Chicken and Bacon Waffles

Name: Chicken and Bacon Waffles
Ingredients: 16 slices bacon; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons baking powder; 1 tablespoon sugar; Kosher salt; 3 large eggs plus 1 egg white; 3 cups buttermilk, plus more if needed; 1 stick unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly; Cooking spray; 3 cups peanut or vegetable oil, for frying; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch-wide strips; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; Maple syrup, for serving