Instructions
Step 1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 2. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, cornstarch, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
Step 3. Remove the chicken from the marinade and dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture.
Step 4. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the chicken in batches for 6–8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack.
Step 5. For the Nashville hot sauce, whisk together the frying oil, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Brush over selected pieces of fried chicken.
Step 6. For the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Step 7. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until thickened. Stir in the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
Step 8. For the waffles, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the eggs, milk, and melted butter. Mix into the dry ingredients and cook in a waffle iron until golden.
Step 9. For the onion rings, dip the onion rings into flour, then buttermilk, then breadcrumbs. Fry until golden and crisp.
Step 10. Mix the mayonnaise and hot sauce to create a spicy burger sauce.
Step 11. Assemble the chicken burgers by spreading sauce on toasted brioche buns, adding fried chicken, cheddar cheese, pickles, and bacon. Drizzle some burgers with the warm cheese sauce.
Step 12. Serve the burgers with onion rings, waffles, extra fried chicken, coleslaw, and your favorite dipping sauces.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store fried chicken, onion rings, waffles, and burger components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat fried chicken and onion rings in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes to restore crispiness.
Reheat waffles in a toaster or oven until warm and lightly crisp.
Store cheese sauce separately and reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed.
For best results, assemble burgers fresh after reheating the ingredients.
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