Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Thyme Cheddar Waffles

Ingredients

• 4 cups self-rising flour
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons flaky kosher salt, plus more (Diamond Crystal or David’s)
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (I used Hatch Chile powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 to 4 cups whole buttermilk (depends on how much chicken, SEE NOTE BELOW)
• Chicken for frying
• 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups whole buttermilk
• 8 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• Maple syrup for serving