Nashville Style Fried Chicken and Waffles

Directions

1. Combine buttermilk brine ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well and add the chicken. Let marinate for at least 3-4 hours or overnight.
2. Combine flour mix together in a large bowl and mix. Set aside.
3. Remove chicken from the brine, letting excess drip off. Transfer to a plate. Dredge chicken in flour mix, then in buttermilk brine, and then again in the flour mix. Let rest on a baking sheet while you prepare waffle batter.
4. Add waffle batter ingredients to a large bowl. Whisk until smooth. Set aside.
5. Bring Crisco® All-Vegetable Shortening to 350°F in a skillet. Add chicken and fry for 4-5 minutes per side or until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a wire rack stacked baking sheet and let rest while you prepare the hot sauce and waffles.
6. Add dry spices for the hot sauce to a bowl. Add 1/2 cup of hot oil left over from frying. Stir well to mix.
7. Cook waffle in a greased waffle iron according to the recommended heat settings for your waffle iron.
8. Once ready to plate, spoon or brush the hot sauce over the chicken to fully coat. This is best done on the rack where chicken is resting. Top each waffle with 3 chicken tenders and drizzle with maple syrup and top with optional dill pickles.