Whipped Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Crispy, Sweet & Spicy Delight

Introduction

If you’re craving a perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and spice, these Whipped Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are just what you need. The crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders are marinated in a flavorful buttermilk mixture, fried to perfection, and then drizzled with a luscious whipped hot honey glaze. Whether for game night or a casual family dinner, this dish will steal the spotlight.

Ingredients

For the Tender Marinade:

• 2-3 lbs chicken tenders
• 1 pint buttermilk
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 1 tbsp grated garlic
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Oil for frying

For the Whipped Hot Honey:

• 2 cups honey
• 1 tbsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

For the Seasoned Flour:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp dried parsley

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a large bowl, combine the chicken tenders with buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic, parsley, oregano, ginger powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
   • Mix thoroughly and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Prepare the Whipped Hot Honey:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
   • Using a stand or hand mixer, whip the mixture on high for about 10 minutes until it becomes creamy and smooth. Set aside.
3. Make the Crispy Coating:
   • In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Coat and Fry the Tenders:
   • Working in batches, remove the chicken tenders from the marinade and dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture until fully coated.
   • Let the coated tenders rest for 5-10 minutes to help the coating adhere.
   • Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry the tenders for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Serve and Garnish:
   • Drizzle the warm tenders with the whipped hot honey glaze and sprinkle with dried parsley.
   • Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful crunch paired with sweet, spicy goodness.

Tips for Success

• Marinate Overnight: Letting the chicken marinate overnight enhances the flavors.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a consistent 350°F for even cooking.
• Whip the Honey Thoroughly: Whipping the honey for 10 minutes ensures a smooth, creamy consistency.

Why This Recipe Works The tender marinade adds a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the spicy-sweet hot honey glaze. The flour coating delivers a satisfying crunch, while the whipped honey provides a silky finish. Together, these elements create a dish that’s as addictive as it is delicious.