Are you ready to elevate your chicken tenders game? These Whipped Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are a mouthwatering fusion of crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors that will leave you craving more. This easy recipe combines juicy marinated chicken tenders, a golden, crispy crust, and a whipped hot honey sauce that delivers the perfect balance of savory heat and sweetness. Let’s dive into how you can make this game-changing dish.
Whipped Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (use your favorite brand)
For the Whipped Hot Honey:
- ½ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the Crispy Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken tenders. In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, ground ginger, paprika, parsley, oregano, and minced garlic. Add the buttermilk and hot sauce to the mixture. This marinade not only tenderizes the chicken but infuses it with deep, rich flavors. Toss the chicken tenders in the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for best results, let it marinate for a few hours.
2. Prepare the Whipped Hot Honey Sauce
While your chicken is marinating, it’s time to create the star of the show: the whipped hot honey. In a mixer, combine honey, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whip the mixture until it becomes smooth, creamy, and slightly airy. This whipped texture allows the sauce to cling beautifully to the crispy chicken tenders, adding layers of flavor with every bite.
3. Coat the Chicken in a Crispy Crust
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to coat it. In a separate shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Take each chicken tender out of the marinade and dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure the coating sticks well. Shake off any excess flour, but make sure each tender is thoroughly coated.
4. Fry the Chicken Tenders
Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the tenders in batches, cooking them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove the tenders and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
5. Add the Whipped Hot Honey
Now for the final touch! Generously drizzle or toss the crispy chicken tenders in your whipped hot honey sauce. The sauce will seep into the cracks of the crispy coating, creating a perfect sweet and spicy glaze. For an extra indulgent touch, you can even serve the tenders with a side of whipped hot honey for dipping.
Why This Recipe Works
Perfect Balance of Sweet, Spicy, and Savory
The beauty of these Whipped Hot Honey Chicken Tenders is the harmonious blend of flavors. The crispy chicken is savory and satisfying, with just the right amount of spice from the marinade and coating. The whipped hot honey adds a sweet and fiery kick that perfectly complements the savory base, creating a truly unforgettable bite.
Whipped Honey Adds a Unique Texture
Whipping the honey elevates it from a basic sauce to something luxurious and airy. This whipped consistency ensures the sauce doesn’t just sit on top of the tenders but wraps around them, coating every nook and cranny for an evenly distributed flavor punch.
Crispy Crust with a Juicy Interior
Marinating the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce not only infuses flavor but also helps keep the tenders juicy. The buttermilk breaks down the proteins in the chicken, making it tender while the hot sauce adds that kick of heat. Meanwhile, the flour mixture creates a crunchy, golden crust that seals in the juices.
Tips for Success
1. Use Fresh Oil for Frying
To get the crispiest tenders, make sure your frying oil is fresh and at the right temperature. If the oil is too cold, the coating will absorb it, leading to soggy tenders. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked through. Maintain a temperature of 350°F for the best results.
2. Don’t Skip the Marinating Time
The marinade is where the magic happens. The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken, while the spices penetrate deep into the meat. For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, a few hours will make them even more flavorful.
3. Adjust the Spice to Your Taste
If you’re sensitive to heat, feel free to reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes in the whipped hot honey. For those who love a spicy kick, you can amp it up by adding extra hot sauce to the marinade or increasing the amount of cayenne.
Variations of Whipped Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Baked Instead of Fried
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the coated tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re crispy and cooked through.
Air Fryer Option
For an even healthier option, use an air fryer. Air fry the tenders at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
Extra Crunch with Panko
For an even crunchier texture, consider adding panko breadcrumbs to the flour mixture. The panko adds an extra layer of crunch that’s irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
Whipped Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile. Serve them on their own as an appetizer or pair them with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or mac and cheese for a complete meal. These tenders are also fantastic served in sandwiches, wraps, or atop a salad.
Whipped Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Once you’ve had Whipped Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, there’s no going back to ordinary chicken strips. The combination of the juicy, marinated tenders, crispy coating, and whipped hot honey sauce creates a dish that is both comforting and bold. Whether you’re serving these at a game-day party or making them for a family dinner, they’re sure to be a hit. So what are you waiting for? Whip up a batch today and experience the sweet, savory, and spicy perfection for yourself!
