Name: Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: For 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For For Dry Coating:; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp black pepper; For For Wet Mixture:; 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders; 1 cup buttermilk; 2 tbsp hot sauce; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; For For Frying:; 2–3 cups neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower); For Hot Honey Garlic Sauce:; 1/2 cup hot sauce; 1/2 cup honey; 2 tbsp butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Step by step method

Step 1

Marinate the Chicken In a bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce, salt, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add chicken tenders and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for 1–4 hours (or overnight for best results).

Step 2

Prepare the Dry Coating In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

Step 3

Coat the Chicken Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing the coating on firmly for extra crunch. Set aside on a tray for 5 minutes to let the coating stick.

Step 4

Fry the Chicken Heat 2–3 cups neutral oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken tenders in batches for 6–8 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crispy. Place on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.

Step 5

Make the Hot Honey Garlic Sauce In a small saucepan, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in hot sauce, honey, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6

Toss & Serve Place fried chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour the hot honey garlic sauce over and toss until coated. Serve hot with ranch, blue cheese dip, or extra sauce on the side.