Honey-Sriracha Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders
Crispy, golden chicken tenders with a sweet-spicy glaze, made with a simple buttermilk brine for juicy, flavorful results in under 30 minutes. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 25 minutes pairs chicken tenders, buttermilk, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk together 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl for the brine.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they're fully submerged, then cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Step 3: In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from brine, letting excess drip off, then coat each tender thoroughly in the flour mixture.
- Step 5: Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (350°F).
- Step 6: Fry the coated chicken tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Step 7: Whisk together 2 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp sriracha in a small bowl, then drizzle over the hot chicken tenders before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Sriracha Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Honey-Sriracha Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken tenders from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Sriracha Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Honey-Sriracha Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Honey-Sriracha Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders?
American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
