10 Secret Ingredients To Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders That Are So Good, You’ll Crave Them Every Night!

Indulge in the tantalizing fusion of sweet and spicy with our delectable hot honey chicken tenders. This irresistible dish combines crispy, juicy chicken with a tantalizing glaze that will leave you craving more. Follow our step-by-step guide to master the art of creating this culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

Chicken Tenders:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk

Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Hot Honey Glaze:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Sriracha
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. In a shallow dish, combine the buttermilk and chicken tenders. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This step helps tenderize the chicken and enhances its flavor.

Create the Breading:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Bread the Chicken:

1. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and discard the marinade.
2. Dredge the chicken tenders in the breading mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3. Shake off any excess breading.

Fry the Chicken:

1. Heat a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders in the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Drain the chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Make the Hot Honey Glaze:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, Sriracha, butter, and salt.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Glaze the Chicken:

1. Dip the fried chicken tenders into the hot honey glaze, ensuring they are evenly coated.
2. Place the glazed chicken tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.

Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional):

1. Preheat your oven’s broiler.
2. Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes per side, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your hot honey chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard. Accompany them with crispy fries, onion rings, or a refreshing side salad for a complete meal.

Variations:

• Spicy Kick: Add an extra kick by using more Sriracha in the glaze.
• Garlic Lovers: Enhance the flavor by adding minced garlic to the breading mixture.
• Herb Heaven: Incorporate dried herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or rosemary, into the breading for an aromatic touch.
• Lemon Zest: Add a burst of freshness by grating lemon zest into the breading.

Tips for Success:

• Use fresh chicken tenders for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken.
• Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer.
• Let the glazed chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set.

The Art of Dipping:

Experiment with different dipping sauces to complement your hot honey chicken tenders. Here are some suggestions:

• Ranch Dressing: A classic choice that adds a creamy and tangy flavor.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: A bold and flavorful option that balances the sweetness of the honey.
• Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy sauce that combines well with the spicy glaze.
• BBQ Sauce: A smoky and savory sauce that adds an additional layer of complexity.

Culinary Adventure Beyond Chicken:

Don’t limit yourself to chicken tenders! You can use this hot honey glaze to elevate other dishes as well:

• Crispy Tofu: Replace the chicken tenders with tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
• Baked Chicken Wings: Brush the glaze onto chicken wings and bake for a tantalizing appetizer.
• Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle the glaze over roasted vegetables for a sweet and spicy side dish.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?

Yes, you can substitute regular honey if you don’t have hot honey. However, the flavor will be less spicy.

2. How can I make the glaze less spicy?

Reduce the amount of Sriracha in the glaze or omit it altogether.

3. How do I store leftover hot honey chicken tenders?

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.