Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders

Golden, crispy, and absolutely irresistible these Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders are everything you crave in a fried chicken dish. The perfect balance of crunch and juiciness, these tenders are hand-breaded, seasoned to perfection, and fried until shatteringly crisp. But the real magic happens when they’re tossed in a luscious Honey BBQ sauce, packed with smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors that elevate each bite. Whether you’re making them for a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or just to satisfy your fried chicken cravings, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Serve them with a side of fries, coleslaw, or even drizzled with extra sauce for the ultimate comfort meal. Get ready for a bite that’s crunchy, saucy, and downright delicious!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Tenders:

  • 10 chicken tenders
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup pickle juice
  • 1/4 cup hot sauce
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup potato starch
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Honey BBQ Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce

Directions:

  1. Identify the tendon on the chicken tenders and remove it by gripping with a paper towel and pulling firmly.
  2. In a bowl, mix buttermilk, pickle juice, and hot sauce. Add chicken tenders and marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best results).
  3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, potato starch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to coat each piece.
  5. Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan or fryer. Fry chicken tenders in batches for 7 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  6. While frying, prepare the Honey BBQ sauce by combining melted butter, BBQ sauce, honey, and hot sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a slight boil, then remove from heat.
  7. Toss the crispy tenders in the Honey BBQ sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.

Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Kcal: 425 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

The Ultimate Guide to Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders

Fried chicken tenders are the ultimate comfort food crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. But when you take this classic dish up a notch by tossing the golden tenders in a smoky, sweet, and tangy Honey BBQ sauce, you get a game-changing recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

These Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders are the perfect balance of crunch and flavor. They are marinated in a buttermilk brine to ensure tenderness, coated in a seasoned flour mix that creates an ultra-crispy crust, and then fried to perfection. The final touch? A rich and flavorful honey BBQ sauce that adds just the right amount of sweetness and heat. Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner, a party, or game night, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

What Makes These Chicken Tenders So Crispy?

The key to achieving the perfect crispy crust lies in three essential steps:

  1. The Buttermilk Marinade
    Marinating the chicken tenders in a blend of buttermilk, pickle juice, and hot sauce helps to tenderize the meat while infusing it with extra flavor. Buttermilk also contains enzymes that break down proteins, ensuring that the chicken remains juicy after frying. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the better overnight marination leads to the most tender and flavorful tenders.
  2. The Double Dredge Technique
    Instead of simply coating the chicken once, this recipe uses a double dredge method. After removing the chicken from the buttermilk, it is immediately coated in a seasoned flour mixture. The trick is to let some of the buttermilk drip into the flour, creating small clumps that adhere to the chicken and fry into deliciously crunchy bits. Pressing the flour mixture onto the tenders ensures a thick, textured coating that stays crisp even after being sauced.
  3. Frying at the Right Temperature
    One of the most crucial elements of making crispy fried chicken tenders is frying at the right temperature. The oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C) to achieve a crispy exterior without burning the coating. Frying in small batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping too much, which can result in greasy chicken. Each tender should be fried for around 7 minutes, until golden brown and perfectly crisp.

The Perfect Honey BBQ Sauce

While the crispy coating is a star on its own, the real magic happens when the tenders are tossed in a Honey BBQ sauce that is the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors.

This sauce is made with a blend of BBQ sauce, honey, butter, and a touch of hot sauce. The BBQ sauce provides a rich depth of flavor, while honey adds a subtle sweetness that complements the crispy chicken. Butter helps to create a smooth, velvety texture, and a hint of hot sauce adds just the right amount of spice. The result? A sticky, glossy coating that clings beautifully to the crispy tenders, making each bite absolutely irresistible.

For an extra kick, you can customize the sauce by adding cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for additional tang. If you prefer a spicier version, swap out the honey for hot honey or add some chili flakes to bring the heat.

Best Ways to Serve Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

  1. Classic Style: Serve them hot with a side of ranch, blue cheese dressing, or extra Honey BBQ sauce for dipping. A side of crispy fries or onion rings completes the meal.
  2. Chicken Tender Sandwich: Place the tenders on a toasted brioche bun with lettuce, pickles, and a drizzle of extra sauce for an indulgent chicken sandwich.
  3. Tenders and Waffles: Pair these crispy chicken tenders with fluffy waffles and drizzle everything with maple syrup for the ultimate sweet and savory brunch dish.
  4. Loaded Chicken Tender Fries: Chop the tenders into bite-sized pieces and layer them over a bed of fries. Top with melted cheese, ranch dressing, and sliced green onions for a loaded fry experience.
  5. Chicken Tender Salad: For a lighter option, serve the tenders over a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a drizzle of honey mustard or BBQ ranch dressing.

Tips for Making the Best Fried Chicken Tenders

Achieving the perfect crispy chicken tenders requires attention to a few key details. Here are some expert tips to help you get the best results:

  • Use Fresh Oil: Always fry in fresh vegetable or peanut oil for the best flavor and crispiness. Used oil can cause the tenders to taste greasy or absorb unwanted flavors.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature. Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil’s heat and can lead to soggy chicken instead of crispy tenders.
  • Let the Chicken Rest Before Serving: After frying, allow the tenders to rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This prevents steam from building up under the chicken and making the coating soggy.
  • Keep the Chicken Warm: If making a large batch, keep fried tenders warm in an oven set to 200°F (93°C) while finishing the rest. This ensures they stay hot and crispy without overcooking.
  • Customize the Seasoning: While the recipe includes a delicious spice blend, feel free to experiment with different seasonings like Cajun, lemon pepper, or even a touch of cinnamon for a unique twist.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

If you love fried chicken, these Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders are a must-try. They offer everything you want in a perfect chicken tender juicy meat, a flavorful crispy coating, and a finger-licking good sauce. Unlike fast-food versions, these tenders are made with real, high-quality ingredients, and you can customize them to your taste.

The combination of a perfectly seasoned, crunchy exterior and the rich, sticky Honey BBQ glaze makes this recipe stand out from the rest. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, dinner, or party appetizer, these tenders are guaranteed to impress.

Conclusion:

Fried chicken tenders are a timeless classic, but these Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders take things to another level. By using a buttermilk marinade, a double-dredge method, and the perfect frying technique, you can achieve restaurant-quality crispiness right at home. The Honey BBQ sauce adds an irresistible finishing touch, making these tenders both crunchy and saucy in the best way possible.

So, the next time you’re craving crispy fried chicken, skip the takeout and make these Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders from scratch. They are easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite of this crispy, saucy goodness! 🍗🔥

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