Creating Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles can be straightforward if you follow these steps:

Preparing the Chicken

1. Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a bowl with buttermilk. Ensure they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
2. Prepare Coating: In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
4. Dredge Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Let excess buttermilk drip off, and then dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Shake off excess flour.
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the dredged chicken in the hot oil. Fry in batches for about 12-15 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Drain: Once cooked, transfer chicken to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.

Preparing the Waffles

1. Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are acceptable.
5. Cook Waffles: Scoop the batter into the preheated waffle iron, closing the lid and cooking until golden brown and crispy. Repeat with remaining batter.

Final Preparations

1. Rest Chicken: Let the fried chicken rest for about 10 minutes after frying.
2. Serve: Place a waffle on each plate, top with a piece of fried chicken, and drizzle generously with maple syrup.