I love Southern fried chicken, and I’m pretty fond of waffles (savoury with bacon and maple syrup, or sweet) but I cannot imagine the combination as working at all.
They’re both a little dry on the outside and soft on the inside. It feels like they really don’t complement or contrast with each other. I’m sure I’d eat it if I had so alternative, but I can imagine how it is a classic American paring. I’d much rather have fries, slaw, or potato salad which all seem to offer a creamy or crunchy contrast.
Am I missing something? People who like it, what’s good about it? Is the secret lots of maple syrup? Are the waffles different that usual? Is it not actually that popular? I’m a decadent European, so I can’t just go somewhere and try them myself.
You don’t need to imagine it. Just try it. It’s good.
But if you need more convincing: Have you ever had honey glazed fried chicken (they do that in the south, too, but also some Asian dishes used fried chicken glazed with honey)? It’s basically that but with maple syrup instead of honey, while being on or with a waffle.