The Sweetest Fried Chicken Tenders
Indulge in the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and sweet with "The Sweetest Fried Chicken Tenders." These golden-crusted delights are marinated in a rich honey-buttermilk mixture, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful. A double dredge in a spiced flour-cornstarch blend creates an irresistibly crunchy exterior, while a finishing drizzle of honey and a dusting of powdered sugar elevate these tenders to a whole new level of deliciousness. Whether served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a standout main dish, these fried chicken tenders are sure to impress. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces or a splash of hot sauce for a customizable treat! Perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or anytime you’re craving sweet and crispy perfection, this recipe is a must-try for fried chicken lovers.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken tenders
- 1.5 cups Buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons Honey
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.5 cups Cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons Cayenne pepper
- 4 cups Vegetable oil
- 0.25 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl. In a medium-sized bowl, mix the buttermilk and 2 tablespoons of honey. Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring each tender is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Reserve the marinade for dredging.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain a steady temperature.
Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then dip it back into the reserved marinade, and dredge it in the flour mixture a second time, ensuring a thick, even coating. Place the coated tenders on a wire rack to rest for 5 minutes before frying.
Carefully add the chicken tenders to the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Transfer the fried chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of honey over the fried tenders while they are still warm. Sprinkle lightly with powdered sugar for a sweet finishing touch.
Serve immediately with hot sauce on the side if desired, or pair with your favorite dipping sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
9196 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 928.4 g | 1190% | |
| Saturated Fat | 142.4 g | 712% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 538.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 267 mg | 89% | |
| Sodium | 5837 mg | 254% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 200.6 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 101.5 g | ||
| Protein | 97.2 g | 194% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.8 mcg | 24% | |
| Calcium | 515 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 5.6 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 1806 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
