Hot Honey Crispy Tenders are a delicious fusion of spicy and sweet, offering the perfect balance of crunchy, tender chicken coated in a flavorful hot honey glaze. These tenders are a great option for dinner, parties, or game days, providing a savory dish with just the right amount of heat and sweetness. The crispy exterior of the chicken combined with the sticky, spicy honey sauce gives each bite a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of flavor that keeps you coming back for more. This dish has become increasingly popular in recent years, combining the love for crispy fried chicken with a modern twist. Whether served on their own or with a side of dipping sauce, Hot Honey Crispy Tenders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The History of Hot Honey Crispy Tenders
Hot Honey Crispy Tenders, like many popular food trends, represent the culinary desire for combining contrasting flavors—spicy, savory, and sweet. The idea of pairing hot sauce with honey has roots in Southern and barbecue traditions, where honey is often used to balance the heat in spicy dishes. The combination of honey and hot sauce is believed to have gained mainstream popularity from places like Nashville, known for its hot chicken, and regional variations of fried chicken across the U.S. Over time, the trend evolved with the addition of crispy, breaded chicken tenders to create an easy-to-eat, flavorful dish. The success of this dish also owes itself to the growing popularity of sweet and spicy pairings in the global food scene, where the combination of honey and heat adds complexity and satisfaction. Today, Hot Honey Crispy Tenders can be found at many trendy restaurants, food trucks, and even homemade versions, where people love experimenting with different types of hot sauces and honey for a personalized spin on this dish.
Ingredients Breakdown
To make Hot Honey Crispy Tenders, you will need a few basic ingredients for the crispy coating, such as chicken tenders (or boneless chicken breasts cut into tenders), all-purpose flour, cornstarch, eggs, and buttermilk for dredging. The crispy coating gets its crunch from the combination of flour and cornstarch, creating a light, golden crust when fried. The hot honey sauce is where the flavor really comes into play. You’ll need honey, hot sauce (such as cayenne-based or sriracha), and optional additions like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or even vinegar to adjust the sweetness and heat levels. To fry the tenders, vegetable oil is commonly used, though you can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point. Garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lime can elevate the dish, providing color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Start by preparing the chicken tenders. If using boneless chicken breasts, slice them into strips of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of buttermilk and 1 beaten egg. Dip each chicken tender into the buttermilk mixture, followed by dredging in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully place the chicken tenders in the hot oil, working in batches if necessary. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- While the tenders are frying, make the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of hot sauce (adjust based on your heat preference), 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat). Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and warm.
- Once all the tenders are fried, place them in a large bowl. Pour the hot honey sauce over the tenders and toss gently to coat each one evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lime if desired. Enjoy your Hot Honey Crispy Tenders with your favorite side dishes or dipping sauces.
Tips for the Perfect Hot Honey Crispy Tenders
For an extra crispy coating, double dredge the chicken tenders. First dip them in the buttermilk, coat with flour, then dip back into the buttermilk and flour again before frying. This will give you an extra crunchy exterior. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying, as this can lower the oil temperature and cause the chicken to cook unevenly. To get the perfect level of heat in the honey sauce, start with a smaller amount of hot sauce and taste-test before adding more. If you prefer a slightly tangier sauce, a small splash of vinegar or lime juice can help balance the sweetness of the honey. Make sure to drain the fried tenders on paper towels to remove excess oil, ensuring they stay crispy. For a healthier version, you can bake the tenders in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Variations and Customizations
While the classic Hot Honey Crispy Tenders recipe is unbeatable, there are several ways to customize the dish. For a milder flavor, substitute the hot sauce with a milder option, like sweet chili sauce or barbecue sauce, and adjust the honey levels to taste. To add even more heat, incorporate finely chopped jalapeños or use a hotter hot sauce such as habanero or ghost pepper sauce. You can also experiment with different coatings—try panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crunch or swap out some of the all-purpose flour for cornmeal for a different texture. To make the tenders spicier but still balanced, you could add a small amount of fresh ginger to the sauce, which complements the honey and adds depth to the flavor. For a more indulgent version, drizzle ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing over the finished tenders for a creamy contrast to the heat.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While Hot Honey Crispy Tenders are undeniably delicious, they are on the indulgent side in terms of calories, fat, and sodium. A typical serving of chicken tenders (about 3-4 pieces) with the hot honey sauce can have between 400-600 calories, depending on the amount of oil used for frying and the thickness of the coating. If you’re looking to lighten the dish, consider baking the tenders instead of frying them to reduce the oil content. You can also use lean cuts of chicken like chicken breast for a lower-fat option. Substituting honey with a sugar-free sweetener and opting for a low-sodium hot sauce can help reduce sugar and sodium intake. Pairing the tenders with a light side salad or roasted vegetables can balance out the richness of the dish and provide more nutrients. While these tenders are a fun and flavorful treat, enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
FAQ
Q: Can I bake the tenders instead of frying them?
A: Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Q: What kind of hot sauce should I use?
A: You can use any hot sauce you prefer, such as sriracha, Frank’s RedHot, or cayenne-based hot sauces. Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your desired spice level.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, the hot honey sauce can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it before using.
Q: How can I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain their crispiness.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs, turkey, or even plant-based chicken tenders for a variation. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Hot Honey Crispy Tenders
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless chicken tenders
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup flour or gluten-free flour
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Olive oil or melted butter for frying
For Hot Honey:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Green onions cilantro, or parsley for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and Parmesan, and toss again. Next, add the beaten egg and hot sauce, tossing to coat the chicken thoroughly. Add 1/2 cup of flour, paprika, and turmeric, and toss well, ensuring the chicken pieces are evenly coated.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle oil or melted butter over the chicken. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and crispy.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid bringing it to a boil.
- Once the chicken is done, drizzle the warm sauce over the tenders or serve it on the side for dipping. If the sauce thickens, microwave it for about 5 seconds to loosen it up. Enjoy!