What makes the perfect weeknight dinner so irresistible? For me, it’s all about quick and easy homemade meals like these hot honey chicken tenders, made with juicy chicken and a drizzle of spicy honey. Save this idea for your next family favorite dinner inspiration and try it soon.

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into crispy, juicy chicken tenders smothered in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. This delectable dish is not only a treat for your taste buds, but it’s also incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort. The best part? It uses everyday ingredients that you likely have stocked in your pantry, making it a creative and accessible meal option for any night of the week. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of spicy and sweet elements in the hot honey sauce, paired with the tender and juicy chicken, creates a match made in heaven. Plus, the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making it a convenient option.
• Ease of preparation: With a simple and straightforward preparation process, you can have this dish ready in no time. From prep to plate, it’s a breeze to make and requires minimal cooking skills.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its ease of preparation, the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are sure to impress your guests with their crispy exterior, juicy interior, and sticky, sweet sauce.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include 1 pound of chicken breasts, cut into strips, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 cup of buttermilk, vegetable oil for frying, and the star of the show: hot honey sauce made with 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot), and 2 tablespoons of butter. For a spicy kick, you can adjust the amount of hot sauce to your liking, and for a lighter option, you can substitute the buttermilk with a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour the buttermilk into a separate shallow dish. Dip each chicken strip into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat. Place the coated chicken on a plate or tray.
2. Step 2: Heat about 1/2-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry the chicken strips in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the chicken from the oil with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Step 3: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, and butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk until the butter has melted and the sauce is smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let cook for about 5 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
4. Step 4: To assemble the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, place the fried chicken strips on a serving plate or platter. Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top of the chicken, making sure each piece is coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Handy Tips

• For an extra crispy coating, you can chill the coated chicken strips in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying. This will help the coating adhere to the chicken better.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken before using.
• Be careful when working with hot oil, as it can cause burns. Never leave frying unattended, and make sure to not overcrowd the skillet.

Heat Control

When frying the chicken, it’s essential to maintain the correct oil temperature. The ideal temperature for frying is between 350°F and 375°F. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is fully cooked. If the oil is too cold, the chicken will absorb excess oil and be greasy. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, and adjust the heat as needed.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this recipe comes from the crispy flour coating on the chicken. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure to not overmix the flour coating, and press the coating gently onto the chicken to adhere. Also, frying the chicken at the correct temperature will help the coating crisp up nicely.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For easier cleanup, line your baking sheets and plates with parchment paper or aluminum foil before starting to cook. This will catch any spills or messes, making cleanup a breeze.
• To prevent the hot honey sauce from crystallizing, whisk it constantly while it’s cooling. You can also add a little water to thin it out if it becomes too thick.
• Experiment with different seasonings in the flour coating, such as dried herbs or spices, to give the chicken an extra boost of flavor.

Storage Tips

• Leftover Hot Honey Chicken Tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and hot.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the fried chicken strips without the sauce for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat frozen chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and hot.
• When reheating, make sure to check the chicken for doneness and crispiness. If it’s not crispy enough, you can broil it for an extra 1-2 minutes to crisp up the coating.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to share the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders as a gift, consider packaging them in a decorative tin or container with a clear plastic lid. You can also wrap them individually in wax paper or parchment paper and place them in a gift basket or box. Don’t forget to include a side of the hot honey sauce for dipping! You can package the sauce in small glass jars or containers and tie them with a ribbon or twine.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Experiment with different spices in the flour coating, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• Creative toppings: Top the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with creative ingredients like diced onions, chopped fresh cilantro, or crumbled blue cheese.
• Ingredient swaps: Swap out the chicken for other proteins like shrimp, pork tenders, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also use different types of hot sauce or honey to change up the flavor of the sauce.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the chicken is not crispy enough, it may be due to the oil temperature being too low. Try increasing the heat and frying the chicken again. If the chicken is too greasy, it may be due to the oil being too cold. Try increasing the heat and frying the chicken again.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken before using.
• Over/undercooking signs: If the chicken is overcooked, it will be dry and tough. If it’s undercooked, it will be pink and juicy. Make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the fried chicken strips without the sauce for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat frozen chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and hot.
• Is it gluten-free? The Hot Honey Chicken Tenders recipe contains gluten in the form of all-purpose flour. However, you can make a gluten-free version by substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend and being mindful of cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make more Hot Honey Chicken Tenders. Simply multiply all the ingredients by two and cook the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding the skillet.

Conclusion

The Hot Honey Chicken Tenders recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for a delicious and easy meal option. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and toppings to make the recipe your own, and don’t hesitate to share it with your friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, this recipe is sure to impress and delight. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the sweet and spicy goodness of the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders!