Get ready to fall head over heels with this irresistible Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe. Perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated with a sweet and spicy glaze that will make your taste buds dance — these tenders are a game-changer for sure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: Achieve that perfect golden crunch every time.
- Sweet and Spicy Balance: The hot honey sauce gives a delightful kick that’s perfectly offset by sweetness.
- Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, this dish is on your table in less than 30 minutes.
- Customizable Flavor: You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the essentials for this Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe. The ingredients are simple, yet each one lends something special to this savory delight. From the tang of buttermilk to the kick of hot sauce, every element plays a role in creating the perfect bite.
- Chicken Tenderloins: Opt for tenderloins for their easy shape and quick cooking time.
- Buttermilk: This adds extra moisture and tang, making the chicken irresistibly tender.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base for our crispy coating.
- Cornstarch: Ensures that your fried coating remains flaky and crunchier.
- Spices (Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Oregano): Infuse aromatic flavors that complement the spicy honey sauce.
- Hot Sauce and Honey: This duo is the star of our signature sauce, offering just the right balance of heat and sweetness.
- Oil for Frying: Helps achieve that golden crispy exterior.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to get creative! This Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe is incredibly adaptable, making it a cinch to tailor to your diet or spice preference.
- Gluten-Free Variation: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make it celiac-friendly without losing any crispiness.
- Spice Level Control: For a milder taste, reduce the hot sauce in the honey glaze or use a mild hot sauce alternative.
- Bake Instead of Fry: For a lighter version, bake the tenders at 400°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by mixing the spices together in a small bowl. Toss the chicken tenderloins in half the spice blend and coat them thoroughly with buttermilk. Let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This sets the stage for tender, flavorful chicken.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Combine the flour, cornstarch, and remaining spices in a large bag. Give the marinated tenders a thorough shake in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is generously coated for that perfect crunchy layer.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
Heat the oil in a large skillet to 350°F. Fry the tenders for about 3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Drain them on a wire rack to maintain their crispiness.
Step 4: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce
In a saucepan, whisk together the hot sauce and honey over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until smooth. This magical potion will transform your tenders into masterpieces.
Step 5: Coat and Serve
Finally, coat your fried tenders with the hot honey glaze just before serving, ensuring they’re enveloped in that sweet and spicy goodness.
Pro Tips for Making Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Marination Magic: Allowing the chicken to marinate longer, if possible, can enhance the flavors even more intensely!
- Oil Temperature Cues: Use a thermometer to keep frying oil at a consistent 350°F for crispiest results.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne to your flour mixture if you prefer your tenders extra spicy.
- Cool Crunch: Place the cooked tenders on a wire rack instead of paper towels to maintain their crunch.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Add vibrancy to your dish by sprinkling freshly chopped cilantro or green onions over the tenders before serving. This not only enhances visual appeal but adds a fresh bite to each piece.
Side Dishes
Pair these hot honey beauties with classic sides like creamy coleslaw or airy mashed potatoes. For a healthier option, roasted vegetables work wonders as well.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving the tenders in a basket lined with parchment paper adds a rustic touch reminiscent of your favorite diner. Alternatively, style them skewered on sticks for a fun party food vibe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep any leftover tenders fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their flavor and texture for later enjoyment.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze them, place the cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring them to a zip-lock bag. This prevents them from sticking together.
Reheating
Reheat your tenders in an oven preheated to 400°F for about 10 minutes, which will help recapture their original crispiness without drying them out.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breasts into similar size strips to ensure even cooking.
-
Is there a way to make the hot honey sauce less spicy?
Yes! Reduce the hot sauce and increase the honey in the glaze to suit your heat preference.
-
What type of hot sauce works best?
Your favorite hot sauce will work perfectly. The type of sauce can alter the flavor, so pick according to your preference for heat level and flavor profile.
-
Can these be cooked in an air fryer?
Yes, air fry them at 400°F for approximately 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure they are cooked evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, perfect for a casual dinner or an exciting party platter. I encourage you to try this recipe and share the flavorful joy with friends and family. Enjoy every savory-sweet bite!
Print
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Fried Chicken
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful chicken strips coated with a sweet and spicy honey sauce. Perfect as a snack or main dish, this recipe combines tender chicken with a fiery glaze that adds a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Quick to prepare, it’s ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a game-day treat.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins, white tendons 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:
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken tenderloins and half of the spice blend with the buttermilk in a bowl. Let it sit for 20 minutes at room temperature to marinate and tenderize the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: In a large resealable bag or shallow dish, mix the flour, cornstarch, and remaining spice blend. Dip each marinated chicken tenderloin into the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F. Fry the chicken tenders in batches for about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a saucepan over low-medium heat, whisk together hot sauce and honey. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through and well combined, stirring frequently.
- Coat and Serve: Toss the crispy chicken tenders in the hot honey sauce or brush the sauce over the tenders. Serve immediately for the best flavor and crunch.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature is maintained at 350°F for crispy, evenly cooked chicken.
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce or honey as preferred.
- This dish pairs well with celery sticks, pickles, or a side of coleslaw.
- For vegan or vegetarian alternatives, use plant-based tenders and dairy-free hot honey sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tender (about 100g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
