Craving crispy and spicy? master the art of hot honey chicken tenders in just a few easy steps

Craving the tantalizing combination of sweet and spicy? Hot honey chicken tenders are the perfect solution. This delectable dish combines crispy chicken tenders coated in a luscious hot honey glaze, creating an irresistible culinary experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each step of how to make hot honey chicken tenders that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 cup hot honey (see recipe below)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Hot Honey Glaze:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken

• In a large bowl, combine the chicken tenders and buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

2. Prepare the Coating

• In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

3. Coat the Chicken

• Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge it in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess.

4. Fry the Chicken

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Carefully add the chicken tenders to the hot oil and fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

5. Make the Hot Honey Glaze

• While the chicken is frying, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, Sriracha, and soy sauce. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly.

6. Glaze the Chicken

• Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
• Brush the hot honey glaze over the chicken tenders, ensuring they are evenly coated.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve the hot honey chicken tenders immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the sweet and spicy explosion of flavors!

Tips:

• For extra crispy chicken, double-coat the tenders in the flour mixture.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Adjust the spiciness of the glaze by adding more or less Sriracha to your taste.
• Serve the chicken tenders with a side of ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or honey mustard for dipping.

Variations:

• Add a touch of sweetness to the glaze by mixing in a tablespoon of brown sugar.
• For a smoky flavor, sprinkle smoked paprika into the flour coating.
• Experiment with different hot sauces to create a unique flavor profile.

Alternatives:

• If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs instead.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour.
• If you don’t have hot honey, you can make your own by combining equal parts honey and your favorite hot sauce.

The Perfect Ending:

Hot honey chicken tenders are a culinary masterpiece that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a delicious weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress. Follow these steps and enjoy the sweet and spicy symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

• Can I make the hot honey glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the glaze up to 3 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it before using.

• How long can I store the chicken tenders?

Cooked chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Can I freeze the chicken tenders?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken tenders for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.