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If you crave the perfect balance of crunchy, spicy, and sweet, the Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe is absolutely your new best friend. This dish brings together tender, juicy strips of chicken coated in a crackling crispy layer that’s kissed with a bold heat from smoked paprika and a luscious drizzle of hot honey that adds a sweet kick you won’t be able to resist. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or craving a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these chicken tenders deliver irresistible flavor and texture in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each item plays a vital part, working together to build that crave-worthy crispy crust, the juicy chicken center, and that unforgettable sweet-spicy glaze.
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for 3-4 breasts to ensure tender and juicy tenders every time.
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour: Creates the sturdy base for your crispy coating; feel free to swap with gluten-free flour if needed.
- 0.5 cup Cornstarch: The secret weapon that enhances crunchiness and gives the coating an incredible texture.
- 2 large Eggs: Acts as the perfect binder to hold the flavorful coating on the chicken; can switch to flax egg or aquafaba for egg-free versions.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle warmth and depth—fresh garlic works great if you prefer fresh flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika: Brings a smoky, slightly spicy note that complements the hot honey beautifully.
- Salt to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- Pepper to taste: Adds a mild kick and balances the seasonings.
- 0.5 cup Hot Honey: The star glaze—adjust the amount for your preferred heat and sweetness combo.
- 0.5 inches Canola or Vegetable Oil: Perfect for frying; peanut oil can be used to add an extra layer of flavor.
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Slice each breast into strips approximately one inch wide—this size helps the chicken cook evenly and allows for maximum crispiness on every tender.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station
Next, create two bowls: one with beaten eggs and the other with a dry mix combining all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This setup ensures every chicken strip is perfectly coated with layers of flavor and crunch.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Strips
Dip each chicken strip first into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully covered. Then transfer it into the flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well. This double coating method is key to achieving the distinct crispiness that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Pour about half an inch of oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium heat until it shimmers and reaches approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper oil temperature ensures the coating crisps quickly and seals in the chicken’s juicy tenderness.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden
Carefully place a single layer of coated chicken strips into the hot oil. Fry each side for about 4-5 minutes, turning once, until the coating turns a gorgeous golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This step guarantees crisp results and juicy interior every time.
Step 6: Drain and Drizzle with Hot Honey
Once fried, transfer the chicken tenders onto paper towels to drain excess oil. While they’re still warm, drizzle generously with hot honey to infuse that signature sweet and spicy glaze, elevating every bite.
How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley not only adds a pop of vibrant color but also freshens the palate, complementing the hot honey glaze beautifully. For those who enjoy a touch of heat, a light dusting of chili flakes can amp up the kick without overpowering the dish.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp coleslaw or a simple mixed green salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside creamy mac and cheese or garlic roasted potatoes for a comforting feast everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve these chicken tenders atop a bed of steamed jasmine rice or inside toasted slider buns for irresistible hot honey chicken sandwiches. Adding drizzle of extra hot honey or a side of cooling ranch dip encourages interactive, customizable bites that turn mealtime into an experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days while maintaining a good level of crispiness when reheated properly.
Freezing
If you want to save them for longer, freeze the cooked tenders on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and make for an easy, flavorful snack or meal starter when you’re short on time.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-pan crispness, reheat your tenders in a 375 degree Fahrenheit oven for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave for reheating, as it tends to soften the crispy coating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit fattier and can offer a juicier bite, though they may require slightly longer cooking to ensure the coating crisps without overcooking the meat.
How spicy is the hot honey in this recipe?
The heat level depends on the hot honey brand you choose and how much you drizzle, but it generally delivers a pleasant warm kick that balances sweetness rather than overwhelming heat.
Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of frying?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. For best results, bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit on a wire rack over a baking sheet to promote even crisping, but keep in mind the texture may be slightly less crispy than frying.
Is there an alternative to using eggs in the dredging process?
You can substitute eggs with flax eggs (a mix of ground flaxseed and water) or aquafaba, making this recipe accessible for those with egg allergies or vegan preferences.
What type of honey works best for the hot honey glaze?
Use locally sourced or artisanal hot honey if possible. These often have a richer flavor and a more nuanced heat profile, but any commercial hot honey will work wonderfully in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe a try soon—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The satisfying crunch paired with that perfect sweet-heat drizzle will have you coming back for seconds every single time. So gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to swoon over these deliciously irresistible chicken tenders!
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Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders recipe features juicy, tender chicken strips coated in a perfectly crispy blend of flour and cornstarch, fried to golden perfection and finished with a drizzle of spicy-sweet hot honey. Quick and easy to prepare, these chicken tenders are a delicious and versatile dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a flavorful appetizer that will make you swoon.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (3–4 breasts, sliced into 1-inch strips)
Dredging Mixture
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (can substitute with gluten-free flour)
- 0.5 cup Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Egg Wash
- 2 large Eggs (or flax egg/aquafaba for egg-free)
Cooking
- 0.5 inches Canola or Vegetable Oil (peanut oil optional for flavor)
Finishing
- 0.5 cup Hot Honey (adjust heat level to preference)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Slice them into strips approximately 1 inch wide to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- Set Up the Dredging Station: In one bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will create the crispy coating for the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken strip into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated. Then dredge the strip through the flour mixture, pressing gently so the flour adheres evenly and forms a good crust.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about half an inch of canola or vegetable oil into a large skillet. Heat the oil over medium heat until it shimmers and reaches approximately 350°F, which is perfect for frying to achieve a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.
- Fry the Chicken Tenders: Place the coated chicken strips carefully into the hot oil in a single layer. Fry each side for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Drain and Glaze: Remove the fried tenders with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. While still warm, drizzle the hot honey evenly over the tenders to coat them with a spicy-sweet glaze that perfectly complements the crispy crust.
Notes
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- For an egg-free version, replace eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, mixed and rested) or aquafaba.
- Peanut oil can be used instead of canola or vegetable oil to add a subtle nutty flavor.
- Adjust the quantity of hot honey depending on your preferred spice and sweetness level.
- Make sure the oil temperature is steady at about 350°F to achieve the best crispy texture without burning the coating.
- Use a thermometer to check chicken doneness; the internal temperature should be 165°F.
