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
Units
Scale
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
