Hot Honey BBQ Tenders

Craving the ultimate comfort food with a kick? These Hot Honey BBQ Tenders are here to satisfy your taste buds. Featuring juicy, crispy chicken tenders coated in a sticky, sweet-heat glaze of honey, BBQ sauce, and hot sauce, this dish takes indulgence to the next level. It’s the perfect blend of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a party or planning a cozy family dinner, these tenders are an easy yet impressive choice. Serve them with a creamy ranch dipping sauce for a cool contrast to the bold flavors. Paired with sides like coleslaw or mac and cheese, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Tenders:

  • 2 pounds chicken tenders
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Hot Honey BBQ Sauce:

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • ½ cup honey
  • ¼ cup hot sauce

For the Ranch Dipping Sauce:

  • 1 dry ranch dip packet
  • 8 oz sour cream
  • ¼ cup buttermilk

Directions:

  1. Season the Chicken Tenders: In a bowl, coat chicken tenders with Creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. In another bowl, season the flour with the same spices and mix well.
  2. Fry the Tenders: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F. Dredge tenders in seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then fry for 5–6 minutes per side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
  3. Make the Hot Honey BBQ Sauce: In a saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, honey, and hot sauce. Heat on low, whisking until smooth. Remove from heat.
  4. Coat the Tenders: Place fried tenders in a large bowl and toss with the sauce until fully coated.
  5. Prepare the Ranch Dipping Sauce: Mix the ranch dip packet, sour cream, and buttermilk in a bowl until smooth.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: ~320 per serving | Servings: 4 servings

Why These Tenders Stand Out

Hot Honey BBQ Tenders are not your average chicken tenders. They’re a flavor explosion that strikes the perfect balance between spicy, sweet, and savory. The crispy coating on the chicken provides a satisfying crunch, while the sticky glaze clings to every piece, delivering a kick of heat tempered by the natural sweetness of honey. Here’s why these tenders have earned their place as a must-try recipe:

  • A Flavorful Fusion: The combination of BBQ sauce, honey, and hot sauce creates a glaze that’s both bold and balanced. It delivers layers of flavor smoky, tangy, sweet, and spicy all in one bite.
  • Crispy Perfection: The seasoned flour coating ensures the chicken stays crispy even after being tossed in the sauce. Proper frying techniques and temperature control are key to achieving that golden crunch.
  • Customizable Heat: Not everyone likes their food with a fiery kick, and this recipe is adaptable to suit any palate. By adjusting the amount of hot sauce, you can make the glaze as mild or as spicy as you like.

The Art of Frying Chicken Tenders

One of the most important aspects of this recipe is achieving perfectly fried chicken tenders. The key lies in using high-quality oil, maintaining the right frying temperature, and ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. Here are some tips to elevate your frying game:

  • Choose the Right Oil: Neutral oils with high smoke points, such as vegetable or peanut oil, work best for frying. They ensure a clean flavor and help achieve a golden crust.
  • Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at a consistent 350°F is crucial. If the temperature drops too low, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become greasy. If it’s too high, the coating may burn before the chicken is cooked through.
  • Double Dredging for Extra Crispiness: For those who love an extra-crispy coating, try double dredging the chicken by dipping it in buttermilk between flour coatings. This adds an additional layer of crunch that pairs perfectly with the sticky glaze.

The Secret to the Glaze

What sets these tenders apart is the hot honey BBQ glaze. It’s a simple blend of BBQ sauce, honey, and hot sauce, but the magic lies in the balance of flavors. The smoky and tangy notes of the BBQ sauce are complemented by the natural sweetness of honey, while the hot sauce adds a fiery kick that brings everything together. Heating the sauce gently ensures it melds into a smooth, glossy glaze that coats the tenders evenly.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different types of honey or hot sauces. Clover honey lends a classic sweetness, while darker varieties like buckwheat honey add a more robust flavor. For the hot sauce, options range from mild Louisiana-style sauces to extra-spicy varieties like ghost pepper or habanero sauces. The choice is yours!

Perfect Pairings for Hot Honey BBQ Tenders

These tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways, making them a great addition to any meal. Here are some ideas for pairing and serving:

  • Classic Comfort Food Pairings: Serve the tenders with creamy coleslaw, mac and cheese, or cornbread for a hearty, Southern-inspired meal.
  • Game Day Snack: Pile them onto a platter with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and extra ranch dressing on the side. They’re perfect finger food for watching the big game.
  • In a Sandwich: Layer the tenders onto a toasted brioche bun with pickles, lettuce, and a drizzle of extra glaze for a mouthwatering sandwich.
  • Over a Salad: Add the tenders to a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese, then drizzle with ranch dressing or extra glaze for a hearty salad.

Tips for Making Ahead and Storing Leftovers

If you’re planning to serve these tenders at a party or gathering, you can save time by preparing parts of the recipe ahead. The ranch dipping sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The glaze can also be prepared ahead of time and reheated when needed. However, the tenders are best fried fresh to maintain their crispy texture.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the coating soggy.

A Crowd-Pleasing Dish for Any Occasion

Hot Honey BBQ Tenders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Their irresistible combination of crispy, sticky, and bold flavors makes them suitable for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, preparing a weeknight family dinner, or contributing to a potluck, these tenders will undoubtedly steal the show.

Their versatility also makes them a great option for meal prep. Make a batch on the weekend, and you’ll have a flavorful protein option to add to sandwiches, wraps, or salads throughout the week. They’re a fantastic way to elevate simple meals and add a touch of indulgence to your day.

Conclusion:

Hot Honey BBQ Tenders are a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly exceptional dish. With their crispy exterior, sticky-sweet glaze, and bold, spicy kick, they’re the perfect blend of comfort food and elevated flavors. This recipe is easy to follow, customizable, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends.

So why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, fire up your stovetop, and prepare to experience the magic of these Hot Honey BBQ Tenders. Whether you serve them as a main dish, appetizer, or snack, one thing is certain: they’ll be devoured in no time.

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