Chicken tenders and waffles hold a special place in my heart because it was the dish I made one lazy Sunday morning when we couldn’t decide between breakfast or lunch so I decided why not both. I remember the way my kitchen filled with the smell of crispy chicken and buttery waffles and the moment we drizzled on the syrup we knew we had stumbled into something truly magical.

Now it’s become a favorite for brunches birthdays or any weekend that needs a little extra love. The crispy-on-the-outside chicken with the soft sweet waffles underneath is the kind of comforting combo that always brings big smiles to the table and I honestly never get tired of it.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Chicken tenders – Juicy and perfect for frying or air frying for a crispy bite
Buttermilk – Tenderizes the chicken and adds tangy flavor
All-purpose flour – Creates a crunchy coating when fried
Cornstarch – Lightens the flour and makes the crust extra crispy
Paprika – Adds color and subtle spice
Garlic powder – Deepens the flavor in the breading
Salt and black pepper – Essential for well-seasoned chicken
Eggs – Help the flour coating stick
Oil – For deep frying or pan frying
All-purpose flour (for waffles) – The base of a light and fluffy batter
Baking powder – Makes the waffles rise and gives them fluff
Sugar – Adds just the right touch of sweetness
Eggs (for waffles) – Provide structure and richness
Milk – Thins the batter for smooth pouring
Melted butter – Adds richness and that classic waffle flavor
Maple syrup – Sweet and sticky perfection for serving

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls – For breading the chicken and making waffle batter
Whisk – To blend waffle ingredients smoothly
Tongs – For turning and handling chicken safely while cooking
Frying pan or deep fryer – To cook the chicken until golden and crispy
Waffle maker – The key to fresh hot waffles at home
Cooling rack – Keeps fried chicken crispy while it rests
Measuring cups and spoons – For consistent results every time

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by marinating the chicken tenders in buttermilk with a pinch of salt and pepper and I let them sit for at least 30 minutes to soak up flavor and stay juicy.

Step 2:

While the chicken marinates I whisk together my waffle batter by combining flour baking powder sugar salt eggs milk and melted butter until smooth then I set it aside to rest.

Step 3:

For the coating I mix flour cornstarch paprika garlic powder salt and pepper in a shallow bowl and in another bowl I whisk the eggs.

Step 4:

I dip each marinated chicken tender into the flour mixture then into the egg and then back into the flour for an extra crunchy crust.

Step 5:

In a large skillet I heat about an inch of oil over medium-high heat and fry the tenders in batches for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through then I drain them on a rack.

Step 6:

While the chicken drains I preheat my waffle maker and cook the waffles until they’re golden and fluffy which usually takes 3 to 4 minutes depending on your iron.

Step 7:

I serve the hot waffles topped with the crispy tenders and a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup and sometimes a sprinkle of powdered sugar for good measure.

Tips

If you want to save time I sometimes use store-bought frozen waffles and just focus on making the fresh chicken. You can also spice up the batter with a little cayenne if you like heat. And don’t skip the syrup because the sweet-savory combo is what makes this dish so unforgettable.

Ways to Serve

I like to serve these stacked on a platter for brunch with fruit on the side and extra syrup nearby. You can also serve them individually with a fried egg or hot sauce drizzle if you’re going for more of a Southern-style twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chicken Tenders and Waffles in advance?

Yes you can prep both the chicken and waffles and reheat them in the oven to keep them crisp.

Can I bake or air fry the chicken instead of frying?

Absolutely air frying works well and baking at a high temp gives a nice crispy finish too.

What’s the best waffle mix to use if I don’t want to make it from scratch?

Any buttermilk or Belgian waffle mix will do just follow the box directions and add melted butter for extra flavor.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you treat yourself to this Chicken Tenders and Waffles recipe soon because it’s such a joyful meal to make and share. It’s golden crispy sweet and savory all in one and I know you’re going to love every bite.

Happy Cooking!