Chicken and waffles is more than a combination of comfort foods. It’s history. It’s culture. And it’s something that Connie’s in Baltimore does really, really well. Can a fast food chain compete? Chick-fil-A wants to find out. The popular chicken-focused fast-food chain announced last month that, from Dec. 1 to Jan. 24, it is testing two new menu items in Baltimore and San Antonio: the Chicken and Waffles Breakfast Sandwich and the Chicken and Waffles Sandwich. Chick-Fil-A declined to comment on why Baltimore was chosen, how the evaluation process will be conducted or any early feedback. But it’s easy to see the appeal. The dish, which has deep roots in Black culture as a traditional soul-food staple, rose to national popularity during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s. It’s known for its rich blend of sweet and savory flavors that create a warm, hearty meal. In Baltimore, restaurants like Connie’s Chicken and Waffles have long carried that tradition forward. “Chicken and waffles is one of those dishes that, when it is done right, people do not forget it. It brings together savory and sweet in a way that feels like true comfort food,” said Khari Parker, a co-founder of Connie’s.  Parker said they are excited for Chick-fil-A to be testing out this dish, saying that Baltimore “has room for both.”    “We see it as a fun moment for the dish itself. When a national brand tests something like chicken and waffles, it shows how popular and widely appreciated it has become,” Parker said. “For us, it is simply an opportunity to reconnect with our customer base and to become introduced to new customers who enjoy southern comfort food.”  Parker said the experience at Connie’s is different than Chick-fil-A, offering customers a made-to -rder, sit-down experience. “When people come to Connie’s, they know exactly what they are coming for, and they know their meal is going to be made with love,” Parker said. “Locals know where to go when they want the hometown experience.”  But if you are heading to Chik-fil-A, here’s what you need to know:  What’s on it:Maple-flavored waffles, your choice of original, grilled, or spicy chicken filet, applewood-smoked bacon, honey-butter spread, and a side of syrup. Chicken and Waffles Breakfast Sandwich:Available in both Baltimore and San Antonio from opening until 10:30 a.m. Chicken and Waffles Sandwich (regular):Exclusive to Baltimore-area locations, served from 10:30 a.m. until closing. Portion size:The breakfast version is slightly smaller than the regular sandwich. Baltimore Fishbowl set out to taste them both, and this is what we found. Chick-fil-A and Connie’s comparison   Connie’s chicken and waffles sandwich. Credit: Connie's Chicken and Waffles First Impression:  Upon opening, Chick-fil-A’s sandwich was neatly stacked and compact, about four inches in diameter. It gave off a sweet aroma, and the sandwich was still hot right out of the box. Connie’s sandwich also arrived neatly assembled, secured with toothpicks. Its waffle pieces were quarter circles from a larger waffle iron, giving it a more homemade look. The aroma was stronger and leaned more savory than sweet, and the sandwich was hot upon unboxing as well. Chicken:  The traditional Chick-fil-A chicken filet was crunchy, had a dark golden brown breaded exterior, and was about three quarters of an inch thin. The Chick-fil-A sandwich also had bacon on it, adding an extra layer of meat and extra saltiness to the sandwich. Connie’s chicken pieces were larger, thicker, and juicer, but had less breading. The chicken had more of a cajun flavor with black pepper and seasoning visible from the outside.  Waffles:  Chick-fil-A’s sandwich used maple waffles, creating a sweet flavor with every bite. Sometimes, the sweetness was a bit overpowering, especially if dipped in the maple syrup. The waffle was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.  Connie’s sandwich used a traditional Belgian waffle, which was much fluffier and more airy than Chick-fil-A’s waffles. The waffles, which were a lighter gold color, were not as sweet nor as crunchy on the exterior. Price and portion:  Chick-fil-A’s sandwich (with the original chicken filet) is listed as $9.29 before tax. Customers receive one sandwich and a side of maple syrup.   Connie’ sandwich is listed as $13 before tax. Customers receive two sandwiches (each on a quarter of a waffle) and a side of maple syrup.  Overall:  Chick-fil-A offers a convenient, sweeter, fast-food take on chicken and waffles. It’s easy on the go, and is a solid option if you’re craving something quick and familiar. Connie’s delivers a fuller, more soulful version of the dish. The chicken was juicer, the waffles were fluffier, and the meal was heartier. Connie’s sandwich reflects the dishes history and comfort associated with it.  Social Media Reactions Chick-fil-A in Inner Harbor, Baltimore. Credit: Jenna Mattern Across social media, the reaction to the sandwich has been mixed.  Chick-fil-A of Owings Mills posted an Instagram Reel highlighting the new menu items. Other users have flooded TikTok and Instagram with videos of them trying the sandwich.  “I had it yesterday and it was amazing!!” said Jill Albrecht (@jillalbrecht7) under a TikTok review.   Another user, Shannel Pearman (@shannelpearman) said “I love that Baltimore is the testing location.” Some comments were not as positive. User @Leroytheiggy described it as a “3/10…kinda gross. Waffle and honey butter too sweet on its own and waffle was a bit soggy where it makes contact with the chicken.”  “Doesn’t look that great” said Robin Lynn (@robinlynn_0) under a TikTok review. Despite the debate on social media, Baltimore’s test run will ultimately help determine whether Chick-fil-A’s take on this classic dish earns a place on menus nationwide. The sandwich is available until Jan. 24. To learn more visit, chick-fil-a.com. ...read more read less