Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: A Sweet and Fiery Treat! 🔥🍯🍗

1. Introduction: Discover the Magic of Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that masterfully balances fiery heat with luscious sweetness, look no further! Spicy hot honey chicken tenders are your ultimate culinary destination. These delectable tenders boast a beautifully crunchy exterior, generously drizzled with a sweet and subtly spicy glaze that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds sing. Whether it’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a show-stopping appetizer designed to impress at gatherings, this recipe for honey hot chicken tenders is destined to become a cherished family favorite. Prepare to dive headfirst into the irresistible world of homemade hot honey chicken tenders, where every bite is an experience to remember! Or maybe you want to try our other dinner recipes!

Delicious final presentation of spicy hot honey chicken tenders, highlighting the crispy coating and sweet-spicy glaze with a side for dipping.

2. Ingredients: What You’ll Need for These Honey Hot Chicken Tenders

Here’s what you’ll need to create these amazing hot honey chicken tenders. Make sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results!

  • 1 lb chicken tenders: Opt for fresh, high-quality tenders for the best texture.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour: This provides the crispy coating that everyone loves.
  • 2 tsp paprika: Adds a smoky depth to the chicken.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness of the honey.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
  • 1 cup honey: The key ingredient for the sweet glaze, ensure it’s pure honey. It will work very well in this honey hot chicken tenders recipe.
  • 2-3 tbsp chili flakes (adjust for heat preference): Control the spiciness to your liking.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a pungent kick to the honey glaze.
  • Vegetable oil for frying: Choose an oil with a high smoke point for frying.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make the Best Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders – The Secret to Crispy Honey Hot Chicken Tenders

Begin by preparing the chicken tenders for their spicy transformation. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, vibrant paprika, aromatic garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Next, gently introduce the chicken tenders into this flavorful mixture, making sure each piece is generously coated. This crucial step will give your hot honey chicken tenders that oh-so-irresistible and satisfying crunch that everyone craves! Check out our Chili Lime treat as a great appetizer before eating our recipe.

Preparation of spicy hot honey chicken tenders with marinated chicken covered in flour and spices for crunchy coating.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken Tenders to Golden Perfection

Carefully pour about an inch of vegetable oil into a large, sturdy frying pan and set it over medium heat. Allow the oil to heat up until it’s shimmering and ready for frying. Once the oil reaches the ideal temperature, gently place the coated chicken tenders into the pan, working in manageable batches to avoid overcrowding. This ensures each tender cooks evenly and achieves maximum crispiness. Fry the honey hot chicken tenders until they are gloriously golden brown and irresistibly crispy, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. These honey hot chicken tenders will be juicy and full of flavor!

Cooking process of honey hot chicken tenders in sizzling oil for a crispy outer layer, showcasing the frying action.

Step 3: Craft the Irresistible Spicy Honey Glaze

Now, it’s time to create the signature glaze that brings our hot honey chicken tenders to life. In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the luscious honey, fiery chili flakes (adjusting the quantity to match your preferred level of spiciness), and freshly minced garlic. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir the mixture continuously until all the ingredients are beautifully melded together and warmed through. This process will infuse the honey with the perfect balance of heat and savory garlic notes, transforming it into a glaze that will elevate your honey hot chicken tenders to gourmet status. You can find another spicy recipe, the Giant Dinosaur Beef Ribs Feast, on our page!

Making the spicy honey glaze for chicken tenders, combining honey, chili flakes, and garlic for an irresistible coating.

Step 4: Glaze, Garnish, and Serve Your Masterpiece

Once the chicken tenders have achieved their golden and crispy potential, carefully remove them from the frying pan and place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels. This allows any excess oil to drain away, ensuring your hot honey chicken tenders remain perfectly crisp. Next, generously drizzle the warm, spicy honey glaze over the chicken tenders, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated in this delectable mixture. To add a touch of freshness and visual appeal, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Serve your honey hot chicken tenders immediately and watch them disappear!

Presentation of delicious hot honey chicken tenders beautifully arranged with a glossy glaze and fresh parsley, ideal for serving.

4. Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings for Your Honey Hot Chicken Tenders

These spicy hot honey chicken tenders are undeniably delicious all on their own, but they truly shine when paired with complementary sides and accompaniments. Consider serving them with a cool and creamy ranch dressing or a tangy blue cheese dip for dipping. Crispy French fries, golden sweet potato fries (check our Sweet Potato Cracker recipe!) , or a vibrant coleslaw also make excellent partners. For a more complete and balanced meal, arrange the tenders atop a bed of fresh salad greens with your favorite veggies and dressings. These hot honey chicken tenders are also great for family meal!

5. Storage Tips: Keeping Your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Fresh

In the unlikely event that you have leftovers of your irresistible hot honey chicken tenders, proper storage is key to maintaining their quality. Place the leftover tenders in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat them is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the tenders on a baking sheet. Reheat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and the coating has regained its desired crispness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the tenders soggy. For another dessert to eat after your chicken tenders, you could try our Perfect Ice Cream Cups!

6. FAQs: Your Questions About Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Answered

Q: Can I make these chicken tenders in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Using an air fryer is a fantastic way to enjoy healthier hot honey chicken tenders with less oil. Simply preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and air fry the tenders for about 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Q: How can I adjust the spiciness of these honey hot chicken tenders?
A: Customizing the spiciness of your honey hot chicken tenders is easy! If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of chili flakes in the glaze. Conversely, if you like a more intense heat, add more chili flakes to the glaze. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for another layer of spice.

Q: What are some other dishes I can cook with honey?
A: Honey can be used for many recipes. You can try our Sweet Glazed Apple Fritters recipe that you can find on our website!

Q: What can I serve with spicy hot honey chicken tenders?
A: These hot honey chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide variety of sides. Classic choices include crispy french fries, creamy coleslaw, and a selection of dipping sauces such as cool ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a spicy mayo.

7. Conclusion: Indulge in the Perfect Blend of Sweet and Heat with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders represent the ultimate fusion of textures and flavors, delivering a delightful crunch, a tantalizing kick of spice, and a comforting touch of sweetness that every chicken enthusiast will adore. Thanks to this straightforward and easy-to-follow recipe, you can effortlessly recreate this mouth-watering dish in the comfort of your own kitchen in no time. Whether you’re hosting a party or gathering, planning a fun game night, or simply seeking a satisfying and flavorful dinner option, these honey hot chicken tenders are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone eagerly reaching for seconds!

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Delicious final presentation of spicy hot honey chicken tenders, highlighting the crispy coating and sweet-spicy glaze with a side for dipping.

Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

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Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are a delicious blend of crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy honey glaze, perfect for dinners or appetizers. Experience the ultimate combination of heat and sweetness with every bite!

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup honey
  • 23 tbsp chili flakes (adjust for heat preference)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken tenders with the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for a crunchy coating.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan and fry the coated chicken tenders until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
  3. Prepare the spicy honey glaze by combining honey, chili flakes, and minced garlic in a saucepan and heating until warmed through.
  4. Drizzle the warm spicy honey glaze over the fried chicken tenders and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness.
  • For a healthier option, use an air fryer and cook for 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free Option

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (3-4 tenders)
  • Calories: 300 Kcal
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 490mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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