Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering twist on a classic favorite: Honey Fried Chicken Tenders! This recipe combines the crispy goodness of perfectly fried chicken with the sweet, sticky allure of honey, creating an irresistible dish that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Whether you're planning a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, these golden tenders are sure to impress. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a delightful meal that’s not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor. Dive into this delectable recipe and discover how to elevate your chicken game like never before!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup honey
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 1 lb of chicken tenders, 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, 1/2 tsp of paprika, 1/2 tsp of salt, 1/4 tsp of black pepper, 1/2 cup of honey, and oil for frying.
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk with the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. This will help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the breading. In a separate shallow dish, add the 1 cup of all-purpose flour. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to the flour for extra seasoning if desired.
- After the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. One by one, take each chicken tender and allow any excess buttermilk to drip off before dredging it in the flour mixture. Ensure each piece is coated evenly, then place the breaded tenders on a plate.
- In a large skillet or deep frying pan, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and bubbles, the oil is ready.
- Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, use tongs to remove the chicken tenders from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the honey over low heat until it is warm and slightly runny. This will make it easier to drizzle over the chicken.
- To serve, arrange the fried chicken tenders on a platter and drizzle the warm honey over the top. You can also serve the honey on the side for dipping.
- Enjoy your delicious Honey Fried Chicken Tenders with your favorite sides!
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken tenders to soak in the buttermilk mixture for at least 15 minutes, or even longer if you have time. This step not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with delicious flavors from the spices.
- Perfect Breading Technique: When breading the chicken, make sure to let the excess buttermilk drip off before dredging in flour. This ensures a crispier coating that clings well to the chicken.
- Oil Temperature Matters: To achieve that golden-brown crust, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. A good test is to drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, you’re ready to fry!
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to soggy tenders instead of crispy ones.
- Draining Excess Oil: After frying, let the chicken tenders rest on a paper towel-lined plate. This will help absorb any excess oil, keeping your dish light and crispy.
- Warm Honey for Drizzling: Gently heat the honey before serving to make it easier to drizzle over the chicken. This adds a beautiful shine and enhances the overall flavor.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your Honey Fried Chicken Tenders with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
