Mouthwatering Chicken Tenders with Spicy Hot Sauce Recipe
Are you looking for a recipe to impress your friends and family with delicious, finger-licking chicken tenders that taste just like the famous Wings and Things chicken tenders? Look no further! This recipe for copycat Wings and Things chicken tenders and hot sauce is a game-changer.
These chicken tenders are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a sticky, spicy glaze that will leave you craving more. The hot sauce is made by combining butter, white vinegar, and cayenne pepper sauce, resulting in a tangy and spicy flavor that perfectly complements the chicken tenders.
What makes this recipe so special? It’s easy to make and doesn’t require any complicated techniques or ingredients. You can quickly whip up a batch of these chicken tenders for any occasion or gathering. Plus, they’re perfect for picky eaters or those who don’t like the heat of traditional buffalo wings.
So grab your apron, put on some music, and get ready to enjoy some of the best chicken tenders you’ll ever taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old boring chicken tenders or buffalo wings? Look no further! I have a fiery and finger-licking good recipe for you to try: Copycat Wings and Things Chicken Tenders and Hot Sauce Recipe. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later.
This recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy with a unique blend of butter, cayenne pepper sauce, white vinegar, and brown sugar. The tenders are crispy and juicy while the hot sauce adds an extra kick of heat that’ll leave you wanting more.
Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but it’s also extremely versatile. Whether you prefer boneless buffalo wings or chicken tenders, this recipe has got you covered. Plus, the substitutions and variations section allows for customization based on your personal preferences.
Are you worried about serving this dish to a crowd with varying spice tolerances? Fear not! The recipe is easily adjustable to accommodate for those who can’t handle the heat. Simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper sauce or add more butter to your hot sauce mixture.
But what really sets this recipe apart is its ability to bring people together. Whether it’s watching sports, hosting a party or just enjoying a casual night in with friends and family, these chicken tenders and hot sauce will make any occasion feel like a special event.
So why settle for bland and unexciting chicken when you can wow your guests with these Copycat Wings and Things Chicken Tenders and Hot Sauce Recipe? I promise it’ll be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredient List
Let’s start by gathering all the ingredients needed for our Copycat Wings and Things Chicken Tenders and Hot Sauce Recipe. Be sure to double-check your pantry and refrigerator before heading out. Here’s what you need:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 ½ pounds of chicken tenders
- ⅔ cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Canola oil (for frying)
For the Hot Sauce:
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
- 1 cup of Frank’s RedHot Cayenne Pepper Sauce
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
For the Wing Sauce:
- 2/3 cup of Frank’s Original RedHot Cayenne Pepper Sauce
- 1/2 cup of butter (1 stick)
- 2 tablespoons of white vinegar
Optional toppings:
- Lemon pepper seasoning
- Honey mustard sauce
Tip: You may want to buy more than one bottle of hot sauce, especially if you’re a heat enthusiast!
The Recipe How-To
Now, the moment you have been waiting for: It’s time to make some crispy buffalo chicken tenders with homemade hot sauce. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be munching on wings from home in no time!
Ingredients:
- 3 chicken breasts, cut into strips
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Hot Sauce Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons white vinegar
– 1/4 cup Frank’s Original RedHot Cayenne Pepper Sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
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In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
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Coat each chicken strip in the flour mixture, pressing down so that it adheres well.
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment or aluminum foil.
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Place the chicken tenders on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until fully cooked through.
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While the chicken is cooking, prepare the hot sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
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Add the white vinegar and Frank’s Original RedHot Cayenne Pepper Sauce to the melted butter, stirring well.
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Then add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and cayenne pepper.
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Let the sauce simmer for about five minutes or until heated through.
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Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – this is your chance to make it spicier or more tangy according to your preference!
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Once your tenders are done baking, toss them (or dip them!) in your homemade hot sauce until evenly coated.
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Serve immediately while fresh and crispy!
Optional: Air Fryer Instructions
This recipe can also be made in an air fryer for an alternative cooking method that is both healthier and more convenient. Simply preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), place breaded tenders inside evenly spaced without overcrowding (you might need to do it in batches), spray them with nonstick cooking spray and cook for around ten minutes or until they are golden brown all over and cooked through completely at innermost part. Once done cooking, remove tenders from air fryer basket with tongs or fork.
Enjoy your crispy buffalo chicken tenders with homemade hot sauce!
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, there are various substitutions and variations that you can make to put your own spin on things.
First off, if you prefer chicken wings over tenderloins, feel free to swap in your favorite wing pieces instead. Use the same cooking method as the chicken tenders and toss them in the sauce like you would with the tenders.
There are also many different hot sauces out there, so don’t feel like you’re limited to just one kind. You can experiment with different brands and flavors to find your preferred level of heat and taste. For a milder version, try mixing Frank’s Original Red Hot Sauce with butter and brown sugar for a sweeter flavor.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a healthier version, consider air-frying your chicken strips or tenderloins instead of deep-frying them. This will give them a crispy texture without all the added oil from frying.
For those who love experimenting with flavors and ingredients, you can also try adding some garlic or lemon pepper seasoning to the sauce for an extra kick of flavor. And if buffalo sauce isn’t really your thing, there are plenty of other dipping sauces that pair well with crispy chicken tenders or wings, such as honey mustard or ranch dressing.
Ultimately, this copycat Wings and Things recipe is incredibly versatile and adaptable to your personal tastes. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your own spin on things!
