In my mind, you can’t go on a picnic without fried chicken. It’s un-American! I’ve whipped up this amazing Waffle Batter Fried Chicken Tenders, because why not put fried chicken over the edge of awesome-sauciness!
Italian Baked and Breaded Chicken Legs (showcased in the featured video) is another great picnic recipe I know you’ll enjoy!
**Please Note – The printable recipe card with detailed instructions and complete ingredient measurements for making Waffle Batter Fried Chicken Tenders with Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce is available near the end of this post. OR click on the “Jump to Recipe” found below to be taken directly to the recipe.
Jump to RecipeCLICK ON THIS BOX TO LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE TO MY KUDOS KITCHEN YOUTUBE CHANNEL. SEE YOU THERE! 🙂
The ingredient list;
- chicken tenders
- pure maple syrup
- balsamic vinegar
- all-purpose flour
- granulated sugar
- baking powder
- milk
- eggs
- butter
- salt and pepper
- light-colored oil for frying (I used peanut oil)
- stone-ground mustard
- honey
The story behind the recipe:
Chicken and waffles have been on my list of things to make for a long, long time but somehow they just kept getting pushed back to the end of the list of things I’ve wanted to cook and share with you.
Then, a few weeks ago while we were out to dinner with my sister and her husband, the subject of chicken and waffles came up (go figure that we’d be discussing food, haha) and my brother-in-law mentioned that Popeye’s Chicken has a new waffle batter chicken commercial he’d seen on TV.
Right then and there, I knew what I needed to make. Pronto! No more pussyfooting around. We’ve got chicken to fry!!
This is my original recipe (sounds a little like KFC, don’t you think?) which was inspired by the idea of Popeye’s waffle batter chicken.
I’ve never had, Popeye’s chicken, and now I won’t need to, because I think my waffle batter-fried chicken tenders probably blows Popeye’s chicken right out of the water!
The instructions for making Waffle Batter Fried Chicken Tenders:
- Place the chicken tenders in a ziptop bag along with pure maple syrup and balsamic vinegar.
- Set aside to marinate for 30-40 minutes.
- Meanwhile stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, melted butter, and maple syrup.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until blended.
- Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade and dry them with paper towels.
- Dip the marinated chicken tenders into the waffle batter allowing the excess to drip off before frying them in hot oil (325-350 degrees).
- Carefully fry the tenders on both sides until golden brown (approximately 8-10 minutes) and the chicken is no longer pink in the middle.
- Carefully remove the chicken tenders from the hot oil using a large slotted spoon and place on a rack to drain.
- Season lightly with additional salt, if desired.
- Continue the same process with the remaining chicken tenders. To make the dipping sauce stir the maple syrup, mustard, and honey together in a small bowl.
- Serve the tenders with the sauce.
- Enjoy cold or hot!
One more thing before we get to the actual recipe. I made my own waffle batter from scratch, but feel free to use your favorite variety of boxed waffle mix (I won’t tell).
However, when you do make the Waffle Batter Fried Chicken Tenders using a boxed waffle batter, make sure to add the maple syrup into the batter along and the melted butter. You won’t be sorry!
Below is the printable recipe card along with nutritional information for today’s Waffle Batter Fried Chicken Tenders with Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce.
All the flavors you love from a traditional chicken and waffles recipe, but in an easily transportable package. Perfect for parties or picnics.
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 gallon zip top bag
- 2½ 3 cups light oil for frying, I used peanut
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt
- ½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1½ cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ¼ – ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons stone ground mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
-
Place the chicken tenders, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar in the zip-top bag. Massage the bag to coat all the chicken. Allow the tenders to marinate at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 1 hour.
-
After the chicken has marinated, dry the tenders on paper towels. Discard the remaining marinade.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, pepper, and baking powder.
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, milk, maple syrup.
-
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until combined. Allow the waffle batter to sit for 10 minutes before coating the tenders.
-
In a large, high-sided pan, bring the oil up to a temperature of 325-350 degrees.
*Note – if you dip the handle of a wooden spoon into the oil and small bubbles happen around the base of the spoon (think champagne bubbles), the oil is ready for frying.
-
Dip the chicken tenders into the waffle batter and allow some to drip off before carefully adding the waffle coated tenders to the hot oil.
Fry the tenders on both sides until golden brown (approximately 8-10 minutes) and the center is no longer pink.
-
Carefully remove the fried tenders from the oil using a large slotted spoon. Drain the fried tenders on paper towels and season immediately with additional salt, if desired.
Continue the same process with the remaining chicken tenders.
-
Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and serve with the waffle batter fried chicken tenders. Serve hot or cold.
Note – If using boxed waffle mix, I still suggest adding the maple syrup and melted butter to the batter for extra flavor.
Tools and equipment:
large high sided pan (for frying), large slotted spoon, large bowl, medium bowl, small bowl, measuring cups, measuring spoons, gallon zip-top bag, cooking thermometer (for heating oil), paper towels, baking sheets (optional).
