Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders

Sink your teeth into these Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders — a dish that combines succulent chicken strips with a delightful crunch. Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or a quick weeknight meal, these tenders are sure to impress. The unique blend of flavors from the marinade and the rich honey BBQ sauce will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy them as a snack or make them the star of your dinner table; either way, they’re bound to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of buttermilk, pickle juice, and hot sauce creates a mouthwatering marinade.
• Crispy Texture: A special coating of flour and potato starch ensures every bite is perfectly crispy.
• Versatile Dish: Great as an appetizer, snack, or main course — suitable for any occasion.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and ingredients, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Family Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike will love.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking process smooth and efficient, having the right tools is essential.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer

Why These Tools Matter

• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly cooked chicken tenders.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for marinating the chicken and combining dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps ensure all marinade ingredients are well blended before adding chicken.
• Tongs: Ideal for flipping and removing chicken tenders without damaging their crispy coating.

Ingredients

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

How to Make Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Identify the tendon on each chicken tender.
2. Use a fork to hold it in place while pulling it out with a paper towel.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, combine 2 cups of buttermilk with 1/2 cup of pickle juice and 1/4 cup of hot sauce.
2. Add the chicken tenders into the marinade, ensuring they’re well coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to enhance flavor.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In another bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 cup of potato starch.
2. Add in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir until fully combined.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

1. Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator.
2. Let excess marinade drip back into the bowl before placing it in the flour mixture.
3. Dredge each chicken tender in the dry mixture, ensuring they are completely coated.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to about 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully add coated chicken tenders to hot oil in batches.
3. Fry for approximately 7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine melted butter with BBQ sauce, honey, and hot sauce.
2. Bring to a boil then turn off heat.

Step 7: Serve Your Tenders

1. Once fried, remove chicken tenders from oil and let them drain on paper towels.
2. Coat each tender in the honey BBQ sauce before serving.

Enjoy your deliciously crispy honey BBQ fried chicken tenders!

How to Serve Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders

These Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders are not only delicious but also versatile. Serving them in creative ways can elevate your dining experience, making every bite even more enjoyable.

Classic Platter

• Serve with Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or additional BBQ sauce for an assorted flavor experience.
• Add Fresh Veggies: Pair the tenders with crunchy carrot and celery sticks to balance out the richness of the dish.

Sandwich Style

• Make a Chicken Tender Sandwich: Place the tenders on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite mayo for a satisfying meal.
• Wrap It Up: Use a tortilla to wrap the chicken tenders with fresh greens and a drizzle of sauce for an easy-to-eat option.

Salad Topper

• Crispy Chicken Salad: Slice the cooked tenders over a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for a fresh take.
• BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad: Combine the tenders with romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons, and Caesar dressing for a delightful twist.

Family Style

• Set Up a Build-Your-Own Station: Let guests create their own plates by providing various toppings and sides to customize their meal.

How to Perfect Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders

To achieve ultimate crispiness and flavor in your chicken tenders, follow these helpful tips.

• Bold Marination: Allow the chicken to marinate longer than an hour if possible. This helps tenderize the meat and infuses it with flavor.
• Bold Flour Mixture: Ensure thorough coating by pressing the flour mixture firmly onto each tender. This creates an extra crispy layer when fried.
• Bold Oil Temperature: Maintain oil temperature at 350°F while frying. Use a thermometer to ensure even cooking without burning.
• Bold Batch Frying: Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding. This keeps the oil temperature steady and ensures all pieces fry evenly.
• Bold Draining Technique: After frying, place tenders on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This prevents steam from making them soggy.

Best Side Dishes for Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders

Pair your Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders with delicious sides to create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Coleslaw – A classic side that adds crunch and freshness; use shredded cabbage and carrots mixed with creamy dressing.
2. French Fries – Crispy fries seasoned with salt or spices provide a satisfying accompaniment that’s always popular.
3. Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness; serve it brushed with butter for extra flavor.
4. Potato Salad – A creamy potato salad complements the spicy notes of the chicken; consider adding herbs for freshness.
5. Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac and cheese is a comforting side that pairs wonderfully with fried tenders.
6. Baked Beans – Sweet baked beans offer a smoky contrast; serve them warm alongside your chicken for added flavor.
7. Garlic Bread – Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce; make it easy by using store-bought loaves.
8. Vegetable Medley – A mix of steamed broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers provides color and nutrition to balance your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish.

• Boldly skip marinating: Not allowing the chicken to marinate properly means missing out on flavor. Always marinate for at least an hour to infuse the meat with taste.
• Boldly neglecting the coating: Failing to coat the chicken well can lead to soggy tenders. Press the flour mixture firmly onto the chicken for a crispy finish.
• Boldly frying at the wrong temperature: Cooking at too low of a temperature will leave your tenders greasy. Maintain oil at 350°F for optimal frying.
• Boldly rushing the sauce: Skipping simmering time for the sauce can affect its flavor depth. Allow it to boil and meld together for a richer taste.
• Boldly ignoring leftovers: Storing tenders improperly can make them soggy. Use airtight containers for best results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Use within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders

• Place tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders

• Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and bake on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, checking often to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders so crunchy?

The combination of all-purpose flour and potato starch creates a light yet crispy coating that locks in moisture while frying.

Can I customize my Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders?

Absolutely! You can add your favorite spices or herbs to the flour mixture for additional flavor, or swap out the hot sauce for different levels of heat.

How do I ensure my chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! While this recipe is tailored for chicken, you can use turkey or lamb tenders as well, adjusting cooking times if necessary.

Conclusion

These Super Crispy Honey BBQ Fried Chicken Tenders are irresistibly crunchy and packed with flavor. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, they offer versatility that allows you to customize according to your tastes. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its delightful balance of sweet and savory notes!

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