When it comes to iconic American dishes, few can rival the comforting combination of crispy fried chicken perched atop a fluffy, golden waffle. This soul-satisfying pairing has become a beloved staple in Southern cuisine, gracing the menus of trendy brunch spots and down-home diners alike. But did you know that the origins of chicken and waffles can actually be traced back to the Keystone State? That’s right – before chicken and waffles became a Southern sensation, it was a cherished dish in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country.
The Pennsylvania Dutch Connection
To understand the roots of chicken and waffles in Pennsylvania, we need to go back to the early days of the Pennsylvania Dutch, a group of German-speaking immigrants who settled in the southeastern part of the state in the 17th and 18th centuries. These industrious farmers and craftsmen brought with them a rich culinary tradition that emphasized hearty, satisfying meals made with locally sourced ingredients.
One of the staples of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine was the waffle, which was often served as a savory accompaniment to stewed or roasted meats. Unlike the sweet, Belgian-style waffles that are popular today, Pennsylvania Dutch waffles were made without sugar and were meant to be eaten as a bread substitute rather than a dessert.
According to food historian William Woys Weaver, the earliest known recipe for chicken and waffles in America appeared in a Pennsylvania Dutch cookbook from the 1600s. This version of the dish featured a plain waffle topped with pulled, stewed chicken and gravy – a far cry from the crispy fried chicken and syrup-drenched waffles we associate with the dish today.
The Rise of the Waffle House
As the Pennsylvania Dutch community grew and prospered, so did their love of waffles. By the late 19th century, waffle houses had become a common sight in towns and cities across the region, serving up fresh, made-to-order waffles to hungry customers.
One of the most famous of these establishments was the Waffle Shop in York, Pennsylvania, which opened its doors in 1892. The Waffle Shop quickly gained a reputation for its delicious waffles and friendly service, and soon became a popular gathering spot for locals and travelers alike.
Other notable Pennsylvania waffle houses from this era include the Mansion House Hotel in Pottsville, which was known for its lavish Sunday waffle suppers, and the Reber Waffle Shop in Reading, which claimed to have invented the “waffle sandwich” (a precursor to the modern chicken and waffle dish).
The Chicken Joins the Party
So how did the humble waffle become paired with crispy fried chicken? The exact origins of this classic combination are a bit murky, but most food historians agree that it likely emerged in the early 20th century as a way to make use of leftover fried chicken.
In the days before refrigeration, fried chicken was often served cold the day after it was cooked, as a way to extend its shelf life. Some clever cook (or perhaps a frugal housewife) must have decided to pair this leftover chicken with a fresh, hot waffle, and a culinary star was born.
By the 1920s and 30s, chicken and waffles had become a popular dish at Pennsylvania Dutch restaurants and waffle houses, particularly in the southeastern part of the state. These early versions of the dish typically featured a plain waffle topped with cold, leftover fried chicken and a generous ladleful of creamy gravy.
The Wells Supper Club and the Harlem Connection
While Pennsylvania may have been the birthplace of chicken and waffles, it was in Harlem, New York that the dish truly gained its soul food status. In 1938, a man named Joseph T. Wells opened the Wells Supper Club, a late-night dining spot that catered to the neighborhood’s vibrant jazz scene.
One of the signature dishes at the Wells Supper Club was a Southern-style plate of fried chicken and waffles, which quickly became a favorite among musicians and night owls looking for a hearty meal after a long night of performing. The dish was such a hit that it soon spread to other soul food restaurants and jazz clubs across the city, cementing its place in the canon of African American cuisine.
Interestingly, some food historians have suggested that Wells may have been inspired to put chicken and waffles on his menu after a visit to Pennsylvania Dutch country, where he would have encountered the dish in its original form. Whether or not this is true, there’s no denying that the Harlem version of chicken and waffles – with its crispy, well-seasoned fried chicken and sweet, buttery waffles – has become the gold standard for the dish in America.
Regional Variations and Modern Interpretations
Today, chicken and waffles can be found on menus across Pennsylvania, from cozy bed and breakfasts in the heart of Amish country to trendy brunch spots in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. While the classic combination of fried chicken and waffles remains a beloved staple, chefs and home cooks alike have put their own creative spins on the dish, drawing on both its Pennsylvania Dutch and Southern roots.
In Lancaster County, for example, you might find a more traditional Pennsylvania Dutch version of chicken and waffles, featuring a savory waffle topped with tender, slow-cooked chicken and rich gravy. At the popular Miller’s Smorgasbord in Ronks, the chicken and waffles come with a side of buttered noodles and a dollop of apple butter, a nod to the region’s German heritage.
Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, restaurants like Green Eggs Cafe and Honey’s Sit ‘N Eat have put a modern twist on the classic dish, offering variations like red velvet waffles with spicy fried chicken, or waffles topped with fried chicken, bacon, and a sunny-side-up egg. These creative interpretations showcase the versatility and enduring appeal of this beloved Pennsylvania specialty.
Where to Find the Best Chicken and Waffles in Pennsylvania
If all this talk of crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles has your mouth watering, fear not – there are plenty of places across Pennsylvania where you can indulge in this classic comfort food. Here are a few of our favorites:
The Chicken or the Egg (Beach Haven)
This Jersey Shore institution is famous for its over-the-top breakfast creations, including a towering plate of fried chicken and waffles topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, and a fried egg. It’s the perfect fuel for a day of sun and surf.
- Address: 207 North Bay Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ 08008
- Website: https://492fowl.com/
Supper (Philadelphia)
This trendy New American spot in the heart of Philly puts a gourmet spin on chicken and waffles, with crispy buttermilk fried chicken, a fluffy Belgian waffle, and a drizzle of spicy honey. Pair it with one of their signature cocktails for the ultimate brunch indulgence.
- Address: 926 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
- Website: https://supperphilly.com/
Pamela’s Diner (Pittsburgh)
A Pittsburgh institution since 1980, Pamela’s is known for its delicious breakfast fare, including their famous crepe-style hotcakes. But don’t sleep on their chicken and waffles, which features a crispy buttermilk waffle topped with juicy fried chicken and a side of pure maple syrup.
- Address: 60 21st Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 (multiple locations)
- Website: https://www.pamelasdiner.com/
Shady Maple Smorgasbord (East Earl)
For a true taste of Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, head to Shady Maple Smorgasbord in the heart of Lancaster County. Their massive buffet features a wide array of classic dishes, including a traditional chicken and waffle plate with tender, slow-cooked chicken and rich gravy.
- Address: 129 Toddy Drive, East Earl, PA 17519
- Website: https://www.shady-maple.com/
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings in the kitchens of Pennsylvania Dutch settlers to its current status as a beloved comfort food classic, chicken and waffles has a rich and fascinating history in the Keystone State. Whether you prefer the traditional version with stewed chicken and gravy or the crispy, Southern-style interpretation with fried chicken and syrup, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of this satisfying combination.
So the next time you find yourself in Pennsylvania, be sure to seek out a plate of chicken and waffles and savor the delicious legacy of this iconic dish. With each bite, you’ll be tasting a little piece of the state’s culinary heritage – and a whole lot of soul-satisfying goodness.
