Spicy Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe
Spicy Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders are a delicious and addictive combination of sweet and spicy flavors with a satisfyingly crispy texture. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, game day snack, or party appetizer, these tenders will quickly become a family favorite. The blend of honey and spices creates a tantalizing glaze that coats the crispy chicken tenders, making every bite a burst of flavor.
Preparation
Preparing the Chicken Tenders:
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix the buttermilk and egg until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Making the Breading:
- Dip each chicken tender into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Then dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks. Place the coated tenders on a plate.
Cooking the Chicken Tenders
Frying Instructions:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken tenders in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each tender for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Baking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the baking sheet. Lightly spray them with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through.
Making the Spicy Honey Sauce
Ingredients for the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is well combined and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
Coating the Chicken Tenders
Combining Chicken and Sauce:
- Place the cooked chicken tenders in a large bowl.
- Pour the spicy honey sauce over the tenders and gently toss to coat each piece evenly.
Tips for Perfect Coating:
- Ensure the tenders are hot when you pour the sauce over them to help the sauce adhere better.
- Toss the tenders gently to prevent the breading from falling off.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing with Side Dishes:
- Serve your Spicy Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders with a side of coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a fresh green salad.
Ideal Occasions for Serving:
- These chicken tenders are perfect for game day, family dinners, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties.
Storage Tips
Storing Leftovers:
- Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in an air fryer for a few minutes to maintain crispiness.
Variations
Making It Less Spicy:
- Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading and hot sauce in the glaze to suit your heat preference.
Alternative Sweeteners:
- Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.
Tips for Success
Ensuring Crispy Chicken:
- Do not overcrowd the skillet when frying, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy tenders.
Balancing Spicy and Sweet Flavors:
- Taste the sauce before coating the chicken and adjust the sweetness or spiciness to your preference by adding more honey or hot sauce.
FAQs
- Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
- Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into strips for a juicier alternative.
- How Long Does It Last in the Fridge?
- The chicken tenders will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Can I Freeze the Chicken Tenders?
- Yes, you can freeze the cooked tenders. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for best results.
- Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour for the breading and ensure your hot sauce and soy sauce are gluten-free.
- How Do I Make It Extra Spicy?
- Increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading and add more hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Conclusion
Spicy Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders offer a mouthwatering combination of sweet and spicy flavors with a delightful crunch. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to party appetizers. Give it a try and enjoy a new favorite dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Spicy Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe
![Spicy Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe](https://cheffrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spicy-Honey-Crispy-Chicken-Tenders-Recipe-735x735.jpg)
Spicy Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders are a delicious and addictive combination of sweet and spicy flavors with a satisfyingly crispy texture. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, game day snack, or party appetizer, these tenders will quickly become a family favorite. The blend of honey and spices creates a tantalizing glaze that coats the crispy chicken tenders, making every bite a burst of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2½ pounds chicken tenders
- 2 cups flour
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 3 teaspoons pepper
- 2 Tablespoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 eggs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- ¼ cup water
- Sauce:
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 4 Tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 cup honey
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Franks hot sauce
Instructions
CHICKEN
- In a large mixing bowl whisk together flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- In another mixing bowl beat the eggs and water together with a fork.
- Set aside.
SAUCE:
- In a medium pan add 2 Tablespoons oil and garlic. Cook for 30 seconds and then add the honey, soy sauce, pepper, and Franks hot sauce.
- Bring to a boil over medium high heat and then reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Set aside.
TO COOK CHICKEN:
- In a large skillet pour oil ½ inch deep and heat oil over medium high heat.
- Salt and pepper the chicken then dredge each strip in the flour mixture.
- Then take the chicken and coat it in the egg wash.
- Finally dip the chicken back into the flour mixture and using tongs place in the heated oil.
- Brown the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Internal temperature should reach 165 degrees.
- (Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken tenders.)
- Remove chicken from oil and drain on paper towel.
- Coat chicken in honey sauce and serve immediately.