What To Know
- Transfer the chicken tenders to a large bowl and pour the hot honey glaze over them.
- For a crispier coating, double-coat the chicken tenders by dipping them in the flour mixture, then the egg, and then the flour mixture again before frying.
- Serve the hot honey chicken tenders with a side of coleslaw or fries for a complete meal.
Craving a dish that tantalizes your taste buds with a perfect balance of sweet and spicy? Look no further than our mouthwatering hot honey chicken tenders. This culinary masterpiece combines crispy, juicy chicken with a delectable hot honey glaze that will leave you craving more. Follow our comprehensive guide to master the art of making this irresistible appetizer or main course.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Sriracha or Crystal)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season the chicken tenders with this mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
2. Set Up the Frying Station
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
3. Dip and Fry the Chicken
Dip each seasoned chicken tender into the beaten egg, then gently drop it into the hot oil. Fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Make the Hot Honey Glaze
While the chicken is frying, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
5. Drain the Chicken
Remove the fried chicken tenders from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
6. Glaze the Chicken
Transfer the chicken tenders to a large bowl and pour the hot honey glaze over them. Toss to coat evenly.
7. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the glazed chicken tenders (optional). Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese.
Tips for Success:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken tenders reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- For a crispier coating, double-coat the chicken tenders by dipping them in the flour mixture, then the egg, and then the flour mixture again before frying.
- If you don’t have hot sauce, you can use a combination of chili powder and cayenne pepper to create a similar flavor.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to your preferred heat level.
- Serve the hot honey chicken tenders with a side of coleslaw or fries for a complete meal.
The Perfect Pairing: Dipping Sauces
Enhance the flavors of your hot honey chicken tenders by pairing them with a variety of dipping sauces:
- Ranch Dressing
- Blue Cheese Dressing
- Honey Mustard
- Barbecue Sauce
- Sriracha Mayonnaise
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them?
A: Yes, you can bake the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Q: How can I make the glaze thicker?
A: Simmer the glaze for a longer period until it reduces and thickens. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to thicken it further.
Q: How long can I store the leftover hot honey chicken tenders?
A: Store the leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Rewarm them in the oven or microwave before serving.
