Delicious Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and spicy with “Sweet Heat: Hot Honey Chicken Tenders.” These crispy chicken tenders are coated in a delectable hot honey glaze that will tantalize your taste buds. Ideal for dinner, parties, or game day snacks, these tenders offer a delightful combination of flavors that are sure to impress.
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Why Youโll Love Hot Honey Chicken Tenders:
- Sweet and Spicy: The hot honey glaze provides the perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
- Crispy and Tender: The chicken tenders are perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
- Versatile: Great as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack.
Ingredients Notes For Hot Honey Chicken Tenders:
- Chicken Tenders: Boneless, skinless chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips.
- Flour: All-purpose flour for dredging the chicken.
- Eggs: Beaten, to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs for a crispy coating.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the chicken.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a hint of garlic flavor to the coating.
- Hot Sauce: For the hot honey glaze.
- Honey: The main component of the hot honey glaze.
- Butter: Adds richness to the hot honey glaze.
- Cooking Spray or Oil: For baking or frying the chicken tenders.
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat the Oven or Prepare the Fryer:
- Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Alternatively, heat oil in a deep fryer to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, mix the flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken tenders into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Roll the chicken tenders in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they are well-coated.
- Bake or Fry the Chicken Tenders:
- To Bake: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden.
- To Fry: Carefully lower the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 4-5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of hot sauce (adjust to taste), and 2 tablespoons of butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined.
- Glaze the Chicken Tenders:
- Once the chicken tenders are cooked, place them in a large bowl. Pour the hot honey glaze over the chicken tenders and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve:
- Serve the hot honey chicken tenders immediately, garnished with extra hot sauce or honey if desired. They pair well with sides like coleslaw, fries, or a simple salad.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) until warmed through and crispy.
Delicious Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook PrintIngredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika for more flavor
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust based on heat preference
- Oil for frying vegetable or canola
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce adjust based on heat preference
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional for extra heat
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, making sure they are fully submerged.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for more flavor development.
Prepare the Coating:
- In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Remove chicken tenders from the buttermilk, shake off excess, and dredge in the flour mixture until well coated.
- Fry the chicken in batches to avoid crowding, cooking each piece for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
- Drain on paper towels.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chili flakes (if using).
- Heat over low heat, stirring until fully combined and slightly reduced.
Finish the Chicken:
- Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the fried chicken tenders or serve it on the side for dipping.
Serve:
- Serve the chicken tenders hot, garnished with additional chili flakes or freshly chopped parsley if desired.