Buttermilk-and-Blue Waffles with Buffalo Whiskey Crispy Chicken

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