Description
Maple Waffle Chicken Nuggets combine the crispy, savory goodness of chicken nuggets with the sweet, comforting flavors of waffles and maple syrup. This playful twist on classic chicken and waffles makes for a fun and satisfying meal or snack. Perfectly golden nuggets are coated in a waffle-inspired batter and drizzled with maple syrup for the ultimate sweet and savory experience. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, as an appetizer, or as a quick dinner, these nuggets are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 cup crushed waffle cone pieces or crushed waffles
For Serving:
- Maple syrup, for drizzling
- Optional: powdered sugar or hot sauce
Ingredient Highlights
- Waffle Cone Crumbs: Crushed waffle cone pieces give these nuggets a light, crispy coating and a subtle sweetness.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a slight tang to the batter.
- Maple Syrup: Provides the signature sweetness that ties the flavors together.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor to the seasoning blend, enhancing the savory aspect of the nuggets.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, buttermilk, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for extra tenderness.
Prepare the Coating:
- Set Up Dredging Station: In one shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, place the crushed waffle cone pieces.
Coat the Chicken:
- Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting the excess buttermilk drip off. Dip each piece in the flour mixture, then in the egg, and finally coat it with the crushed waffle cone pieces. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks.
Fry the Nuggets:
- Heat the Oil: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Nuggets: Fry the coated chicken pieces in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Drain the Nuggets: Transfer the cooked nuggets to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve the Nuggets:
- Drizzle with Maple Syrup: Arrange the nuggets on a serving plate and drizzle generously with maple syrup. For extra sweetness, dust with powdered sugar, or for a spicy kick, serve with hot sauce on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 18g