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
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- 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.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Allow any excess buttermilk to drip off before dredging in the flour mixture.
- Coat each chicken tender in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure adherence. Shake off any excess flour and set aside on a plate.
- 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).
- 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).
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining tenders.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and hot sauce. Stir well and heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the heat level by adding more hot sauce if desired, or more honey for sweetness.
- Place the fried chicken tenders on a serving platter. Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the top.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
- 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