, paired with the sweetness of the buttery maple syrup and that fluffy buttermilk waffles as the base. It’s a beautiful thing and the flavors and texture are gonna make your mouth real happy! Is Chicken & Waffles a “black thing”?
Where did waffle and chicken originate?
Description. Chicken and waffles, as a combined recipe, first appeared in the United States’ colonial period in the 1600s in Pennsylvania Dutch country. The traditional Pennsylvania Dutch version consists of a plain waffle with pulled, stewed chicken on top, covered in gravy.
Is chicken and waffles an African American dish?
Chicken and waffles is a dish that originated from African-American chefs in Harlem, New York, during the Great Depression. It gained popularity thanks to Joseph T. Wells, who opened the famous Wells Supper Club during the 1930s jazz era.
Is chicken and waffles a Midwest thing?
Southerners will say that they created the chicken and waffle dish but it actually originated in Pennsylvania thanks to the Pennsylvania Dutch. In the 1600s, the Pennsylvania Dutch served a dish that had a waffle with pulled chicken and gravy on top, thus creating the chicken and waffle dish.
Is chicken and waffles a Georgia thing?
Many believe chicken & waffles to be a Southern thing, but actually, the modern concept of the dish started in Harlem, New York in the 1930’s. The delightful combination of arguably the two best breakfast and dinner foods eventually grew popular and spread around the country, reaching Los Angeles in the 1970’s.