Are you ready to spice up dinner? Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and easy meal you can whip up in no time. With a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, these tenders will have your family coming back for more. I’ll guide you through each step, from prepping the chicken to frying it to crispy perfection. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 1 pound chicken tenders
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/3 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Cooking oil for frying
Measurement Details
For this recipe, I like to use simple measurements. You need one pound of chicken tenders. The flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper are all measured in half teaspoons. Eggs are large, and you need two of them. Use one cup of panko breadcrumbs for that great crunch. For the sauce, I recommend using one-third cup of honey, one-fourth cup of Sriracha sauce, two tablespoons of soy sauce, and one tablespoon of lime juice. Finally, you’ll need cooking oil for frying.
Substitutions for Ingredients
If you don’t have chicken tenders, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips. For a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions. If you dislike Sriracha, try another hot sauce, or add more honey for sweetness. For the soy sauce, a tamari or coconut aminos can work well. If you don’t have lime, lemon juice is a good substitute.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken Tenders
First, take your chicken tenders and pat them dry. This helps the coating stick. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This blend adds great flavor. Set this bowl aside for later.
Coating the Chicken
Next, grab a separate bowl and whisk the two eggs. Dip each chicken tender first in the flour mix. Then, dip it in the egg wash. Finally, coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure they stick well. This process makes your chicken crispy and delicious.
Making the Sriracha Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan, mix the honey, Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and lime juice. Heat this over medium until warm. Stir it well for about 2-3 minutes. The sauce brings a sweet and spicy kick to the dish. Once ready, remove it from heat and set aside.
Frying the Chicken Tenders
Now it’s time to fry! Heat about 1/4 inch of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken tenders in batches. Don’t crowd the pan, or they won’t cook evenly. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Draining and Glazing
After frying, take the chicken out and place it on paper towels. This helps drain any extra oil. While still hot, drizzle some of the Sriracha honey sauce over the tenders. This adds flavor right from the start.
Serving Suggestions
Plate your chicken tenders nicely. Serve them with the rest of the Sriracha honey sauce on the side. This makes for a fun dipping experience. You can pair them with rice or veggies for a complete meal. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfectly Crispy Coating
To get that nice, crunchy coating, start with dry chicken. Pat the tenders with paper towels to remove moisture. Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly. This helps them stick better. Fry in hot oil for the best crunch. Keep the oil at 350°F for a golden finish.
Adjusting Spice Levels
Sriracha brings heat, but you can control it. For a milder dish, use less Sriracha. Mixing honey with more soy sauce also tones down the spice. If you love heat, add more Sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes. Taste the sauce before pouring it on to find your perfect balance.
Best Cooking Oil for Frying
Choose oils with high smoke points for frying. Canola or peanut oil works great here. They fry the chicken evenly and keep it crispy. Avoid olive oil, as it burns at lower temperatures. Always heat the oil before adding the chicken to ensure a good fry.
Variations
Baked Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders
You can make baked Sriracha honey chicken tenders for a lighter meal. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Instead of frying, place the coated chicken on a baking sheet. Spray the tenders lightly with cooking oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives you crispy, tasty tenders without the extra oil.
Gluten-Free Version
Want a gluten-free option? Substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions. Use gluten-free flour blends and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Follow the same steps in the recipe. These tenders will still be crispy and flavorful. You won’t miss the gluten at all!
Additions and Enhancements
Feel free to add some extra flavors! You can mix in sesame seeds or chopped green onions into the panko. This adds crunch and a fresh taste. If you want more heat, add extra Sriracha to the sauce. For a sweet twist, mix in a little orange juice or zest. These changes make your chicken tenders even more exciting!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To store leftover Sriracha honey chicken tenders, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them instead.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat the chicken tenders, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they are hot and crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but the texture may not be as good.
Freezing Chicken Tenders
To freeze chicken tenders, first let them cool completely. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or use a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
How long do Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders last?
Sriracha honey chicken tenders can last 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before reheating.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts! Just cut them into strips to match the size of tenders. This will help them cook evenly. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will still be great.
What to serve with Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders?
These chicken tenders pair well with several sides. Here are some ideas:
– Rice: Steamed white or brown rice works well.
– Salad: A fresh garden salad adds crunch.
– Veggies: Serve with roasted or sautéed vegetables.
– Fries: Crispy fries or sweet potato fries are a tasty option.
How to make Sriracha honey sauce spicier?
To spice up the Sriracha honey sauce, you can:
– Add more Sriracha: Simply increase the amount you use.
– Include red pepper flakes: Sprinkle in some flakes for extra heat.
– Mix in hot sauce: Use a different hot sauce if you want more flavor.
Adjust to your taste, and enjoy the heat!
In this article, we explored the essential ingredients for Sriracha Honey Chicken Tenders and their measurements. We detailed step-by-step instructions to prepare, fry, and glaze the chicken. You learned tips for a crispy coating and how to adjust spice levels. We also covered storage options and variations like gluten-free and baked versions.
With these tools, you can create a delicious dish that fits your taste. Enjoy cooking and sharing this tasty treat!
