Hot Honey Chicken Crispy Tender
Highlighted under: Fast-Track Meal Recipes
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and spicy with our Hot Honey Chicken Crispy Tender, a dish that will tantalize your taste buds with every bite.
This Hot Honey Chicken Crispy Tender recipe combines the crunch of perfectly fried chicken with the sweet heat of hot honey, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the sticky honey glaze
- A perfect balance of sweet and spicy for those who love bold flavors
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights
The Perfect Pairing of Sweet and Spicy
Hot Honey Chicken Crispy Tender offers a delightful culinary experience that marries the sweetness of honey with the bold kick of hot sauce. This unique combination not only elevates the flavor profile of the chicken but also creates a memorable dish that appeals to a wide range of palates. The sweet glaze complements the savory crunch of the fried chicken, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this recipe allows you to adjust the level of spiciness according to your preference. Whether you like a mild hint of heat or a fiery kick, the hot sauce can be tailored to suit your taste. This adaptability is one of the reasons this dish has become a favorite among home cooks and food enthusiasts alike.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner
One of the standout features of Hot Honey Chicken Crispy Tender is its quick preparation time. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under an hour. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want to serve something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
The marination process, while essential for flavor, requires minimal active time. Once the chicken is marinated, the frying and glazing come together quickly, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply enjoy your evening. Pair it with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal that your whole family will love.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Hot Honey Chicken Crispy Tender isn't just for everyday dinners; it’s also perfect for gatherings and special occasions. The dish is visually appealing, with its golden-brown crispy coating and glossy honey glaze, making it a fantastic centerpiece for any meal. Serve it at your next family gathering, game day party, or potluck, and watch as it quickly becomes the star of the show.
Additionally, this recipe can easily be doubled or halved, making it versatile for both small and large groups. Whether you’re feeding a few or a crowd, this dish can be adjusted to meet your needs, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy its delicious flavors.
Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking.
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Hot Honey Glaze
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Make sure to have everything ready for a smooth cooking experience.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious Hot Honey Chicken Crispy Tender.
Marinate Chicken
In a bowl, combine the chicken tenders and buttermilk. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Flour Mixture
In another bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat until hot.
Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and coat each piece in the flour mixture.
Fry the Chicken
Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Hot Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Heat over low until warm, stirring to combine.
Glaze the Chicken
Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the crispy chicken tenders before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Chicken Crispy Tender!
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Crisp
To achieve the perfect crispy texture for your Hot Honey Chicken, ensure that your oil is hot enough before frying. A temperature of around 350°F (175°C) is ideal. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy instead of crisp. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for the best results.
Additionally, avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying. Frying in batches allows each piece of chicken to cook evenly and maintain that desirable crunch. If the chicken pieces are too close together, they will steam rather than fry, which can affect the texture.
Serving Suggestions
Hot Honey Chicken Crispy Tender pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with coleslaw for a refreshing crunch, or alongside crispy fries for a classic combo. For a lighter option, a simple green salad drizzled with vinaigrette works wonderfully to balance the richness of the chicken.
For those who enjoy a spicy kick, serve the chicken with extra hot sauce on the side. You can also offer a range of dipping sauces, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing, to cater to different tastes and preferences. This makes for a fun, interactive dining experience.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, storing them properly is key to maintaining their flavor and texture. Place the crispy chicken tenders in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep their crispiness, avoid stacking them on top of each other.
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them in the oven is the best method. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps restore their crispy exterior, making them just as delightful as when freshly made.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into strips to use as an alternative.
→ How spicy is the hot honey glaze?
The spice level can be adjusted by adding more or less hot sauce to the glaze.
→ Can I make the hot honey glaze in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ What sides pair well with Hot Honey Chicken Crispy Tender?
This dish pairs well with coleslaw, cornbread, or a fresh garden salad.
Hot Honey Chicken Crispy Tender
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and spicy with our Hot Honey Chicken Crispy Tender, a dish that will tantalize your taste buds with every bite.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Fast-Track Meal Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Hot Honey Glaze
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine the chicken tenders and buttermilk. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
In another bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium-high heat until hot.
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and coat each piece in the flour mixture.
Carefully add the chicken to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Heat over low until warm, stirring to combine.
Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the crispy chicken tenders before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 22g