Are you ready to spice up your chicken dinner? This Hot Honey Chicken Tenders recipe delivers crispy, flavorful bites that will please everyone at your table. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll create tender chicken coated in a sweet and spicy glaze. Whether you’re serving it for a family meal or game day, these tenders are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the delightful cooking adventure!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of sweet honey and spicy sriracha creates a mouthwatering balance that keeps you coming back for more.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, these chicken tenders are always a hit!
- Customizable Heat Level: You can easily adjust the amount of cayenne and sriracha to suit your personal spice preferences.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
Chicken tenders are the star of this dish. They are juicy and tender. The buttermilk marinade makes them even more flavorful. You have garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika for a rich taste. The coating uses flour and cornstarch to create a crisp outer layer. Salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper add the right amount of seasoning and heat.
Optional Add-ins
- Extra spices for variation
- Garlic-infused oil
You can spice things up with extra spices. Try adding a bit of paprika or cumin for more flavor. Garlic-infused oil is another option. It adds a nice garlic taste to the chicken. Just mix it into the marinade or drizzle it on top after cooking.
Garnishing
- Fresh parsley
Fresh parsley adds color and freshness to the dish. Chop it finely and sprinkle it on top just before serving. It not only looks nice but also adds a fresh taste that balances the heat of the chicken and the sweetness of the honey sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Marinade
To start, grab a large bowl. Combine 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Whisk these together until smooth. Next, add 1 pound of chicken tenders to the bowl. Make sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour. For a stronger flavor, leave it overnight.
Coating the Chicken
Now, we’ll mix the dry coating. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir well to get an even mix. After marinating, take the chicken tenders out of the fridge. Let the excess marinade drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour mix. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.
Frying the Chicken
Next, prepare to fry. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large frying pan. Set the heat to medium-high. Use a thermometer to check the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated tenders into the hot oil. Fry them in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help drain off any extra oil.
Now you can enjoy your crispy and flavorful hot honey chicken tenders!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Crispy Chicken
To get crispy chicken, keep the oil hot. The right frying temperature is key. Heat your oil to about 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the chicken will soak up oil and get soggy. To avoid soggy tenders, do not overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches. This lets the chicken cook evenly and stay crunchy.
Marinating for Flavor
Marinating your chicken is a game changer. The longer you marinate, the more flavor you get. Aim for at least one hour, but overnight is best. This allows the spices to soak in. For better flavor absorption, poke small holes in the chicken. This helps the marinade get deep into the meat.
Serving Suggestions
When serving hot honey chicken tenders, think about sides that match well. Try coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad. These add color and texture. For presentation, stack the tenders on a plate. Drizzle hot honey over them or serve it on the side. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top makes it look nice and appetizing.
Pro Tips
- Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken tenders overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat more deeply.
- Temperature Control: Ensure your oil is at the right temperature (350°F). If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks through.
- Crispier Coating: For an extra crispy texture, double-dip the chicken tenders. After the first coating, dip them back into the buttermilk and then into the flour mixture again.
- Adjust Heat Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and sriracha in the hot honey sauce based on your heat preference.
Variations
Spice Level Adjustments
You can easily adjust the heat in this recipe. Start with the cayenne pepper. If you want less heat, cut the amount in half. If you love a kick, feel free to add more. You can also try different hot sauces. Some people like to use chipotle sauce for a smoky flavor. Others prefer a classic hot sauce for that tangy taste.
Healthier Options
If you're looking for a lighter version, try air frying the chicken. This method uses less oil but still gives a crispy result. You can also switch the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour. This adds fiber and a nutty flavor. If you're gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. It works well and keeps the chicken tasty.
Flavor Variants
Get creative with herbs and spices. Try adding dried thyme or oregano to the flour mix. You can also mix in garlic powder for a boost of flavor. For the honey, consider flavored options. You might use chili honey for extra spice or lemon-infused honey for a citrus twist. These small changes can bring new life to your hot honey chicken tenders.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your hot honey chicken tenders, store any leftovers quickly. Allow the chicken to cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This step helps prevent sogginess. Place the chicken in an airtight container.
- Use a shallow container for better cooling.
- Layer paper towels between chicken and lid to absorb moisture.
This method keeps the chicken crispy longer. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each tender in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. They will last up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Tips
Reheating chicken tenders can be tricky. You want them hot and crispy, not soggy. The oven is the best option. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C).
- Place chicken tenders on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Reheat for about 10-15 minutes, until crispy and heated through.
Using the oven keeps the texture nice. Avoid the microwave if you can. It tends to make chicken chewy. If you must use it, place chicken on a plate. Heat for 30 seconds, then check. Repeat in 15-second intervals until hot. This method is better than heating it all at once.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. To adapt the recipe, start by thawing them completely. Place the frozen tenders in the fridge overnight or submerge them in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, follow the same steps for marinating and coating. The marinating time may be shorter, around 30 minutes, since the tenders are already pre-cooked.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own. Mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about five minutes. This will give you a similar tangy flavor. Another option is to use plain yogurt or sour cream mixed with water until you reach a buttermilk-like consistency.
How to make the hot honey sauce?
Making hot honey sauce is easy! In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of honey with 1 tablespoon of sriracha. Blend them until they are smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat by adding more sriracha if you like it spicier. Drizzle this sauce over your chicken tenders or serve it on the side for dipping.
This article covered how to make crispy chicken tenders. We explored main ingredients like chicken, buttermilk marinade, and coating. Optional add-ins gave flavor choices. You learned step-by-step instructions for marinating, coating, and frying. I shared tips for crispy results and serving ideas. Variations let you adjust spice levels or make healthier choices. Finally, I explained safe storage and reheating methods. Enjoy these tips to create delicious, homemade chicken tenders your family will love.
