Hot Honey BBQ Crispy Chicken Tenders

Ingredients

• 8 chicken tenders
• 2 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup cornstarch
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 cup Mike's Hot Honey
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• salt (pinch)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1 tsp cayenne pepper.

2. 2

   Add the chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

3. 3

   In a separate bowl, combine all coating ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp cayenne pepper.

4. 4

   Coat each chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip it back into the buttermilk marinade, then coat again in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to create an extra crispy texture (Wet → Dry → Wet → Dry).

5. 5

   Let the coated tenders rest for 5 minutes before frying.

6. 6

   Heat oil to 350F (175C) and fry the tenders until golden brown and crispy.

7. 7

   Transfer the chicken tenders to a wire rack and let them rest for a few minutes to maintain maximum crispiness.

8. 8

   For the glaze, combine Mike's Hot Honey, BBQ sauce, melted butter, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.

9. 9

   Whisk the glaze until smooth and glossy.

10. 10

    Using a pastry brush, generously brush the glaze over the crispy chicken tenders while they rest on the wire rack.

11. 11

    Serve immediately with ranch dressing on the side.

Notes

Resting the tenders on a wire rack after frying is essential to prevent them from becoming soggy. Serve with ranch dressing to balance the heat.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• chicken
• spicy
• fried
• comfort food
• hot honey
• BBQ