Minnie Pearl Recipe

Make the Waffle Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, pearl sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add buttermilk and melted butter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Do not overmix.

Cook the Waffles

Preheat your waffle iron and cook the batter according to the manufacturer's instructions until golden brown and crispy.

Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.

Fry the Chicken

In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.

Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine honey and hot sauce over low heat. Stir until heated through and combined.

Cook the Eggs

In a non-stick skillet, cook the eggs over medium heat until the whites are set and the yolks are runny, about 4-5 minutes.

Make the Syrup

In a saucepan, melt the butter. Add maple syrup and vanilla bean paste, stirring to combine. Heat through.

Cook the Grits

In a pot, bring water to a boil. Stir in the grits and salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 20-25 minutes. Stir in cheddar cheese and chives before serving.

Assemble the Dish

Place two waffles on a plate, stack the fried chicken on top, drizzle with buffalo honey sauce, and top with the over-medium egg. Serve with a side of cheddar chive grits and drizzle with vanilla bean butter syrup.