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Maple Waffle Chicken Nuggets Recipe

4.6 from 62 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
  4. 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.
  5. Combine Batter: Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently until mostly combined.
  6. 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.
  7. Prepare Chicken: Lightly dust chicken chunks with 2 tablespoons of flour to help the batter adhere.
  8. 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.
  9. Drain Excess Oil: Remove fried chicken nuggets and place on paper towels to drain additional oil.
  10. Make Dip: In a small bowl, mix equal parts honey, maple syrup, and honey mustard to make a sweet and tangy dipping sauce.
  11. 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