If you’re on the hunt for a dish that packs a punch of sweet heat and crispy crunch, then this Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, juicy chicken strips perfectly marinated, deep-fried to golden perfection, and then gloriously coated in a luscious blend of honey and spicy hot sauce that dances on your taste buds. It’s comfort food elevated with a fiery twist that’s irresistible any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making these chicken tenders unforgettable. Each component here plays a special role — from the buttermilk that tenderizes the meat, to the blend of spices that gives the coating its savory depth, and finally the hot honey sauce that brings everything together with balance and heat.
- Chicken tenderloins, 1 lb: Choose fresh tenders with the white tendon removed for a truly tender bite.
- Buttermilk, 2 cups: Essential for marinating, it tenderizes the chicken while adding subtle tanginess.
- All-purpose flour, 1½ cups: The main base for a crispy coating that crunches delightfully.
- Cornstarch, ½ cup: Works with the flour to amp up crispiness and keep the coating light.
- Garlic powder, 2 tsp: Adds a savory warmth that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
- Onion powder, 1 tsp: Infuses a subtle sweetness that’s key in savory breading blends.
- Paprika, 1 tsp: Provides color and a gentle smoky note.
- Oregano, 1 tsp: Lends an herby brightness that keeps the seasoning complex.
- Salt, 1½ tsp (or to taste): Brings all the flavors to life.
- Black pepper, ¼ tsp (or to taste): Adds a mild spicy bite to balance the sweetness.
- Hot sauce, ½ cup: The fiery backbone of the signature hot honey glaze.
- Honey, ½ cup: Sweetens the sauce perfectly to round out the heat.
- Oil, for frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for deep frying.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl to create your flavorful spice blend. Coat the chicken tenderloins with half of this seasoning, then pour in the buttermilk. This marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with complex flavors. Let the chicken soak up all that goodness for 20 minutes at room temperature to ensure maximum juiciness once cooked.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
While your chicken rests, mix the flour, cornstarch, and the remaining spice blend in a large sealable bag or bowl. When the marinating time is up, take each tender out of the buttermilk bath and dredge it through the dry mix. Make sure every bit of chicken is fully coated—this creates the satisfying crunch you’ll love in every bite.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat your oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the chicken tenders for about 3 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a wire rack so the excess oil drips away and the coating stays crispy, not soggy. This step is crucial for that coveted crunch with tender meat inside.
Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce and honey over medium heat. Whisk frequently for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes smooth and just thickened enough to cling lovingly to the chicken. This sauce is the heart of the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe, delivering the perfect balance of spicy kick and sweet delight.
Step 5: Coat and Serve
Finally, toss your freshly fried chicken tenders in the hot honey sauce until each piece is gloriously coated from end to end. Serve them immediately to enjoy that perfect contrast between crispy exterior and saucy, spicy-sweet glaze. Trust me, these tenders disappear insanely fast!
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a splash of color and a burst of fresh flavor. A few sesame seeds also add a nutty crunch that complements the sauce beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red chili flakes can boost the heat even more.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that let the tenders shine. Think creamy coleslaw, crunchy pickles, or a light green salad to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, crispy fries or mashed potatoes work like a dream and soak up every last bit of that delicious hot honey sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow guests? Serve the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe on a platter lined with parchment paper, alongside small dipping bowls of extra hot honey sauce and ranch dressing. Or turn it into sliders with mini buns, slaw, and a drizzle of hot honey sauce for a playful twist that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and tenders separate if possible to retain that crispy coating. When ready, reheating will bring back the magic without sacrificing texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken tenders wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and save the sauce separately to reapply fresh.
Reheating
For the best reheated Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe experience, warm them in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. This restores the crunchy exterior nicely. Once heated, toss them in the hot honey sauce again or add fresh sauce if you stored it apart.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Just cut the chicken breast into strips about the size of tenders and follow the same marinade and frying steps. It might take a minute or two longer to cook depending on thickness.
How spicy is the hot honey sauce?
The sauce has a lively kick thanks to the hot sauce, but the honey balances it beautifully. You can adjust the heat by using milder or spicier hot sauces to suit your taste.
Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?
You can! Coat the tenders as usual and bake them at 425°F (220°C) on a lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy but still delicious and healthier.
What’s the best oil to fry these tenders?
Neutral-flavored oils with high smoke points like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil work best to get that perfect golden crust without overpowering flavors.
Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just warm it gently before tossing with the freshly cooked tenders for the best taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe brings a vibrant burst of flavor to your table with simplicity and boldness rolled into one. Once you try this addictive combination of crispy, juicy chicken dipped in a perfect sweet and spicy glaze, you’ll want to make it again and again. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and cook up some happiness—your taste buds will thank you!
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Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hot Honey Chicken Tenders recipe features crispy, golden-fried chicken tenders coated in a sweet and spicy honey-infused hot sauce. Marinated in buttermilk with a blend of aromatic spices, these tenders are perfectly tender inside with a crunchy crust. A quick honey-hot sauce glaze adds a delicious kick, making this dish an irresistible appetizer or main course perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins, white tendon removed
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 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
Coating
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
Sauce
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
Others
- Oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the spice blend and marinate the chicken: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a larger bowl, add chicken tenderloins, half of the spice mixture, and the buttermilk. Stir to coat evenly and let the chicken marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature to tenderize and infuse flavors.
- Coat the chicken: In a separate large sealable bag or bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and the remaining half of the spice blend thoroughly. Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk marinade, shaking off excess liquid, then dip each tender into the flour mixture. Ensure each piece is well-coated to create a crispy crust when fried.
- Fry the chicken tenders: Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken tenders for approximately 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once cooked, transfer the tenders to a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain their crispiness.
- Make the hot honey sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the hot sauce and honey. Whisk frequently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Be careful not to overcook, just warm to blend flavors together.
- Coat the tenders with sauce: Toss the fried chicken tenders gently in the prepared hot honey sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and enhances flavor.
- Using cornstarch mixed with flour creates a lighter, crunchier coating.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for perfect frying results.
- Drain fried chicken on a wire rack rather than paper towels to keep crispiness.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to modify the heat level of the glaze.
