Place the butter in a small bowl and melt in the microwave, and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk in milk, egg, maple syrup, and vanilla until well blended. Let rest for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat liner.
Pour flour into a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, whisk together egg and milk. In a third bowl, stir together bread crumbs, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne.
Dip chicken tenders first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, coating on all sides at each step. Place tenders on prepared baking sheet and repeat until all tenders are used.
Bake tenders for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
While the tenders are baking, cook waffles according to your waffle iron directions.
Serve immediately, with maple syrup and hot sauce on the side.