Buttermilk-and-Blue Waffles with Buffalo Whiskey Crispy Chicken

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Waffles:

Butter or nonstick cooking spray, for greasing the waffle iron

2 cups all-purpose flour 

2 tablespoons sugar 

2 teaspoons baking powder 

1 teaspoon baking soda 

1 teaspoon salt 

2 cups buttermilk 

2 large eggs 

8 ounces (about 1 1/2 cups) smoked blue cheese crumbles or blue cheese of your choice, crumbled 

Seasoning Flour:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon smoked paprika 

1 tablespoon kosher salt 

2 teaspoons ground cumin 

2 teaspoons ground mustard 

2 teaspoons granulated onion 

2 teaspoons ground black pepper 

2 teaspoons cayenne pepper 

2 teaspoons baking soda 

Brine:

1 quart (4 cups) buttermilk

2 tablespoons hot sauce 

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt 

2 teaspoons ground celery seed 

1 teaspoon smoked paprika 

1 teaspoon ground black pepper 

Fried Chicken:

Oil, for frying

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs 

Buffalo Whiskey Sauce, recipe follows

Sweet pickle chips, for garnish

Chopped scallions, for garnish 

Buffalo Whiskey Sauce:

1/2 cup hot sauce, such as Frank's Red Hot

1/4 cup maple syrup or honey 

3 shots (4 1/2 ounces) bourbon whiskey 

3 tablespoons butter 

3 tablespoons tamari 

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped