If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances crunchy, spicy, and sweet flavors, let me introduce you to the Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe. This dish is an absolute game-changer—imagine golden, crispy chicken tenders tossed in a luscious drizzle of hot honey, creating an irresistible flavor explosion with every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a weekend gathering, these chicken tenders are guaranteed to make you swoon and crave more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is surprisingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building that perfect texture and flavor in your Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe. From the tender chicken breasts to the spicy-sweet hot honey, every component is essential to achieve that crave-worthy result.
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use 3-4 breasts for tender and juicy tenders.
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a sturdy base for the crispy coating; gluten-free flour can be a substitute.
- 0.5 cup Cornstarch: The secret weapon for enhancing crispiness with a light finish.
- 2 large Eggs: Helps the flour mixture stick perfectly; use a flax egg or aquafaba for an egg-free alternative.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, savory depth; fresh garlic can be used instead if preferred.
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Brings a smoky, vibrant color; regular paprika works in a pinch.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to make flavors pop.
- 0.5 cup Hot Honey: This sweet heat glaze ties the entire dish together; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- 0.5 inches Canola or Vegetable Oil: Perfect for frying; peanut oil can add a lovely nutty note.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken
First things first: gently pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step ensures the coating sticks beautifully without slipping. Then slice the chicken into strips about 1 inch wide to create perfect tender-sized pieces that’ll cook evenly and stay juicy.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station
Create your two-bowl system by whisking the eggs until smooth in one bowl. In the second bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This seasoned flour mixture will coat the chicken for that mouthwatering crunch packed with flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dunk each chicken strip into the beaten eggs, allowing every piece to get fully coated. Then transfer it to the flour mixture for an even, generous layer. This two-step dipping creates that signature crispy crust of the Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Pour about half an inch of your chosen oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat until shimmering at around 350°F. Carefully add the chicken tenders in a single layer—avoid overcrowding, so they fry evenly. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until the tenders turn a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.
Step 5: Drain and Drizzle
Remove the tenders from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. While they are still warm, generously drizzle hot honey over the tenders to add that perfect balance of spicy sweetness that defines this recipe. Every bite will be bursting with flavor and texture.
How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and add freshness, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions over the tenders. A little extra pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can boost the heat if you like it fiery. These small touches make your Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe pop visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Pairing these tenders with cool, creamy coleslaw or a crisp garden salad adds a refreshing contrast to the spice. For a more indulgent meal, crispy fries or sweet potato wedges work wonders to soak up any leftover hot honey drizzle. Don’t forget a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese for dipping options that truly complement the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the tenders in a fun, shareable format like on a platter with parchment paper or in a rustic wooden board. Stack them alongside pickles and lemon wedges for a vibrant visual and flavor burst. You can even use them to top a spicy salad or stuff them into sliders for an impressive twist on sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe (though it’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3-4 days, locking in their delicious flavor but might lose some crispness over time.
Freezing
To freeze, lay the cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, making it super convenient for meal prep or a last-minute snack craving.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in a 375°F oven or air fryer for around 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through to regain that irresistible crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible since it can make the coating soggy, losing the defining crunch of the Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and can even add extra juiciness and flavor. Just slice them into similar-sized strips to ensure even cooking for your Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe.
How spicy is the hot honey?
The level of heat depends on the hot honey brand you use and how much you drizzle over the tenders. It typically has a warm mild spice, but you can adjust the amount or find hotter versions if you prefer a serious kick.
Is it okay to bake instead of fry?
Yes, baking is a great healthier option. Bake the coated tenders on a greased sheet at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. While they won’t be as crispy as frying, they’ll still be tasty and satisfying.
Can I prepare the coating ahead of time?
You can mix the flour, cornstarch, and spices ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container. However, bread the chicken fresh before frying for the best texture in your Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe.
What dipping sauces go best with this recipe?
Classic ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or even a cool yogurt-based sauce complement the sweet-spicy flavor beautifully. They add a creamy counterpoint that enhances every bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and exciting about the Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe. It packs familiar, crave-worthy flavors into a dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for a family dinner or a friendly gathering, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for effortless yet unforgettable meals. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be swooning over that perfect crunch and spicy honey glaze just like I do.
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Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously crispy hot honey chicken tenders that are perfectly seasoned and coated for an irresistible crunch, then drizzled with a spicy-sweet hot honey for a mouthwatering flavor combination. These tenders are easy to make in under 35 minutes and are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (Use 3–4 breasts for tender and juicy tenders)
Dredging Mixture
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Can substitute with gluten-free flour)
- 0.5 cup Cornstarch (Enhances the crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh garlic can be used as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Regular paprika can work in a pinch)
- Salt to taste (Essential for seasoning)
- Pepper to taste (Essential for seasoning)
Wet Mixture
- 2 large Eggs (Can use a flax egg or aquafaba for an egg-free version)
Finishing
- 0.5 cup Hot Honey (Adjust according to your heat preference)
- 0.5 inches Canola or Vegetable Oil (Peanut oil can add flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Slice the chicken into strips approximately 1 inch wide to ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness.
- Set Up Dredging Station: In one bowl, beat the eggs until smooth to create the egg wash. In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing them well to form a seasoned flour mixture for coating the chicken strips.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken strip first into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully covered. Then, transfer the strip into the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thorough coating on all sides. Repeat this process for all strips.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about ½ inch of oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium heat until shimmering and reaching approximately 350°F. This temperature is ideal for frying to achieve a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken strips into the hot oil in a single layer to avoid overcrowding, which can lower oil temperature. Fry the tenders for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried tenders from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. While still warm, drizzle the crispy chicken tenders generously with hot honey to add a sweet and spicy finish. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- To make the recipe egg-free, use a flax egg or aquafaba in place of the eggs.
- You can adjust the amount of hot honey to suit your preferred spice level—add more for extra heat or less for a milder taste.
- Peanut oil can be used instead of canola or vegetable oil to add a subtle nutty flavor to the chicken.
- Ensure the oil stays at the proper temperature to avoid soggy or burnt tenders.
