Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: The Perfect Spicy-Sweet Recipe for Your Next Meal

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are a delightful fusion of sweet and spicy that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dinner game. This dish has roots in Southern cuisine, where the combination of heat and sweetness has long been celebrated. The crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders are coated in a luscious hot honey glaze that perfectly balances the savory crunch with a sticky sweetness, making them irresistible.

What I love most about Hot Honey Chicken Tenders is their versatility; they can be served as a main dish, a party appetizer, or even a fun twist on a classic sandwich. The texture is simply divine, with the tender chicken contrasting beautifully against the crispy exterior. Plus, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Once you try these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, you’ll understand why they have become a favorite in many households, including mine!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Preparing the Chicken Marinade

First things first, let’s get our chicken tenders marinated. This step is crucial as it infuses the chicken with flavor and keeps it juicy.

1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined.
2. Add the chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Preparing the Coating

While the chicken is marinating, let’s prepare the coating that will give our tenders that perfect crispy texture.

1. In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and cayenne pepper. This combination will create a light and crispy coating.
2. Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Allow any excess buttermilk to drip off before dredging it in the flour mixture.
3. Coat each chicken tender in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Shake off any excess flour and set the coated tenders aside on a plate.

Frying the Chicken Tenders

Now it’s time to fry our chicken tenders to golden perfection!

1. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, pour in enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small amount of the flour mixture into it; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
2. Carefully add the chicken tenders to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
3. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken tenders.

Making the Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken is frying, let’s whip up the hot honey sauce that will take these tenders to the next level!

1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and hot sauce. Stir well to combine and heat through, allowing the flavors to meld together. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce if desired. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a bit more honey.

Assembling the Dish

Now that everything is cooked and ready, it’s time to assemble our hot honey chicken tenders!

1. Place the fried chicken tenders on a serving platter. Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the top, ensuring each tender is coated in that sweet and spicy goodness.
2. If you like, you can garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
3. Serve the hot honey chicken tenders immediately while they’re still warm. They pair perfectly with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion:

In summary, these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. The perfect balance of crispy, juicy chicken combined with the sweet and spicy kick of hot honey creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Whether you serve them with a side of creamy coleslaw, crispy fries, or a fresh garden salad, these tenders are sure to be a hit at your table. Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions! You can toss the tenders in a bit more hot honey for an extra glaze, or even pair them with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese to complement the heat. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the honey for an extra punch, or switch up the breading with panko for an even crunchier texture. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s spread the love for these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders together! Happy cooking! Print