Crispy hot honey chicken tenders served with a spicy dipping sauce

Irresistibly Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders You’ll Crave

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Irresistibly Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders You’ll Crave

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with crispy chicken tenders. These Irresistibly Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are not only a crowd-pleaser but also marry the savory crunch of fried chicken with a sweet, spicy honey glaze that’ll have you craving more with every bite. After testing this recipe countless times, I’m thrilled to share the secrets to achieving that perfect crunch and mouthwatering flavor.

Why Make This Recipe

  1. Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of crispy chicken and a sweet, spicy honey elevates these tenders to gourmet status—it’s a flavor explosion!
  2. Healthy Twist: By opting for lean chicken breast and using whole grain breadcrumbs, you’re making a healthier choice without sacrificing taste.
  3. Quick and Easy: With minimal prep work, you can have these tenders ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
  4. Versatile Dish: Whether it’s a casual dinner, a game day snack, or a picnic delight, these tenders suit any occasion.
  5. Personal Touch: I love this recipe because it allows for customization; you can adjust the spice level to match your family’s taste preferences.

Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Cooking Method: frying

This dish involves marinating the chicken in buttermilk for tender juiciness, coating it in seasoned flour and breadcrumbs, and frying to crispy perfection.

My Experience Making This Recipe

While testing this recipe, I faced a common challenge of ensuring the right balance of spice in the honey glaze. After several attempts, I discovered that adding a touch of cayenne pepper made a world of difference. The result? A perfect blend of sweet heat that really pops!

How to Make Irresistibly Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Making these chicken tenders is a simple and rewarding process. Start by marinating chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes; this will keep the meat tender and juicy. Next, prepare a seasoned flour coating, then double-coat the chicken—first in flour, then into a batter, and finally into breadcrumbs. Fry the tenders until golden and crispy, then drizzle with a homemade hot honey glaze for that perfect finishing touch.

Expert Tips for Success

  1. Double-Check the Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure your oil reaches 350°F (175°C) for even cooking and that extra crispiness.
  2. Do Not Crowd the Pan: Frying too many tenders at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to soggy results. Fry in batches.
  3. Make It Ahead: Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderness.
  4. Use Fresh Breadcrumbs: They create a better texture than store-bought; feel free to pulse leftover bread in a food processor.
  5. Balance Sweet and Heat: Always taste your hot honey so you can adjust the spice level according to your preference.

How to Serve Irresistibly Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders are delicious served straight from the fryer during casual family dinners. Pair them with classic sides like coleslaw or fries, or serve them atop a green salad for a lighter option. For an extra touch, garnish with freshly chopped herbs—think parsley or chives—for color and flavor. They also make fantastic sandwich fillings for a twist on a classic chicken sandwich!

Storage and Reheating Guide

To store leftover chicken tenders, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crisp again.

Recipe Variations

  1. Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  2. Pineapple Hot Honey: Add a splash of pineapple juice to the hot honey mixture for a tropical twist.
  3. Extra Spicy: Include a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the honey glaze for more bite.
  4. Herb-Infused Crust: Mix dried herbs like oregano and thyme into your breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.

Nutritional Highlights

These chicken tenders offer protein-rich benefits from the chicken, while the honey provides a natural source of energy. The use of whole grain breadcrumbs can also add dietary fiber. They do contain allergens like gluten and possible nuts depending on breadcrumb choice, so consider your guests’ dietary restrictions with portion size accordingly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  1. Tenders Are Soggy: This could be due to overcrowding while frying or not preheating the oil. Use a thermometer!
  2. Breading Falls Off: Make sure the chicken is well-coated in flour and batter before dredging in breadcrumbs.
  3. Honey Glaze Too Thick: If your glaze thickens too much, warm it slightly and stir in a little water to achieve your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I bake these chicken tenders?
    Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

  2. Can I use frozen chicken?
    Frozen chicken breasts can be used, but it’s best to thaw them before marinating. This ensures an even coating and better flavor absorption.

  3. What oil is best for frying?
    Neutral oils with high smoke points, like canola or peanut oil, work wonderfully for frying because they maintain their integrity at high temperatures.

  4. How can I make the tenders less spicy?
    To dial down the heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading and adjust the hotness in the honey glaze to your liking.

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Irresistibly Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

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Crispy chicken tenders drizzled with a spicy honey glaze that combines savory and sweet flavors, perfect for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 30
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole grain breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare a seasoned flour coating by mixing flour, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Double-coat the chicken: dredge in the seasoned flour, dip in batter (if applicable), then coat in breadcrumbs.
  4. Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
  5. Fry the coated chicken tenders in batches until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Drizzle hot honey mixture over the fried tenders before serving.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Adjust the spice level as desired.

  • Author: nevaeh-hall
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: None specified

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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