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:

1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
2. In a bowl, mix the buttermilk and egg until well combined.
3. In another bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Making the Breading:

1. Dip each chicken tender into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
2. 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:

1. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
2. 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.
3. Transfer the cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Baking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the baking sheet. Lightly spray them with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
3. 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:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
2. 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:

1. Place the cooked chicken tenders in a large bowl.
2. Pour the spicy honey sauce over the tenders and gently toss to coat each piece evenly.

Tips for Perfect Coating:

1. Ensure the tenders are hot when you pour the sauce over them to help the sauce adhere better.
2. Toss the tenders gently to prevent the breading from falling off.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing with Side Dishes:

1. Serve your Spicy Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders with a side of coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a fresh green salad.

Ideal Occasions for Serving:

1. These chicken tenders are perfect for game day, family dinners, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties.

Storage Tips

Storing Leftovers:

1. Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

1. 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:

1. Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading and hot sauce in the glaze to suit your heat preference.

Alternative Sweeteners:

1. Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.

Tips for Success

Ensuring Crispy Chicken:

1. Do not overcrowd the skillet when frying, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy tenders.

Balancing Spicy and Sweet Flavors:

1. Taste the sauce before coating the chicken and adjust the sweetness or spiciness to your preference by adding more honey or hot sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
   • Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into strips for a juicier alternative.
2. How Long Does It Last in the Fridge?
   • The chicken tenders will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
3. Can I Freeze the Chicken Tenders?
   • Yes, you can freeze the cooked tenders. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for best results.
4. 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.
5. 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!

Yield: 4

Spicy Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe

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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

1. In a large mixing bowl whisk together flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
2. In another mixing bowl beat the eggs and water together with a fork.
3. Set aside.

SAUCE:

1. 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.
2. Bring to a boil over medium high heat and then reduce heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes.
3. Set aside.

TO COOK CHICKEN:

1. In a large skillet pour oil ½ inch deep and heat oil over medium high heat.
2. Salt and pepper the chicken then dredge each strip in the flour mixture.
3. Then take the chicken and coat it in the egg wash.
4. Finally dip the chicken back into the flour mixture and using tongs place in the heated oil.
5. Brown the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Internal temperature should reach 165 degrees.
6. (Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken tenders.)
7. Remove chicken from oil and drain on paper towel.
8. Coat chicken in honey sauce and serve immediately.