Description
This Hot Honey Chicken Tenders recipe features tender, juicy chicken marinated in buttermilk and spices, coated in a crispy flour and cornstarch crust, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. It’s a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it an irresistible appetizer or main dish for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins, white tendon removed
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 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
Coating
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Remaining half of the spice blend (from above: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper)
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
Other
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil preferred)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken tenderloins, half of the spice blend, and buttermilk to a bowl. Let it sit for 20 minutes at room temperature to marinate and tenderize the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the flour, cornstarch, and the remaining spices in a large sealable bag or bowl. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade and dip them into the flour mixture, ensuring each tender is thoroughly coated for a crispy crust.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken tenders for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Drain them on a wire rack to maintain crispiness and remove excess oil.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce and honey. Cook over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, whisking frequently until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Coat and Serve: Toss the fried chicken tenders in the hot honey sauce to evenly coat them. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature is maintained at 350°F for even frying and optimal crunch.
- Use a wire rack after frying instead of paper towels to keep tenders crispy.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity in the honey sauce to control spiciness.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping if desired.
- Leftover tenders can be reheated in an oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
