Maple Waffle Chicken Nuggets Recipe
These Maple Waffle Chicken Nuggets are a delicious twist on classic fried chicken bites, coated in a lightly sweetened waffle batter infused with maple syrup for a unique flavor. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, served with a sweet and tangy honey-maple mustard dip, they are perfect for a fun appetizer or snack.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
For the Waffle Nuggets:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into small chunks
- Vegetable oil, for frying, plus ½ cup for the batter
- 2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour, plus 2 tablespoons for dusting
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ⅓ cups milk
- ⅓ – ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Dip:
- 1 part honey
- 1 part maple syrup
- 1 part honey mustard
- Separate Eggs: Divide the egg yolks and whites into separate bowls. Beat the yolks and set aside. Whip the egg whites until they form stiff peaks, then set aside carefully.
- Heat Oil: In a large, high-walled skillet, pour about one inch of vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine ½ cup vegetable oil, 1 ⅓ cups milk, beaten egg yolks, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ⅓ to ½ cup maple syrup depending on preferred sweetness.
- Combine Batter: Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently until mostly combined.
- Fold in Egg Whites: Carefully fold the stiff egg whites into the batter, taking care not to overmix so the batter retains some fluffiness and slight lumps.
- Prepare Chicken: Lightly dust chicken chunks with 2 tablespoons of flour to help the batter adhere.
- Batter and Fry: Dip each chicken piece into the batter, letting excess drip off. Carefully place pieces into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for about 4 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through. If browning too fast, reduce heat to medium.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove fried chicken nuggets and place on paper towels to drain additional oil.
- Make Dip: In a small bowl, mix equal parts honey, maple syrup, and honey mustard to make a sweet and tangy dipping sauce.
- Serve: Serve the crispy maple waffle chicken nuggets warm with the honey-maple mustard dip on the side.
Notes
- Adjust maple syrup amount in batter to control the sweetness level.
- Ensure oil temperature is steady to avoid greasy or undercooked nuggets.
- Use a thermometer to keep oil around 350°F (175°C) for best frying results.
- Serve immediately for best crispiness; if needed, keep warm in a low oven.
- Nut-free and easily customizable to gluten-free by substituting flour blends.
Keywords: chicken nuggets, waffle batter, maple syrup, fried chicken, honey mustard dip, sweet and savory, appetizer