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No matter which way you dip it, chicken tenders are one of the ultimate bar comfort foods. On this episode of Epicurious’s Four Levels, Lead Chef & Operations Manager Joshua Resnick elevates his tenders by seasoning them with a homemade BBQ spice mix and marinating them in a mixture of buttermilk and Coca-Cola.

The end result: Gorgeous golden-brown fried chicken tenders ready to be dunked in a hot honey sauce. 

Here's how to make it at home.

 

Recipe

BBQ-Spiced Fried Chicken Tenders with Hot Honey

Yields: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

For the BBQ Spice Mix

• 60 grams smoked paprika
• 55 grams dark brown sugar
• 40 grams kosher salt
• 30 grams ground cumin
• 15 grams ground black peppercorn
• 6 grams cayenne
• 4 grams dried oregano

For the Hot Honey

• 190 grams honey
• 8 grams Crystal or Louisiana-style hot sauce
• 8 grams apple cider vinegar
• 3 grams crushed red pepper flake
• 1 gram cayenne pepper

For the Fried Chicken Marinade

• 2 chicken breasts with tenders
• 25 grams BBQ spice mix
• 15 grams salt
• 240 grams (1 cup) buttermilk
• 120 grams (1/2 cup) Coca-Cola
• 30 grams (2 tablespoons) hot sauce

For Dredging and Cooking

• 360 grams (3 cups) flour
• 50 grams BBQ spice
• 1 gallon frying oil
• Extra BBQ spice mix

Directions

For the BBQ Spice Mix

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Reserve in an airtight container.

For the Hot Honey

1. Combine all ingredients in a pot and place over medium heat. Bring to a boil while whisking.
2. Once mixture comes to a boil, remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool until it reaches room temperature.
3. Reserve at room temperature in an airtight container.

For the Fried Chicken Marinade

1. Remove the tenders from the chicken and place them into a bowl. Cut the remaining chicken breast into similar-sized strips. 
2. Season the chicken with the BBQ spice and salt and toss to coat thoroughly. Add the buttermilk and Coca-Cola into the bowl and mix. Wrap and marinate in the fridge for 2-24 hours.

For Dredging and Cooking

1. Take the chicken out of the fridge 1 hour before planning to cook. 
2. Place the frying oil in a large pot and bring to 350°F. 
3. While the oil preheats, mix the dredge ingredients in a bowl. 
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, place the chicken in the dredge, toss to coat, then place back into the marinade and dredge again. 
5. When the oil gets to temperature, fry until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reads 155°F. 
6. Place the cooked chicken into a paper towel-lined bowl to soak up excess oil. Season with salt and then toss with some extra BBQ spice for flavor.
7. Plate the tenders as desired and serve with the hot honey on the side.