Honey Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Honey Buffalo Chicken Tenders is a quick and easy recipe of chicken tenderloins battered, fried then tossed in a zesty mix of a sweet and spicy sauce. Serve these restaurant-quality tenders as a game day appetizer or weeknight dinner entree.

Try another chicken tender recipe like this Double-Coated Cornflake Crumb Fried Chicken. And for more delicious buffalo sauce recipes, check out Oven Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip and Cauliflower Buffalo Bites next!

Crispy Honey Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Honey buffalo buttermilk chicken tenders are finger-licking good! Chicken tenders are usually associated with simple, kid-friendly meals but this recipe is elevated so adults love it too!

Each bite has the crispiness you expect from fried chicken and the mouthwatering quality of a tantalizing honey buffalo sauce. The buttermilk marinade ensures the chicken remains incredibly juicy, creating a delightful contrast to the perfectly crispy exterior.

Here’s Why You’ll Love this Honey Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

• Better at Home: Skip the wait at Buffalo Wild Wings because these are just as good as your favourite restaurant. And they’re definitely an upgrade from anything you’d find in the frozen section at the grocery store!
• Party Appetizer: Serve a platter of this with celery and ranch or blue cheese dressing for dunking. It’s great for game day because this is great for the Super Bowl.
• Quick & Easy: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare with pantry staples.

Ingredients

• Chicken Tenders: Use chicken tenderloins or slice boneless skinless chicken breasts into strips.
• Vegetable Oil: Use this to fry the chicken.

For the Coating and Dredging

• Buttermilk: The acidity and richness of buttermilk act as a natural tenderizer for the chicken, ensuring that the meat remains moist and succulent during the frying process.
• Hot Sauce: This infuses a spicy kick into the buttermilk marinade.
• All Purpose Flour: This ensures a crispy, golden brown coating.
• Seasoning: Keep it simple but delicious with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper and salt and pepper to taste.

Honey Buffalo Sauce

• Hot Sauce: Use your favourite hot sauce. Frank’s RedHot is a solid option.
• Butter: This enriches the sauce with a buttery taste and a velvety texture.
• Honey: This sticky glaze thickens the sauce and balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Marinate Chicken

In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated and covered. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for a few hours.

Fry Chicken Tenders

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Then in a separate bowl, whisk together flour and remaining garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Dredge each marinated chicken tender in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess. Fry the coated chicken tenders in batches for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil or drain on a wire rack.

Honey Buffalo Sauce for Chicken Tenders

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add hot sauce and honey. Stir until well combined.
2. Toss the fried chicken tenders in the prepared Honey Buffalo Sauce when ready to serve until evenly coated. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Air Fryer: Place the coated tenders in an air fryer preheated to 400°F (205°C). Add them to the air fryer basket in a single layer for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then toss them in the prepared honey buffalo sauce.
• Baked: Add coated tenders to a baking sheet then place them in preheated oven set to 400°F (205°C). Bake for about 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Then toss them in the prepared honey buffalo sauce.
• Breadcrumbs: For extra crunchy honey buffalo chicken tenders, coat the marinated tenderloins with panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes instead of flour.

What to Serve with Honey Buffalo Chicken Tenders

• Sauces: Serve these tenders with honey mustard, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing.
• Potatoes: Make a hearty meal by pairing the tenders with crispy roasted potato wedges, seasoned fries, or creamy mashed potatoes.
• Salad: Add a refreshing salad for a tasty contrast of flavours and textures.

Tips

• Allow the chicken tenders to marinate in the buttermilk mixture with spices for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate for a few hours. This step enhances flavour and ensures juicy, tender meat.
• Pat the chicken tenders dry before adding them to seasoning or marinade. A dry surface is easier to adhere to.
• Add the buffalo chicken strips to very hot oil. Otherwise, it will absorb the oil and become soggy, not crispy.
• Fry the coated tenders in batches to prevent overcrowding in the oil. This allows for even cooking and maintains the crispy texture.
• Add more or less honey to tame the spiciness of the tenders. Vice versa for the hot sauce.
• Toss the tenders in the sauce just before serving so they remain crisp.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Store leftover honey buffalo chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume within 4 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.

Make Ahead Buffalo Chicken Tenders

For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken tenders without the sauce. Store them in a freezer-safe plastic bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat them in the oven or air fryer before tossing them in sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Interested in more Delicious Chicken Recipes? Check These Out!

• Soy Garlic Chicken Wings
• The Best Garlic Parmesan Wings
• Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich
• Crispy Air Fryer Fried Chicken
• Oven Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Bar-B-Fried (Barbie Fry) Chicken

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