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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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!
Serving size | (1870.3g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 9195.6 |
Total Fat 928.4g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 142.4g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 538.3g | |
Cholesterol 267.1mg | 0% |
Sodium 5837.4mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 200.6g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 4.5g | 0% |
Total Sugars 101.5g | |
Protein 97.2g | 0% |
Vitamin D 190.3IU | 0% |
Calcium 514.9mg | 0% |
Iron 5.6mg | 0% |
Potassium 1806.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories