The VIRAL Chicken Tenders I Can't Stop Eating

buttermilk

🥗Healthier: low-fat yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + vinegar

Low-fat yogurt reduces calories while maintaining tanginess.

hot sauce

🥗Healthier: sriracha

💰Cheaper: red pepper flakes + vinegar

Sriracha offers a similar heat with less sodium.

honey

🥗Healthier: agave syrup

💰Cheaper: maple syrup

Maple syrup provides sweetness with a different flavor profile.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is often less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

Marinate chicken tenders in a bowl with 1 and 1/2 cups of buttermilk, 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, 5 cloves of grated garlic, 2 teaspoons of coarse salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.

In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of garlic granules, 2 teaspoons of onion granules, 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of coarse salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk to combine.

In another bowl, crack 4 large eggs and add 1/2 cup of buttermilk, seasoning with a little salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth.

Prepare a sheet pan with a rack to rest the breaded tenders.

Take the marinated chicken tenders, drain off excess marinade, and dredge in the seasoned flour, then dip in the egg wash, then back into the flour. Place on the rack to rest for up to 15 minutes.

Heat neutral oil in a 5-quart enamel pot to 375°F before adding the breaded tenders. Fry up to 6 tenders at a time for about 3 and 1/2 to 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F.

Remove the fried tenders with a spider strainer and place them on a rack to drain excess oil.

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of honey, 2 teaspoons of hot sauce, 2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of cayenne, 2 teaspoons of white vinegar, and 1/2 stick of unsalted butter. Heat on low until the butter is melted and stir to combine.

Brush or spoon the hot honey mixture over the fried chicken tenders before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens