Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 4 pounds of chicken tenders
• All-purpose seasoning (to taste)
• Cayenne pepper (to taste)
• Chipotle powder (to taste)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (any variety)

For the Flour Dredge:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• Double (or triple) the seasoning used for the chicken (cayenne, chipotle powder, all-purpose seasoning)

For the Honey Chipotle Sauce:

• 1 7oz jar of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 7 oz chicken broth
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 12 oz honey (or more for a sweeter sauce)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Tenders

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the 4 pounds of chicken tenders with your preferred amount of all-purpose seasoning, cayenne pepper, and chipotle powder. This initial layer of seasoning will add flavor to the chicken even before it’s fried.
2. Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of buttermilk with 1/2 cup of hot sauce. The buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken while the hot sauce infuses a bit of heat.
3. Marinate: Add the seasoned chicken tenders to the buttermilk and hot sauce mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Flour Dredge

1. Mix the Flour Dredge: In a separate large bowl, combine 4 cups of all-purpose flour with extra seasoning (use double or triple the amount of seasoning you used on the chicken). This will ensure the chicken tenders have a bold, crispy outer coating.
2. Dredge the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken tenders from the refrigerator. One by one, dredge each tender in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour firmly onto the chicken to ensure a thick, crispy coating.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken Tenders

1. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat a generous amount of oil to 350°F (175°C). You’ll need enough oil to submerge the chicken tenders halfway.
2. Fry the Chicken: Working in batches, fry the coated chicken tenders for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
3. Drain and Rest: Remove the fried chicken tenders and let them drain on a wire rack or paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Honey Chipotle Sauce

1. Blend the Chipotle Peppers: In a blender or food processor, combine 1 jar of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with 7 oz of chicken broth. Blend until smooth.
2. Cook the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, add the blended chipotle mixture, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar, and 12 oz of honey. Stir and simmer the sauce over low heat for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if desired.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

1. Toss the Chicken Tenders: Once the honey chipotle sauce is ready, either drizzle the sauce over the fried chicken tenders or toss them in a large bowl to evenly coat each piece.
2. Serve: Serve the spicy chicken tenders with extra sauce on the side for dipping. They pair perfectly with coleslaw, fries, or a side salad for a balanced meal.

Cooking Tips

• Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken tenders in the buttermilk and hot sauce mixture for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. This will ensure the chicken is tender and flavorful.
• Flour Coating: Press the flour dredge firmly onto the chicken tenders to create a thick, crispy crust. If you prefer an extra-crispy texture, you can dredge the tenders twice, dipping them back into the buttermilk before a second flour coating.
• Frying Temperature: Make sure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F/175°C) before frying to avoid soggy or undercooked chicken. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, as it can fluctuate.
• Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or omit the cayenne from the seasoning. For more heat, add extra chipotle powder or use a spicier hot sauce in the marinade.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to crisp them back up.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken tenders by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fat: 25g
• Sugar: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg

FAQs

1. Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them?

Yes! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the chicken tenders in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet. Lightly spray them with oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

2. How can I make the sauce less spicy?

To make the sauce milder, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or use less adobo sauce. You can also increase the honey to balance out the heat with sweetness.

3. Can I use chicken thighs or breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs or breasts can be used in place of tenders. Just make sure to cut them into strips or bite-sized pieces and adjust cooking times accordingly.

4. What can I serve with these spicy chicken tenders?

These chicken tenders pair well with a variety of sides, such as fries, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. For dipping, you can serve extra honey chipotle sauce or ranch dressing.

Conclusion

Spicy Chicken Tenders with Honey Chipotle Sauce is a dish that perfectly combines heat, sweetness, and crunch. The marinated chicken is fried to crispy perfection, while the honey chipotle sauce adds a sweet and smoky glaze that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying game night, or simply craving something bold, these chicken tenders will satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy them fresh with your favorite sides and make sure to share them with friends and family for a meal everyone will love!