What makes the perfect comfort food for a weeknight dinner? For me, it’s all about quick and easy homemade chicken tenders, especially when they’re smothered in a spicy hot honey sauce and pan-seared to crispy perfection with garlic and chili flakes. Save this idea for a family favorite meal that’s ready in no time, try making these hot honey chicken tenders soon

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Introduction

Welcome to the world of succulent and spicy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, a recipe that embodies the perfect blend of ease, flavor, and creativity. Using everyday ingredients, this dish is a masterclass in balance and accessibility, making it an ideal choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. The combination of crispy chicken, drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for your next gathering, Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are the perfect solution.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, using ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: With a simple and straightforward preparation process, you can have your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders ready in no time, making it an excellent option for busy days.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, this dish delivers impressive results, with the hot honey sauce adding a luxurious and sophisticated touch to the crispy chicken tenders.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, honey, hot sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For practical substitutions, you can use gluten-free flour or panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version, and adjust the level of hot sauce to suit your desired level of spiciness. Additionally, you can use chicken tenders or strips if you prefer a more uniform shape.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cut the chicken breasts into tenders, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In separate shallow dishes, place the flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
2. Step 2: Dip each chicken tender into the flour, coating lightly, then into the eggs, making sure they’re fully coated, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place the coated chicken tenders on a plate or tray.
3. Step 3: Heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add a few of the chicken tenders (do not overcrowd) and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining chicken tenders.
4. Step 4: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the hot honey sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey and hot sauce over low heat, whisking until smooth. Once the chicken tenders are done, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then drizzle with the hot honey sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!

Handy Tips

• For an extra crispy coating, you can chill the coated chicken tenders in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying.
• If you find the hot honey sauce too spicy, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce or add a bit more honey to balance the flavor.
• To avoid the chicken tenders from sticking together, make sure to not overcrowd the skillet and to not touch them too much while they’re cooking.

Heat Control

When frying the chicken tenders, it’s essential to maintain the right temperature to achieve a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. The ideal temperature for frying is between 350°F and 375°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of breadcrumbs into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready. Cook the chicken tenders for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this recipe comes from the panko breadcrumbs, which provide a light and airy texture. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure to not overcoat the chicken tenders with the breadcrumbs, and to fry them at the right temperature. You can also try adding some grated Parmesan cheese or chopped nuts to the breadcrumbs for extra crunch and flavor.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To make the hot honey sauce ahead of time, you can prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it over low heat before serving.
• For a shortcut, you can use store-bought chicken tenders or pre-breaded chicken strips, although the result might not be as flavorful as making them from scratch.
• To reduce mess and cleanup, you can line your work surface with parchment paper or a silicone mat before 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 or microwave until crispy and hot.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken tenders for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• When reheating, make sure to heat the chicken tenders to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give Hot Honey Chicken Tenders as a gift, you can package them in a variety of creative ways. Consider placing them in a decorative tin or jar, wrapped in parchment paper or aluminum foil, and tied with a ribbon. You can also include a side of dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, for added flavor. For a more substantial gift, you can pair the chicken tenders with a selection of artisanal cheeses, crackers, and garnishes, such as fresh herbs or edible flowers.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: You can add different spices to the flour or breadcrumbs to give the chicken tenders a unique flavor. Some options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• Creative toppings: Consider topping your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with creative ingredients like diced onions, chopped bacon, or grated cheese. You can also try drizzling them with different sauces, such as BBQ sauce or sriracha mayo.
• Ingredient swaps: If you want to make the recipe gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. You can also use different types of hot sauce or honey to change the flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your chicken tenders are not crispy, it may be due to overcrowding the skillet or not cooking them at the right temperature. Try cooking them in batches and adjusting the heat as needed.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have a particular ingredient, you can try substituting it with something similar. For example, you can use cornstarch instead of flour or honey instead of hot sauce.
• Over/undercooking signs: To ensure the chicken tenders are cooked through, check for an internal temperature of 165°F. If they’re undercooked, they may be pink or soft in the center. If they’re overcooked, they may be dry or tough.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken tenders for up to 2 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Is it gluten-free? The recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature as needed to ensure the chicken tenders are cooked through.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crispy exterior, juicy interior, and sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make the recipe your own, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Chicken Tenders!