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Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

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  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders feature a double-fried technique that creates an impossibly crunchy exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside, all coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. These restaurant-quality tenders are perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or meal prep for the week ahead.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds chicken tenders, or sliced chicken breast, pounded to even thickness
  • 1 cup buttermilk, creates a tender, juicy interior
  • 1 cup pickle juice, adds tangy flavor to the marinade
  • 1 egg, helps bind the marinade
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, for the crispy coating
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch, creates extra crispiness
  • 4 tablespoons butter, for the hot honey sauce
  • 4 to 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 0.5 cup hot honey, or regular honey mixed with hot sauce
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons ketchup, adds sweetness and depth
  • Oil for frying, vegetable or canola oil

Instructions

  1. Combine Marinade Base: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, pickle juice, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.
  2. Add Chicken: Place chicken tenders in the marinade and coat thoroughly, making sure each piece is submerged.
  3. Marinate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, though 4 to 12 hours will yield the most flavorful, tender results.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  5. Coat Chicken: Remove chicken tenders from marinade and press them firmly into the flour mixture, creating visible crinkles and texture on the surface.
  6. Rest Coated Chicken: Place coated tenders on a plate and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes, which helps the coating adhere during frying.
  7. Heat Oil: Pour oil into a deep skillet or fryer and heat to 340 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit using a thermometer for accuracy.
  8. First Fry: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry chicken tenders for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and rest on a paper towel-lined plate for 2 to 3 minutes.
  9. Second Fry: Return the tenders to the hot oil and fry for another 2 to 3 minutes until deep golden brown and ultra crispy.
  10. Drain: Transfer finished tenders to a wire rack to drain and cool slightly.
  11. Melt Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until foaming.
  12. Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 45 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid browning.
  13. Add Sauce: Pour in hot honey and ketchup, stirring to combine, then let the mixture gently bubble for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  14. Toss in Bowl: Place warm chicken tenders in a large bowl.
  15. Pour Sauce: Pour the hot honey sauce over the tenders.
  16. Coat Evenly: Toss everything together until each tender is coated in glossy, delicious sauce.
  17. Serve Immediately: Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy while the tenders are still crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes

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Find it online: https://ladysavor.com/crispy-hot-honey-chicken-tenders/