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- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornmeal The chicken breast is the star of this dish. It gives a juicy bite with every crunch. Buttermilk is key for marinating. It makes the chicken tender and adds flavor. The flour and cornmeal mix creates the perfect crispy coating. - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) This blend of seasonings adds depth. Garlic powder and onion powder give a savory touch. Paprika adds a hint of smokiness. Black pepper and salt enhance all the flavors. If you like spice, add cayenne pepper for heat. - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - Oil for frying Honey brings sweetness to balance the savory chicken. Soy sauce adds a nice umami kick. For frying, use oil with a high smoke point. This ensures the chicken gets crispy without burning. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Start by taking your chicken strips and placing them in a bowl. Pour in the buttermilk, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step makes the chicken tender and juicy. While the chicken marinates, grab another bowl. Here, mix together the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper if you want some heat. Stir until everything is combined. Once your chicken is done marinating, take it out of the fridge. Let any extra buttermilk drip off. Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well. Now it's time to fry! Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan. Aim for a temperature of about 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken tenders in small batches. Each batch should cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden brown color. Once cooked, remove the tenders and place them on paper towels. This will help drain any excess oil. For the final touch, gently heat honey and soy sauce together. Drizzle or toss the warm mixture over the crispy chicken tenders. Enjoy this delicious dish! You can find the full recipe for Crispy Honey Chicken Tenders above. To get your chicken tenders extra crispy, focus on the coating. Here are a few tips: - Use a mix of flour and cornmeal. This combo gives a nice crunch. - Press the coating onto the chicken. This helps it stick better. - Fry in small batches. This keeps the oil hot and crispy. Adjust the frying time based on thickness. Thicker strips need a bit more time. Aim for about 4-5 minutes per side. Watch for a golden color. That’s when they are done! Buttermilk is magic for chicken. It tenderizes the meat and adds flavor. The acid in buttermilk breaks down proteins. This makes the chicken juicy and soft. If you don’t have buttermilk, no worries! You can use plain yogurt or milk mixed with a bit of lemon juice. These alternatives also work well. Presentation matters! Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a nice platter. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for color. Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy aioli. These sauces complement the honey flavor nicely. You can also try a sweet chili sauce for a fun twist. Enjoy your meal! {{image_2}} You can make your crispy honey chicken tenders even tastier. Start by adding spices to the coating mix. Try some cayenne pepper for heat or smoked paprika for a rich flavor. You can also add Italian herbs like oregano and basil. These spices will give your tenders a unique twist. Next, think about the honey sauce. Instead of plain honey, infuse it with flavors. Add garlic or ginger to the honey as it heats. You can also mix in a splash of lime juice for a zesty kick. This gives a fresh taste that pairs well with chicken. If you want a lighter meal, bake the chicken instead of frying it. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet. Spray them lightly with oil and bake for 20-25 minutes. This method keeps the taste and cuts down on fat. You can also swap all-purpose flour for healthier options. Whole wheat flour adds nutrients and fiber. Almond flour gives a nutty flavor and is gluten-free. Both options work well in the coating and keep your tenders crispy. Make these chicken tenders kid-friendly by adjusting spice levels. Skip the cayenne pepper if your kids don’t like heat. Stick to garlic powder and onion powder for flavor without spice. You can also serve these tenders with colorful veggies or fruit. Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or apple wedges are great sides. They add nutrition and make the meal fun. Kids enjoy dipping, so provide a tasty sauce for them to use! For the full recipe, check out the Crispy Honey Chicken Tenders section. To keep your crispy honey chicken tenders fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work great. Make sure they cool down to room temperature. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy them later without losing flavor. When reheating, the oven is best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy. The microwave is quicker but may make them soggy. If you use it, heat in short bursts. Check often to avoid overcooking. You can freeze chicken tenders for future meals. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can stay in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the detailed recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To make crispy chicken tenders, follow these key steps: 1. Marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This adds flavor and helps the coating stick. 2. Prepare a coating by mixing flour, cornmeal, and spices. This mix gives the tenders their crunch. 3. Dredge the chicken in the coating. Make sure each piece is well-covered for maximum crispiness. 4. Heat oil in a skillet until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). This hot oil creates that golden crust. 5. Fry the tenders in batches. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Drain excess oil on paper towels. These steps ensure a deliciously crispy result that you and your family will love! Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Thighs have more fat and flavor, making them juicy. They also stay tender even when cooked longer. Just cut the thighs into strips like you would with the breast. The cooking time remains the same, so they will still turn out crispy and tasty. Some great dips for crispy honey chicken tenders include: - Ranch dressing: Creamy and cool, it balances the sweetness of the honey. - Honey mustard: A mix of sweet and tangy that goes perfectly with chicken. - Spicy aioli: Adds a kick and pairs well with the crispy texture. - Barbecue sauce: A classic choice that adds smoky flavor. These dips enhance the dish and make it even more enjoyable! To check if chicken tenders are cooked, look for these signs: - The chicken should be golden brown on the outside. - Cut one open to see if the meat is white and juices run clear. - The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. These tips help ensure that your chicken tenders are safe to eat and delicious! This post covered how to make crispy honey chicken tenders. We discussed main ingredients like chicken breast and buttermilk and various seasonings. You learned step-by-step instructions, tips for extra crispiness, and variations to cater to tastes. Remember, you can always adjust flavors and cooking methods to suit your style. With practice, you will master this dish, making it a favorite for any meal. Enjoy creating your perfect chicken tenders!

Crispy Honey Chicken Tenders

Indulge in the deliciousness of Crispy Honey Chicken Tenders with this easy recipe! Perfectly marinated and coated for an irresistible crunch, these tenders are drizzled with a sweet and savory honey sauce that will have everyone coming back for more. Great for family dinners or game day snacks, this recipe is a must-try.
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornmeal

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

Oil for frying

Instructions
 

In a bowl, combine the chicken strips and buttermilk. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

    In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper until well combined.

      Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

        Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).

          Fry the chicken tenders in batches for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

            In a small saucepan, heat honey and soy sauce over low heat until well mixed and warm through.

              Drizzle the honey mixture over the crispy chicken tenders or toss them in the sauce for an even coat.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the chicken tenders on a platter and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or a spicy aioli on the side. Enjoy!