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Chicken tenders have long stood as a beloved comfort food, cherished for their tender texture and versatility. Whether served with a side of fries, tossed in a salad, or enjoyed on their own, these crispy morsels are a staple in kitchens and restaurants alike. However, what if we told you that you could take your chicken tender experience to an entirely new level? Enter the hot honey chicken tenders—a dish that marries the traditional comfort of fried chicken with the tantalizing flavors of sweet and spicy hot honey sauce.

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Elevate your chicken dinner with these irresistible Hot Honey Chicken Tenders! This sweet and spicy recipe combines juicy, crispy chicken with a flavorful hot honey sauce that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these tenders are easy to make and hard to resist. Discover how this comfort food can bring excitement to your table! #HotHoneyChicken #ChickenTenders #ComfortFood #Recipe #HomeCooking #SweetAndSpicy
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup cornmeal

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon dried thyme

Vegetable oil (for frying)

For Hot Honey Sauce:

½ cup honey

2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Pinch of salt

Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken:

    In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken tenders and coat them in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

      Prepare the Coating:

        In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and dried thyme. This mixture will give the tenders a crunchy exterior.

          Heat the Oil:

            In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small bit of the coating into it; if it sizzles, it’s ready.

              Coat the Chicken:

                Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.

                  Fry the Chicken:

                    Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil. Fry in batches (do not overcrowd) for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

                      Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce:

                        In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Heat over low heat, stirring until warmed through and well mixed. If you want extra heat, add red pepper flakes to taste.

                          Serve:

                            Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken tenders or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad!

                              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 4 servings