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hot honey chicken tenders

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Crispy chicken tenders coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze, perfect for any occasion!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 tenders
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls:
  • Frying pot or deep fryer
  • Wire Rack
  • Thermometer

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds chicken tenders
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar
  • 5 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon coarse salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic granules
  • 2 teaspoons onion granules
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 3 teaspoons coarse salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • Oil for frying
  • 1 cup honey
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce
  • 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 teaspoons white distilled vinegar
  • 1/2 stick unsalted butter

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add chicken tenders and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally up to 24 hours.
  • Prepare two shallow bowls: one with flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic granules, onion granules, paprika, salt, and pepper mixed together. The other with whisked eggs and buttermilk.
  • Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F. Maintain oil temperature around 350°F while frying.
  • Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, dip in the egg mixture, and coat again in the flour mixture. Let rest on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
  • Fry the chicken tenders in batches for 3 ½ to 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
  • In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, crushed red pepper, cayenne, vinegar, and butter. Heat until melted and smooth.
  • Brush or drizzle the hot honey sauce over the fried chicken tenders. Serve immediately with dipping sauces if desired.

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Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Keyword Comfort Food