Get ready to spice up your dinner with Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders! This dish is a tasty blend of sweet and spicy flavors that makes any meal special. Plus, it’s super easy to make, perfect for busy nights. In this post, I’ll guide you through the simple steps, share tips for the crispiest tenders, and suggest great sides. Let’s dive in and create a fun and flavorful meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders
To make Sriracha honey chicken tenders, you need the following main ingredients:
– 1 lb chicken tenders
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
– 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
– Cooking oil for frying
These ingredients combine to create a perfect mix of flavor and crunch. The chicken tenders soak up the buttermilk, adding moisture and flavor. The flour and breadcrumbs give them a nice, crispy coating.
Optional Garnishes
You can elevate your dish by adding some simple garnishes. Here are some great options:
– Sesame seeds
– Chopped green onions
These garnishes add color and a little added flavor. They make your dish look fancy without much effort.
Suggested Serving Sides
Pair your chicken tenders with tasty sides. Here are a few ideas:
– Steamed rice
– Fresh salad
– Sweet potato fries
These sides balance the spice of the tenders. They make your meal complete and satisfying. Enjoy making this meal fun and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Chicken Tenders
Start with 1 pound of chicken tenders. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure even flavor. In another bowl, pour 1/2 cup of buttermilk and set it aside.
Next, take each chicken tender and dip it into the buttermilk. Let any extra buttermilk drip off. Then, coat each tender in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour before moving to the next step. After that, dip the coated chicken back into the buttermilk. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better. Lastly, roll the tender in 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, preferably panko for extra crunch.
Frying the Chicken Tenders
Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken tenders. Do not overcrowd the skillet; fry them in batches if needed. Cook the tenders for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and ensure they are cooked through.
Once done, transfer the cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate. This helps drain any excess oil, keeping them crispy and light.
Making the Sriracha Honey Sauce
While the chicken is frying, it’s time to make the Sriracha honey sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of Sriracha sauce, 1/4 cup of honey, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar. Whisk the mixture until it is smooth and well combined. This sauce adds a sweet and spicy kick to the chicken tenders.
After frying, toss the chicken tenders in the sauce until they are well coated. Serve them hot and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfectly Coated Chicken
To get a great coating on your chicken tenders, follow these steps:
– Use two bowls; one for buttermilk and one for the flour mix.
– First, dip the chicken in buttermilk and let it drip.
– Then, dredge it in the flour mix. Shake off any extra flour.
– Repeat by dipping in buttermilk again, then roll in breadcrumbs.
This double-dip method helps the coating stick well and adds crunch.
Achieving the Right Frying Temperature
Getting the oil at the right heat is key.
– Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
– You want it hot but not smoking.
– A good test is to drop a small piece of bread in.
If it bubbles and browns in 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
Fry the chicken in small batches to avoid crowding. This keeps the oil hot and helps cook evenly.
How to Revive Leftover Chicken Tenders
If you have leftovers, don’t worry! Here’s how to bring them back to life:
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet.
– Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through.
This method keeps them crispy and tasty. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for extra crunch.
Variations
Baking Instead of Frying
You can bake the chicken tenders for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F. After coating the chicken, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This will give you crispy tenders without the oil.
Spicier Version with Extra Sriracha
If you love heat, add more Sriracha to the sauce. Start with 1/2 cup instead of 1/4 cup. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on the chicken before cooking. This will give your tenders a spicy kick that pairs well with the sweet honey.
Gluten-Free Options
For a gluten-free twist, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free too. These swaps keep the dish tasty while catering to dietary needs. You can enjoy the same great flavor without gluten.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
After you enjoy your Sriracha honey chicken tenders, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to let them cool down first. This helps keep the chicken crispy. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option.
Reheating Tips for Best Taste
To enjoy your chicken tenders again, I suggest reheating them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warm. This keeps them crunchy. You can also use an air fryer for even more crispiness! Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
Freezing Chicken Tenders
Freezing is easy! First, let the chicken tenders cool. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, just reheat as mentioned above!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Slice them into strips to match the size of tenders. This helps with even cooking and keeps the flavors strong. Chicken breasts are leaner but still taste great when coated and fried.
How can I make the sauce less spicy?
To tone down the heat, reduce the Sriracha sauce. You can add more honey to balance the spice. Mixing in a bit of ketchup also works well. This gives a nice flavor without the heat.
What can I serve with Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders?
These chicken tenders pair well with many sides. Try serving them with rice or a fresh salad. Crispy veggies or fries also add a nice crunch. For dipping, a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing works great too.
This blog showed you how to make tasty Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers. Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders are simple and fun to make. Whether frying or baking, you’ll enjoy this dish. Explore new options, find your favorite sides, and share with friends. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