Want more chicken and waffles? Check out Nomageddons post inspired by my chicken and waffles recipe!
Thank you so much for visiting me here today in my Kudos Kitchen!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe for Waffle Batter Fried Chicken Tenders with Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce as much as I’ve enjoyed bringing it to you!!
Want more recipes for taking on a picnic?
- Orange Blossom Iced Tea by girlichef
- Red, White, and Blue Sangria by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Rosemary Nectarine Sparkling Cocktail by Food Lust People Love
- Best Picnic Wines by ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
Appetizers
- Baked Garlic Parmesan Wings by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls by Daily Dish Recipes
- Peppadew Dip by Confessions of a Culinary Diva
- Savory Red, White, and Bleu Truffles by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Mains
- Asparagus and Cheddar Quiche by Mess Makes Food
- London Broil with Caramelized Red Onions by Crazy Foodie Stunts
- Stilton Potato and Stilton Pies by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- Waffle Batter Fried Chicken Tenders with Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
Sides
- Mushroom and Gruyere Cheesecake by Peaceful Cooking
- Scotch Eggs by Small Wallet, Big Appetite
Salads
- Caprese Pasta Salad by La Bella Vita Cucina
- Farro & Walnut Salad by Foxes Love Lemons
- Fruit Tortellini Salad by Jelly Toast
- Gluten Free Potato Salad by Gluten Free Crumbley
- Japanese Noodle Salad by Noshing With The Nolands
- Kale and Quinoa Tabbouli by Healthy. Delicious.
- Layered Chicken Salad by Nosh My Way
- Lightened Up Macaroni Salad by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Loaded Potato Salad by Granny’s Down Home Sassy Southern Cooking
- Mexican 3 Bean Salad by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Old Fashioned Potato Salad by Life Tastes Good
- Orzo Salad with Kale Pesto by Cooking Chat
- Pizza Pasta Salad by Curious Cuisiniere
- Red, White and Blue Fruit and Cheese Salad by Shockingly Delicious
- Tomato Bean Salad by Family Foodie
- Tuna Noodle Salad by Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
- Vegetable Salad by Magnolia Days
- Veggie Pasta Salad by Pescetarian Journal
- Watermelon and Feta Salad with Verjus by The Wimpy Vegetarian
Sandwiches and Wraps
- Pan Bagnat by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Panino con la Salamella by Manu’s Menu
- Roast Beef Wraps by Cookin’ Mimi
Sweets
- Banana Pudding Cheesecake by Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
- Berry Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups {#glutenfree option} by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Cherry Chip Blossom Cupcakes by NinjaBaking.com
- Cherry Pie Crumb Bars by The Girl In the Little Red Kitchen
- Chocolate Chunk Brownies by What Smells So Good?
- Chocolate Syrup Brownies by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Chocolate Zucchini Cake by Killer Bunnies, Inc
- Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies by Alida’s Kitchen
- Flag Cake by Pies and Plots
- Peanut Butter Frosted Brownies by Feed Me, Seymour
- Red, White, and Blue Berry Angel Food Cake Parfaits by Neighborfood
- S’mores Crumb Bars by The Redhead Baker
- Stained Glass Jello with Coconut Milk Panna Cotta by Simply Gourmet
- Strawberry Banana Oat Muffins by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
Should you have any questions or comments regarding this recipe or anything else you’ve seen on my site, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with a reply just as soon as I possibly can!
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Kudos Kitchen by Renee – BRINGING YOU EASY, ECONOMICAL, AND DELICIOUS DISHES TO FEED YOUR LOVED ONES!
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen
Tuesday 12th of May 2020
These look absolutely fantastic, Renee! I have bookmarked this to make it at home sometime soon. We love chicken and waffles, so this is like the best of both worlds. My son is gonna be in HEAVEN when I make this one :)
Renée
Tuesday 12th of May 2020
Awesome, Ashley! I love this recipe too and have been meaning on re-making it but time keeps getting away from me. Soon though. I do hope you'll enjoy it...especially your son! Renee
Pizza Pasta Salad • Curious Cuisiniere
Sunday 23rd of October 2016
[…] Waffle Batter Fried Chicken Tenders with Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce by Kudos Kitchen by Renee […]
Debi@The Spring Mount 6 Pack
Thursday 3rd of July 2014
I have heard of waffles and fried chicken but never waffle battered chicken. It sounds yummy
Laura Hunter
Wednesday 2nd of July 2014
I have heard so much about waffles and fried chicken but have never seen it served let alone tried it. Maybe one day I will get to that but until than this looks like a fun way to have it.
Sherron Watson
Wednesday 2nd of July 2014
This may turn into a family favorite. What a great idea and I have a really good gluten free waffle mix I can try for me. Thanks for the recipe.