Popeyes chicken waffle Tenders

Popeyes Chicken Waffle Tenders combine crispy, savory goodness from fried chicken with the fluffy, sweet texture of waffles, so this is the perfect blend of sweet and salty, and it’s easy to make. This is how you can make this tasty dish at home.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders

• Chicken tenders 1 pound (about 6-8 pieces).
• Buttermilk, 1 cup (for marinating).
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• Paprika, 1 tablespoon
• Cayenne pepper, optional (for heat), 1/2 teaspoon
• To taste: salt and pepper

Waffle Batter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Sugar, 1 Tablespoon
• Baking powder, 1 tablespoon
• Half a teaspoon of salt
• Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon for an extra flavor.
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup milk
• Butter 2 tablespoons
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frying and Coating:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Paprika, 1 tablespoon
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• Black pepper, 1 teaspoon
• Vegetable oil to fry

You can serve:

• Maple syrup (for drizzle)
• Powdered sugar for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinade the Chicken Tenders. Place the chicken tenders into a bowl and add the buttermilk. Add the cayenne pepper, paprika and onion powder (if you are using it). Also, add a pinch of pepper and salt, then mix all ingredients to coat the chicken. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight if you’ve got time, so this step will tenderize the chicken and give it a delicious flavor.

Step 2: Prepare Waffle Batter In an oversized mixing bowl, whisk the flour, sugar and baking powder together with the salt (if you are using cinnamon). In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry and mix until smooth. The batter must be thick enough to cover the chicken but pourable. Add a bit more milk if it is too thick, then set aside the waffle batter.

Step 3: Prepare Coating In an oversized bowl or shallow dish, combine flour, paprika powder, black pepper, salt and garlic powder, so this is the mixture you will use to dredge your chicken tenders. Set it aside.

Step 4: Dredge Chicken Remove the chicken tenders from the refrigerator and allow the excess buttermilk to drip off, then dip each tender in the flour mixture and coat it evenly. Dip the chicken into the waffle batter and ensure that it is completely coated, Then re-dip it into the flour mix for a second coat. When fried, the chicken will have a waffle-like crispy crust.

Step 5: Fry The Chicken. Heat the vegetable oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat to 350degF (or 175degC). Drop a little batter into the hot oil to test the temperature. If it quickly rises, then the oil is ready.

Place the chicken tenders, coated with the sauce, into the hot oil. If necessary, fry in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Fry tenders for 4-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown. To ensure that the chicken is fully cooked, make sure to check the temperature inside the bird. It should reach 165degF. Remove the chicken tenders and drain the excess oil on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 6: Serve Chicken Waffle Tenders Serve your crispy chicken waffle tenders drizzled with maple for the perfect sweet-savory combo. If you want to add more sweetness, you can dust them with some powdered sugar.

How to make the perfect chicken waffle tenders

• Double Dredging – The secret to a crisp crust is double dipping. The flour coating adds a nice crunch, while the waffle batter provides sweetness and texture.
• Resting the chicken: Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour to keep it moist and tender. Even 30 minutes can improve the flavor if you are in a hurry.
• It is crucial to maintain the oil temperature when frying. If the oil temperature is too high, the crust of the chicken will burn before it has cooked through.
• You can adjust the seasonings to your taste in the flour mixture. Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your waffle batter if you prefer a spicy version.

This recipe works:

The Popeyes Chicken Waffle tenders combine the best of two worlds: crispy fried chicken with fluffy, sweet waffles. Double-dipping ensures every bite is crispy and flavorful. The maple syrup drizzle balances out the savory spice flavors. This is a dish that will impress anyone who enjoys the combination of sweet & savory.

You can now enjoy Popeyes-style Chicken Waffle Tenders at home, so this dish is perfect for special breakfasts, brunches, and dinners. Enjoy!