What makes the perfect weeknight dinner? For me, it’s all about quick and easy homemade meals like these hot honey chicken tenders, made with a sweet and spicy sauce and crispy fried chicken. Save this idea for a delicious family favorite to enjoy on a busy night, try it soon and let me know how it turns out.

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into crispy, juicy chicken tenders smothered in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce – a flavor combination that’s both familiar and excitingly new. This recipe for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders is a masterclass in balancing flavors and textures, using everyday ingredients to create a dish that’s as impressive as it is easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or as a fun twist on traditional chicken dishes.

Why This Works

• The balance of spicy and sweet flavors, along with the crunch of the chicken tenders, creates a dish that’s both satisfying and addictive.
• The use of accessible ingredients means you can whip up this recipe without needing to visit specialty stores, making it perfect for spontaneous meals.
• Despite its impressive flavor profile, the dish requires minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a quick yet delicious meal.

Key Ingredients

To make these delectable Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, you’ll need a few key ingredients. First, you’ll need chicken breasts, which you can cut into strips to make the tenders. For the coating, a mix of flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs works beautifully, providing a light yet crunchy exterior. The star of the show, however, is the hot honey sauce, made from a combination of honey, hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot), butter, and garlic. You can adjust the level of heat to your liking, and feel free to add other ingredients like lemon juice or herbs to give it an extra boost of flavor. Practical substitutions include using gluten-free flour for the coating or swapping out the hot sauce for a milder alternative if you prefer less heat.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cut the chicken breasts into strips, and in separate bowls, prepare your flour mixture, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Also, chop any garlic you plan to use in the hot honey sauce.
2. Step 2: Cook the chicken tenders. Dip each chicken strip into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the eggs, making sure they’re fully coated, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs gently onto the chicken to ensure they stick. Fry the coated chicken strips in hot oil until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Drain the tenders on paper towels.
3. Step 3: Prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, until fragrant. Then, add the honey and hot sauce, whisking until the sauce is smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes, until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and any other desired herbs or spices.
4. Step 4: Finally, toss the cooked chicken tenders in the hot honey sauce until they’re well coated. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds or scallions if desired, and enjoy alongside your favorite sides, such as fries, salad, or coleslaw.

Handy Tips

• For an extra crispy coating, chill the coated chicken tenders in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary, to ensure each tender has enough room to cook evenly.
• Experiment with different types of hot sauce to change up the flavor of the hot honey sauce. Some options include Sriracha for an Asian-inspired taste or a ghost pepper sauce for those who like it extremely hot.

Heat Control

When frying the chicken tenders, it’s crucial to maintain the right temperature. Ideally, you want the oil to be between 350°F and 375°F. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is fully cooked. Conversely, if it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and be greasy. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, and never leave frying food unattended.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the perfect crunch in your chicken tenders is all about the coating and the frying technique. The panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crisper coating than regular breadcrumbs, and chilling the coated tenders before frying helps the coating adhere and maintains its crunch. Additionally, not overcrowding the pan ensures that each tender fries evenly and doesn’t steam instead of sear, which can make it soggy.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a deep frying thermometer to ensure your oil is at the perfect temperature for frying.
• Don’t skip the step of drying the chicken tenders after coating and before frying. Excess moisture can make the coating fall off or the tenders steam instead of sear.
• For less mess and easier cleanup, line your workstation with parchment paper or a silicone mat when coating the chicken tenders.

Storage Tips

• Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked and cooled chicken tenders for up to 2 months. Simply thaw frozen tenders overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.
• When storing, it’s best to keep the chicken tenders and the hot honey sauce separate to preserve the crunch of the coating and the freshness of the sauce.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting these delicious Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, presentation can make all the difference. Consider packaging them in airtight containers or bags and including a side of the hot honey sauce in a small jar or container. You can also add some decorative touches like ribbons around the containers, a handwritten note with reheating instructions, or even a few fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary for a pop of color and freshness.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Korean-Style: Add some Gochujang to the hot honey sauce for a deeper, spicier flavor.
• Mediterranean Twist: Mix some chopped fresh oregano into the flour coating and serve the tenders with a side of tzatziki sauce.
• Indian-Inspired: Use garam masala and cumin in the flour coating, and serve with a cucumber raita to cool down the heat.

Troubleshooting

• Texture Problems: If your chicken tenders turn out soggy, it might be due to overcrowding the pan or not using the right temperature. Try frying in batches and monitor the oil temperature closely.
• Ingredient Replacements: If you can’t find panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute, though they might not yield the same level of crunch.
• Over/Undercooking: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s cooked through. The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F. If you find your chicken is overcooked, try reducing the cooking time or temperature in future batches.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze both the uncooked, coated chicken tenders and the cooked tenders. For uncooked, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Cooked tenders can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Is it gluten-free? The flours used in the coating can be swapped out for gluten-free alternatives. Additionally, ensure that the hot sauce and any other ingredients used are gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. Simply double all the ingredients and proceed with the recipe as instructed. You might need to fry the chicken in more batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

Making Hot Honey Chicken Tenders is a fun and rewarding process that yields delicious results with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe is versatile and can be easily scaled up or down. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make the dish your own, and enjoy the process of sharing your creations with friends and family. With its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crunchy, these chicken tenders are sure to become a staple in your kitchen, and the tips and variations provided are designed to inspire your culinary creativity.