Description
Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of sweet and spicy! Golden-fried chicken tenders are coated in a delicious homemade hot honey sauce, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, a quick dinner, or a game-day snack, these tenders will have everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Breading:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
For Frying:
- 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of salt
For Serving:
-
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Add chicken tenders, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for extra tenderness).
- Prepare the Breading:
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let excess liquid drip off.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure an even coating.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken tenders in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, butter, red pepper flakes, apple cider vinegar, and salt.
- Heat over low heat, stirring until butter is melted and the sauce is well-blended.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Drizzle or brush the hot honey sauce over the fried chicken tenders.
- Toss to evenly coat for maximum flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Enjoy while hot and crispy!
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper and hot sauce.
- For a healthier version, bake or air fry the chicken tenders instead of deep frying.
- Make ahead tip: Fry the tenders ahead of time and reheat in the oven before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American