Introduction
Looking for a deliciously crispy and spicy treat? This recipe for chicken tenderloins tossed in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce will satisfy your cravings. With tender meat coated in a crispy crust and a drizzle of hot honey, it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Serve it as an appetizer or as part of a flavorful main dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
– 1 pound chicken tenderloins
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons hot sauce
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Prep Time
30 minutes (plus additional time for marinating)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
This delightful dish will add a touch of excitement to your meal. Enjoy your crispy chicken tenders drizzled with that irresistible hot honey sauce!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken tenderloins in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure all pieces are submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize the meat.
Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Coat the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring a thorough and even coating.
Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1/2 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce:
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir continuously until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined.
Coat the Chicken with Sauce:
Place the fried chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce over the tenders and toss gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
Serve:
Transfer the glazed chicken tenders to a serving platter. Serve immediately while warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or alongside dipping sauces of your choice.
Notes
Marinating Time:
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight for more flavor and tenderness.
Temperature Check:
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safely cooked.
Oil Temperature:
If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of the coated chicken into the oil; it should sizzle and bubble immediately.
Serving Suggestions:
These chicken tenders pair well with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Marinating the chicken tenderloins in buttermilk helps to tenderize the meat and add flavor. Aim to marinate for at least 30 minutes for the best results.
Coating
A seasoned flour mixture consisting of all-purpose flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper creates a crispy exterior. Ensure each chicken piece is thoroughly coated for optimal crunch.
Frying
Frying requires preheating the oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place chicken in the hot oil to avoid splatter, and do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking. Fry until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Making Sauce
The hot honey sauce combines honey with hot sauce and butter, creating a sweet and spicy glaze. Heat the ingredients over low heat, stirring continuously until well combined.
Coating with Sauce
Once fried, toss the chicken tenders gently with the hot honey sauce to ensure an even coating, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Serving
Serve the glazed chicken tenderloins immediately while they are warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs for added flavor and visual appeal.
FAQ
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but longer marination can enhance tenderness and flavor.
What should I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the coated chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through, although frying will yield a crispier texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the hot honey sauce?
Absolutely! Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. You can even omit the spicy ingredients for a milder sauce.
Conclusion
Enjoying crispy, flavorful chicken tenders dressed in a spicy-sweet hot honey sauce creates an unforgettable dish. The combination of buttermilk marinade and seasoned flour coating makes the chicken incredibly tender and delicious, while the hot honey sauce adds a unique kick that elevates the overall taste. Perfect for a crowd or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Garlic Buttermilk Chicken
Add minced garlic and cayenne pepper to the buttermilk marinade for an extra punch of flavor.
Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
Substitute the hot honey sauce with a mixture of honey and Dijon mustard for a different twist.
Lemon Herb Chicken Fry
Mix fresh lemon zest and chopped herbs into the flour coating for a refreshing flavor profile.
Buffalo Chicken Tenders
After frying, toss the chicken in buffalo sauce instead of hot honey for a classic buffalo flavor.
Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Serve the fried chicken tenders on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a delicious sandwich.
Asian-style Chicken Tenders
Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, then fry and toss with a sweet chili sauce for an Asian-inspired dish.
