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


  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 80 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Description

These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. Marinated in a buttermilk mixture and coated in a crunchy batter, they are drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, making them a perfect appetizer or main dish that everyone will love!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • 12 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
  2. Add the chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and cayenne pepper.
  4. Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Allow any excess buttermilk to drip off before dredging in the flour mixture.
  5. Coat each chicken tender in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure adherence. Shake off any excess flour and set aside on a plate.
  6. 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).
  7. Carefully add the chicken tenders to the hot oil in batches, frying for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
  8. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining tenders.
  9. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and hot sauce. Stir well and heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
  10. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce if desired, or more honey for sweetness.
  11. Place the fried chicken tenders on a serving platter. Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the top.
  12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
  13. Serve immediately while warm, paired with fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce to suit your spice preference.
  • For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken tenders by dipping them back into the buttermilk and then into the flour mixture again before frying.
  • Prep Time: 60 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes