For the chicken:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• vegetable oil for frying

For the waffles:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For serving:

• butter
• maple syrup
• optional hot honey