Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders combine crispy, crunchy coating with a sweet and spicy sauce that elevates this classic comfort food. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, they make a perfect snack or meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken tenders
• Your favorite poultry seasoning
• 3 eggs, whisked
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups honey oat cereal, crushed
• 1/2 cup honey
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup wing sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken tenders with poultry seasoning and set aside. Prepare three dredging bowls: whisk eggs in the first, place flour and additional seasoning in the second, and crushed honey oat cereal in the third.
2. Step 2: Coat each chicken tender by first dipping into the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dipping into the egg, and finally pressing into the crushed cereal. Let the coated tenders rest on a cooling rack for 10 minutes.
3. Step 3: Preheat oil to 350°F. Fry the chicken tenders in batches for about 6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
4. Step 4: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, butter, and wing sauce. Stir until the butter melts and the sauce blends smoothly.
5. Step 5: Brush the hot honey sauce over the warm fried chicken tenders. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, let the coated tenders rest longer before frying to help the cereal adhere better.
• Adjust the wing sauce quantity to control the spice level in your hot honey sauce.
• Try using gluten-free flour and cereal for a gluten-free version.
• Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?

Yes, bake them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through. Baking is a healthier alternative but may be slightly less crispy.

How spicy is the hot honey sauce?

The sauce combines sweet honey with the tangy heat of wing sauce, offering a mild to moderate spice level. You can adjust the amount of wing sauce to make it milder or spicier.

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 86 reviews

Crispy fried chicken tenders coated in a crunchy honey oat cereal crust, drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. This recipe combines classic fried chicken with an irresistible hot honey glaze, perfect for a flavorful appetizer or main dish.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 2 pounds chicken tenders
• Your favorite poultry seasoning, to taste

For the Dredge:

• 3 eggs, whisked
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups honey oat cereal, crushed

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Season 2 pounds of chicken tenders evenly with your favorite poultry seasoning. Set aside while you prepare the dredging stations.
2. Prepare the Dredge: Set up three shallow bowls: whisk the 3 eggs in the first, place 1 cup all-purpose flour in the second, and crush 2 cups honey oat cereal and place in the third bowl.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first in the flour, shaking off any excess; then dip in the whisked eggs, and finally press into the crushed honey oat cereal to coat thoroughly. Arrange the coated tenders on a cooling rack and let rest for 10 minutes to set the crust.
4. Heat the Oil: Preheat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the Chicken Tenders: Fry the tenders in batches for approximately 6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup honey, 4 tablespoons butter, and 1/2 cup wing sauce. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth and well blended.
7. Glaze the Chicken: Brush the hot honey sauce generously over the warm fried chicken tenders to coat them thoroughly.
8. Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra flavor boost and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crunchy textures.

Notes

• Letting the coated tenders rest before frying helps the crust adhere better and stay crispy.
• Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for perfect frying results.
• If you want less spice, reduce the amount of wing sauce or substitute with a milder hot sauce.
• Crispiness can be enhanced by frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding the oil.
• Leftover hot honey sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated before use.

Keywords: hot honey chicken tenders, fried chicken recipe, crispy chicken tenders, sweet and spicy chicken, honey oat chicken