Overview

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy chicken strips coated in a spicy-sweet hot honey sauce. This dish is perfect for a delicious dinner or as an appetizer for gatherings!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)

Timing

Making Hot Honey Chicken Tenders takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders and ensure they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for more flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce

1. Mix Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce (if using). Stir until well combined and heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Breading

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken Tenders

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
2. Coat Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
3. Fry Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C)). Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Toss in Hot Honey

1. Coat with Sauce: In a large bowl, drizzle the hot honey sauce over the fried chicken tenders and toss to coat evenly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Enjoy: Serve the hot honey chicken tenders warm, with extra hot honey on the side for drizzling if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	400
Protein	30g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	10g

Tips for Customization

• Add Spices: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes for your desired level of heat, or add cayenne pepper for extra spice.
• Different Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a creamy garlic sauce for dipping.
• Baked Option: For a healthier version, bake the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and crispy.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are a deliciously sweet and spicy dish that combines crispy chicken with a flavorful hot honey sauce. This recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal or a fun party appetizer!