Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

If you’re in the mood for a delicious finger food, look no further than Hot Honey Chicken Tenders! These tender chicken bites are perfectly coated in a crispy batter and smothered in a sweet and spicy sauce. Ideal for parties, game days, or a cozy night in, this recipe brings unbeatable flavor and comfort to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up quickly.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of hot sauce and honey creates a mouthwatering balance of heat and sweetness.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as an appetizer, main dish, or even in sandwiches!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, these tenders will impress your guests and family alike.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice by varying the amount of hot sauce to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools beforehand. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and ensures great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• frying pan
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups
• whisk
• wire rack or paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Frying Pan: A good frying pan distributes heat evenly, ensuring that your chicken tenders cook properly without burning.
• Mixing Bowls: Using different sizes helps organize your ingredients during preparation, making the cooking process more efficient.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these tasty hot honey chicken tenders:

For the Chicken Tenders

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins (white tendon removed)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

For the Hot Honey Sauce

• 1/2 cup hot sauce
• 1/2 cup honey
• oil, for frying

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Blend

In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. This blend will give your chicken incredible flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken tenderloins along with half of the spice blend into a bowl with buttermilk. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes. This step is crucial for tenderness.

Step 3: Prepare the Coating

In a large brown paper bag or zippered plastic bag, combine the flour, cornstarch, and remaining spices. Mix well until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture after shaking off excess buttermilk. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated; you shouldn’t see any flesh beneath the flour. For extra crunchiness, consider double-coating.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken Tenders

Heat oil to 350 degrees F. Fry each tender for about 3 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through. Once done, place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine hot sauce and honey. Cook for about 2–3 minutes while whisking until smooth.

Step 7: Coat and Serve

Once cooked, coat each chicken tender with your hot honey sauce generously. Serve warm and enjoy every delicious bite!

With these steps completed, you’ll have delicious Hot Honey Chicken Tenders ready to wow everyone at your next meal!

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Hot honey chicken tenders are not just a meal; they are an experience! Whether you’re hosting a game day party or enjoying a cozy family dinner, these tenders can be served in various delicious ways.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: Cool and creamy, ranch dressing pairs perfectly with the spicy sweetness of hot honey chicken tenders.
• Blue Cheese Sauce: For those who love bold flavors, blue cheese sauce adds a tangy kick that complements the dish.
• Honey Mustard: A sweet and savory option, honey mustard enhances the flavor while adding another layer of sweetness.

On a Salad

• Crisp Garden Salad: Toss hot honey chicken tenders on a bed of mixed greens for a fresh and crunchy salad.
• Caesar Salad: Upgrade your traditional Caesar by adding these tenders for a protein-packed twist.

In Wraps or Sandwiches

• Chicken Tender Wrap: Wrap the tenders in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce for a quick meal.
• Sandwich Delight: Serve the chicken tenders in a bun with pickles and slaw for a hearty sandwich option.

As an Appetizer

• Party Platter: Serve hot honey chicken tenders as finger food at parties. They’re easy to grab and enjoy without utensils.
• Skewered Bites: Thread pieces onto skewers with vegetables for an attractive presentation at gatherings.

How to Perfect Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Perfecting hot honey chicken tenders takes practice, but these tips will help you achieve crispy, flavorful results every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken tenderloins enhance flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen ones whenever possible.
• Marinate Well: Allow the chicken to marinate in buttermilk long enough. This makes the meat tender and juicy.
• Double Coat for Crispiness: If you want extra crunch, coat each tender twice in the flour mixture before frying.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil stays around 350°F. Too low will make them soggy; too high can burn them.
• Let Them Rest: After frying, let the chicken sit on a wire rack to keep it crispy instead of placing it directly on paper towels.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize your hot sauce to suit your taste. You can mix different sauces for unique flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Pairing sides with hot honey chicken tenders elevates your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy cabbage slaw provides freshness that balances the heat from the chicken.
2. French Fries: Classic crispy fries are always a hit and pair well with dipping sauces.
3. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac & cheese offers comfort alongside spicy chicken tenders.
4. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements the dish’s flavor profile while adding color to your plate.
5. Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans contrasts nicely with the heat of the tenders.
6. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of colorful grilled veggies adds nutrition and vibrant presentation to your meal.
7. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges provide an alternative to fries with added texture and taste.
8. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf absorbs any extra sauce while adding substance to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making hot honey chicken tenders, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the Marinade: Not allowing the chicken to marinate in buttermilk can lead to dry tenders. Always let the chicken sit for at least 20 minutes for maximum tenderness.
• Under-seasoning: Failing to properly season your flour mixture can result in bland chicken. Make sure to use enough spices and herbs in your coating blend.
• Not Heating Oil Properly: Cooking in oil that’s not hot enough leads to greasy tenders. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at 350 degrees F.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Placing too many chicken tenders in the oil at once can lower the temperature, causing uneven cooking. Fry in batches for best results.
• Rushing the Sauce: If you don’t whisk the hot sauce and honey together thoroughly, it may not coat evenly. Take your time to achieve a smooth sauce.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• item They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

• item Place cooled chicken tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• item They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

• item Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• item Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking regularly to avoid sogginess.
• item Stovetop: Warm them over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of oil if needed, until crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about hot honey chicken tenders that might help you on your cooking journey.

Can I make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and cornstarch for a gluten-free option.

How do I customize Hot Honey Chicken Tenders?

Feel free to add different spices such as cayenne pepper for extra heat or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.

What can I serve with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders?

These tenders pair well with coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Are Hot Honey Chicken Tenders spicy?

The level of spice depends on how much hot sauce you use. Adjust according to your preference!

Final Thoughts

Hot honey chicken tenders are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with various spices or sauces based on your taste. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, they are sure to impress! Try making this dish today and enjoy its sweet and spicy goodness!