Oh, the joy of biting into something that’s simultaneously spicy, sweet, and utterly tantalizing! These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are everything you never knew you needed in your culinary life. Picture tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a crispy coating and drenched in a fiery yet sweet hot honey sauce. It’s a dish that sings with flavor and is bound to be a hit at any gathering, making your kitchen the most popular spot in town.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: Each bite is a delightful crunch, thanks to the perfect blend of flour and cornstarch.
- Flavor Explosion: The hot honey sauce brings a sweet heat that’s truly addictive.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these versatile ingredients already in your kitchen!
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you’ll be enjoying these tenders in no time at all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up this dish is a breeze with some pantry staples and fresh staples. Each ingredient plays its part in creating that irresistible taste and texture we all crave.
- Chicken tenderloins: The perfect cut for quick cooking while remaining juicy.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with a subtle tangy flavor.
- All-purpose flour & cornstarch: This mixture gives the coating its delightful crunch.
- Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano add depth and earthiness.
- Hot sauce & honey: A dynamic duo that marries spicy and sweet in the most delectable way.
- Oil for frying: Ensures a perfectly golden, crunchy crust.
Variations
Customizing these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders is as easy as swapping a few ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary requirements. Let your creativity shine!
- Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Heat Levels: Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey mixture to gauge how fiery you want your tenders.
- Herb Lovers: Add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro to the hot honey sauce for a refreshing twist.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by mixing your spices, then combine half of them with the buttermilk and chicken tenderloins in a large bowl. Let this marinate for about 20 minutes at room temperature, which allows the chicken to soak up all those wonderful flavors.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
In a separate bag, combine your flour, cornstarch, and the remaining spice mix. Dredge the marinated chicken tenders in this mixture, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated for that perfect crunch.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat your oil to 350°F. Fry each piece of chicken for about 3 minutes on each side or until they’re golden and fully cooked. Drain on a wire rack to keep them crispy.
Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
Combine hot sauce and honey in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking until smooth. This should take just a couple of minutes, bringing them together into a silky glaze.
Step 5: Coat and Serve
Finally, give your fried chicken tenders a generous coat of the luscious hot honey sauce and serve while warm. Get ready to feast on the flavor!
Pro Tips for Making Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
- Oil Temperature Control: Keep your oil at a steady 350°F to ensure an even, crispy crust without any greasiness.
- Spice Intensity: For those who enjoy a kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne to the spice mix.
- Sauce Consistency: Let the hot honey sauce cool slightly for thicker, more adherent glazing.
- Marinade Time: Allowing the chicken to marinate for longer, if time permits, will deepen the flavor even more.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling freshly chopped chives or parsley over the tenders for a pop of color and freshness. A squeeze of lemon can add a refreshing zesty tang.
Side Dishes
These chicken tenders pair wonderfully with creamy coleslaw or a light garden salad. For a heartier option, serve them alongside fluffy mashed potatoes or a basket of warm, freshly baked bread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a finger food affair, serve each tender on a small skewer with a tiny cup of additional hot honey sauce for dipping. If you’re feeling upscale, place tenders on a bed of artisan greens and drizzle with a balsamic reduction.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their scrumptious flavor and texture.
Freezing
Once cooled, you can freeze the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Simply reheat when those cravings hit!
Reheating
To reheat and maintain crispiness, place the tenders in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
FAQs
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Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
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What type of hot sauce works best for the hot honey sauce?
A vinegar-based hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot is perfect for its balance of heat and tanginess.
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Can I make the hot honey sauce milder?
Definitely! Adjust the hot sauce to honey ratio according to your heat preference, adding more honey for sweetness.
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Is there a vegetarian alternative to this dish?
Absolutely, use thick tofu strips instead of chicken for a delightful vegetarian version that’s still packed with flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried Hot Honey Chicken Tenders yet, you’re missing out on a dish that’s both a comfort food and a sophisticated delight. These tenders are sure to become a staple in your meal rotations, pleasing friends, family, and, most importantly, your taste buds. Give it a try, and experience the magic!
Print
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are juicy, crispy chicken strips coated in a flavorful spice blend, fried to perfection, and then drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. This dish offers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch, making it an irresistible appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins, white tendon removed
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/2 cup honey
Oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken tenderloins and buttermilk to a bowl, then toss to coat. Let it sit for 20 minutes at room temperature to marinate.
- Coat the Chicken: In a large resealable bag or shallow dish, mix the flour, cornstarch, and remaining spices. Remove the chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dip each tenderloin into the flour mixture, making sure they are fully coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep fryer or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the tenders in batches for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine hot sauce and honey. Bring to a gentle simmer and whisk for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
- Coat and Serve: Toss the fried chicken tenders in the hot honey sauce or drizzle the sauce over the tenders. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or scallions.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature remains steady at 350°F for optimal crispiness.
- You can bake the chicken tenders at 400°F for a healthier alternative—bake for about 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
- Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of hot sauce added to the honey.
- This dish is best served hot immediately after coating with the hot honey sauce.
- Use a thermometer to check oil temperature for safety and best frying results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tender
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
