# What You’ll Need:
→ Chicken Tenders
01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 8 uniform strips
02 - 1 cup buttermilk
03 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Breading Mixture
07 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Waffle Batter
11 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
12 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
13 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
14 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
16 - 1 cup buttermilk
17 - 2 large eggs
18 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
19 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Frying
20 - Vegetable oil, as required for frying
→ Serving
21 - Maple syrup, for dipping
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine chicken strips with buttermilk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Refrigerate for a minimum of 20 minutes and up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
02 - Mix all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish.
03 - Remove chicken strips from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drain. Dredge each strip in the breading mixture, ensuring even coating.
04 - Heat 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken strips in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
05 - Set waffle iron to medium-high heat and allow it to preheat thoroughly.
06 - Whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
07 - In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
08 - Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
09 - Lightly grease the waffle iron. Pour a small amount of batter onto the iron, place a fried chicken strip in the center, and cover with batter to enclose. Close the lid and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until waffles are golden and crisp.
10 - Continue with remaining chicken strips and batter, greasing the iron as needed between batches.
11 - Present waffle sticks hot with maple syrup for dipping.
