Preparing the Fried Chicken:

1. Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and chicken pieces. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in the refrigerator.
2. Prepare Coating: In another bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Coat Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
4. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking (about 350°F or 175°C).
5. Fry Chicken: Carefully add chicken pieces to the hot oil, starting with the skin-side down. Fry in batches if necessary. Cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 15-20 minutes per side). Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Drain: Once cooked, remove chicken and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Making the Waffles:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; some lumps are okay—do not overmix.
4. Heat Waffle Maker: Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease it if necessary.
5. Cook Waffles: Pour the batter onto the preheated waffle maker and cook until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes, depending on your machine).

Final Preparation:

1. Serve Chicken and Waffles: Place a waffle on a plate, top with a piece of fried chicken, and drizzle generously with warm maple syrup. Add fresh fruit and whipped cream if desired.