We Tried John Legend’s Viral Chicken and Pancake Recipe: A Fluffy, Savory Delight!
Have you seen it? The internet is abuzz with John Legend’s chicken and pancake recipe. A seemingly unusual combination, this dish has captured the attention (and taste buds) of home cooks everywhere. Intrigued by the hype, we decided to take the plunge and recreate this celebrity-endorsed meal in our own kitchen. Get ready for a delicious journey as we break down the recipe, offer detailed instructions, and share our honest review of this viral sensation!
Why Chicken and Pancakes? The Legend Behind the Legend
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s address the elephant in the room: why chicken and pancakes? While the combination might sound a little out there, it’s a variation on a classic soul food pairing – fried chicken and waffles. The sweet and savory contrast is surprisingly delightful, and the fluffy pancakes provide a perfect base for the crispy, savory chicken. John Legend’s recipe elevates this concept with thoughtful additions and a touch of celebrity flair.
The Recipe: John Legend’s Chicken and Pancakes (Inspired)
While the exact, original recipe remains a closely guarded secret, we’ve scoured the internet, combined various adaptations, and added our own culinary tweaks to create a recipe that captures the essence of John Legend’s viral dish. This recipe features buttermilk fried chicken and fluffy pancakes with a hint of sweetness, complemented by a rich maple-bourbon syrup. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
**For the Buttermilk Fried Chicken:**
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 2 cups buttermilk
* 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
* 1 tablespoon salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill a large skillet about 1 inch deep)
**For the Fluffy Pancakes:**
* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
* 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**For the Maple-Bourbon Syrup:**
* 1 cup pure maple syrup
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional, but highly recommended!)
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* Pinch of salt
Instructions:
**Part 1: Preparing the Buttermilk Fried Chicken**
1. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to ensure the chicken is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This marinating process is crucial for tender and flavorful chicken.
2. **Prepare the Dredging Station:** In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and baking soda. This combination creates a light and crispy coating.
3. **Dredge the Chicken:** Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to help it adhere.
4. **Fry the Chicken:** Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of flour sizzles when dropped in. Carefully add the dredged chicken pieces to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. **Drain and Rest:** Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
**Part 2: Making the Fluffy Pancakes**
1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. **Combine Wet and Dry:** Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough pancakes. A few lumps are okay!
4. **Cook the Pancakes:** Heat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and bubbles start to form on the surface. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. **Keep Warm (Optional):** Place the cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a warm oven (200°F or 95°C) to keep them warm while you finish cooking the remaining pancakes.
**Part 3: Crafting the Maple-Bourbon Syrup**
1. **Melt Butter:** In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. **Add Syrup and Bourbon:** Pour in the maple syrup and bourbon (if using). Stir to combine.
3. **Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Be careful not to boil the syrup, as it can burn.
4. **Season:** Stir in the cinnamon and salt. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. **Keep Warm:** Keep the syrup warm until ready to serve.
**Part 4: Assembling and Serving**
1. **Stack the Pancakes:** Arrange 2-3 pancakes on a plate.
2. **Top with Chicken:** Place a generous portion of fried chicken on top of the pancakes.
3. **Drizzle with Syrup:** Drizzle the maple-bourbon syrup generously over the chicken and pancakes.
4. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dusting of powdered sugar.
5. **Serve Immediately:** Enjoy this delicious and decadent treat immediately!
Tips and Tricks for Chicken and Pancake Perfection
* **Buttermilk Magic:** Don’t skip the buttermilk marinade! It tenderizes the chicken and adds a tangy flavor.
* **Crispy Coating Secrets:** The combination of flour and cornstarch is key to a crispy coating. Make sure the chicken is thoroughly coated.
* **Oil Temperature is Crucial:** Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature if possible. Aim for 325-350°F (160-175°C).
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Fry the chicken in batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too low. Overcrowding can result in soggy chicken.
* **Fluffy Pancake Secrets:** Don’t overmix the pancake batter! A few lumps are okay. This will ensure light and fluffy pancakes.
* **Temperature Control for Pancakes:** Control heat for even cooking on pancakes and keep a close eye on them for burning.
* **Bourbon Bliss:** If you’re using bourbon in the syrup, be sure to simmer it for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol. This will leave you with a rich and flavorful syrup.
* **Spice It Up:** If you like a little extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for the chicken or a dash of hot sauce to the syrup.
* **Make it a Meal:** Serve with a side of crispy bacon or a fresh fruit salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Our Honest Review: Does John Legend’s Chicken and Pancakes Live Up to the Hype?
After trying John Legend’s chicken and pancake-inspired recipe, we can confidently say… it’s a winner! The combination of crispy, savory chicken and fluffy, sweet pancakes is undeniably delicious. The maple-bourbon syrup adds a layer of complexity that elevates the dish to another level.
**What We Loved:**
* **The Flavor Contrast:** The sweet and savory combination is addictive.
* **The Texture:** The crispy chicken and fluffy pancakes provide a delightful textural experience.
* **The Syrup:** The maple-bourbon syrup is the star of the show.
* **The Ease of Preparation:** While there are several steps involved, the recipe is relatively easy to follow.
**What We Would Change (Maybe):**
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of sugar in the pancake batter or the maple syrup.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with different spices and herbs in the chicken marinade or the syrup.
Overall, we highly recommend trying this recipe. It’s a fun, flavorful, and surprisingly satisfying meal that’s perfect for brunch, dinner, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. So, ditch the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary – John Legend’s chicken and pancakes might just become your new favorite dish!
Variations and Adaptations
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique version.
* **Spicy Chicken:** Add more cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or use a spicier hot sauce.
* **Honey-Glazed Chicken:** Instead of frying the chicken, bake it with a honey-mustard glaze.
* **Savory Pancakes:** Add herbs, cheese, or cooked bacon to the pancake batter for a savory twist.
* **Fruit Toppings:** Top the pancakes with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or peaches.
* **Nutella Drizzle:** For a decadent treat, drizzle the pancakes with Nutella.
* **Vegan Chicken and Pancakes:** Substitute the chicken with tofu or seitan, and use plant-based buttermilk and eggs.
* **Gluten-Free Pancakes:** Use a gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free pancakes.
Serving Suggestions
While chicken and pancakes are delicious on their own, here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
* **Side of Bacon:** Crispy bacon is the perfect complement to the sweet and savory flavors.
* **Fresh Fruit Salad:** A refreshing fruit salad adds a touch of brightness.
* **Scrambled Eggs:** Scrambled eggs are a classic brunch staple.
* **Avocado Toast:** Avocado toast provides a healthy and satisfying side dish.
* **Coffee or Tea:** A cup of coffee or tea is the perfect beverage to enjoy with your meal.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store them:
* **Chicken:** Store the fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.
* **Pancakes:** Store the pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or toaster.
* **Syrup:** Store the maple-bourbon syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat gently before serving.
Conclusion: A Culinary Adventure Worth Taking
Trying John Legend’s chicken and pancake recipe was a culinary adventure that exceeded our expectations. This dish is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, crispy and fluffy textures, and a touch of celebrity flair. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, we encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s a fun, flavorful, and surprisingly satisfying meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So, grab your ingredients, put on some John Legend tunes, and get ready to experience the magic of chicken and pancakes!
Bon appétit!