Serving and Pairing
These Copycat Wings and Things Chicken Tenders and Hot Sauce Recipe are perfect for any party appetizer, game day snack or family dinner. The wings things chicken tenders have the perfect crispy texture that pairs so well with the wing sauce. The hot sauce is tangy and spicy with just the right amount of heat to make your taste buds dance.
These chicken tenders hot sauce can be served as a stand-alone dish, but they also pair really well with some ranch dressing or blue cheese dip to tone down the heat. You can even serve them alongside some celery sticks and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch.
If you are planning a party or get-together, these tenders recipe are perfect to feed a crowd. They can be easily made in batches and coated with the sauce afterwards so that they remain crispy.
When it comes to pairing this dish, it goes well with a range of beverages. A cold beer or cider would complement the spice in the hot sauce well. You could also pair these tenders with some sweet tea or lemonade for a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage.
In terms of sides, there are many options you could choose from. If you’re looking for something starchy, french fries, tater tots or onion rings would work really well! For a lighter option, you could whip up a simple salad with some greens to balance out the richness of the chicken tenders hot sauce.
Overall, these Copycat Wings and Things Chicken Tenders and Hot Sauce Recipe are versatile and customizable depending on your preferences. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will definitely be wings best friends.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making this Copycat Wings and Things Chicken Tenders and Hot Sauce Recipe ahead of time is a perfect way to save time for your party or gathering. The chicken can be cooked up to 3 days in advance, kept in the refrigerator, and reheated before serving. To reheat the chicken tenders, place them on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
The hot sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat the sauce on low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving to ensure it’s nice and warm.
If you have any leftover chicken tenders or hot sauce, you can store them separately in airtight containers or resealable bags in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating these, do it using a microwavable dish covered with plastic wrap or a damp paper towel. You can also try reheating them on a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Be careful not to overheat them too quickly as they might get too dry or chewy.
Overall, this recipe is very forgiving and easy to handle even after being kept in the fridge for some time. So go ahead and make your preparations and stick them into your cooler box when going out on food trips with families or friends!
Tips for Perfect Results
In order to make the perfect wings and things chicken tenders with hot sauce, there are a number of tips that can help elevate your dish from good to unforgettable. Here are some key tips for achieving mouth-watering results:
Firstly, it is important to fry the chicken properly. Be sure to heat the oil to the right temperature, usually around 375°F, in order to achieve crispy skin without overcooking the meat. It is also important to fully coat the chicken in the flour mixture before frying, as this will help create a crispy outer layer.
Secondly, when making the hot sauce, be careful not to add too much cayenne pepper sauce at once. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach your desired level of spiciness. Remember, you can always add more but you can’t take it away!
Thirdly, if you prefer a milder flavor or want to mix things up, try substituting the cayenne pepper sauce with garlic or lemon pepper sauce. You may also want to experiment with different types of hot sauce, such as honey mustard or wingstop sauce.
Fourthly, once the chicken is fried and coated in hot sauce, serve it immediately. This will prevent the chicken from getting soggy and ensure that it stays crispy.
Lastly, don’t skimp on the butter! The butter adds richness and flavor to the hot sauce and helps create a glaze that will stick to the chicken. Use unsalted butter for best results.
By following these tips, you can create a dish that is sure to impress all of your guests. Serve alongside celery and carrot sticks for added crunch and an extra pop of color. Enjoy!
FAQ
Before we conclude with some final thoughts in section 10, let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about this copycat Wings and Things chicken tenders and hot sauce recipe in section 9.
How do you get hot sauce to stick to chicken wings?
To ensure that the sauce adheres well to your wings, it’s crucial to have enough flour or dry mixture on them before you toss them in hot sauce, according to Sidoti. Be sure to coat the entire wing with enough flour by dredging it before you dip it in your desired sauce. This way, you’ll have a more uniform distribution of sauce all over your chicken wings.
Is hot sauce and Wing Sauce the same thing?
If you’re one who can handle the heat and loves adding a bit of spice to your meals, it’s essential to know that buffalo sauce and hot sauce differ from each other. While hot sauce is typically a combination of cayenne pepper, vinegar, and salt, buffalo sauce comprises hot sauce that has been intensified by the addition of butter and other flavorings. This enhancement makes buffalo sauce much creamier and less vinegar-like than regular hot sauce. Keep this distinction in mind to bring an extra kick to your dishes!
Do you put hot sauce on wings before or after cooking?
When preparing oven-baked chicken wings, it is common to coat them in sauce after cooking. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the skin is cooked to a delicious crispiness to maximize its ability to absorb the sauce.
What’s the best hot sauce for wings?
Here are some top picks for flavorful hot sauce options: Marie Sharp’s Pure Mango Habanero Pepper Sauce, Frank’s Redhot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce, Valentina Salsa Picante, Hoff & Pepper Smoken Ghost Hot Sauce, Queen Majesty Scotch Bonnet And Ginger Hot Sauce, Shark Bite Mustard, Clark + Hopkins Oaxaca Hot Sauce, and Blair’s Original Death Sauce With Chipotle. Additionally, Blair’s Original Death Sauce is recommended for enhancing the taste of cocktails.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you are looking for a recipe to impress your party guests or just want a tasty treat for yourself, Wings and Things Chicken Tenders and Hot Sauce recipe is the way to go. With its crispy texture and flavorful sauce ingredients, it is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
By following the steps in this article and keeping in mind the different tips and variations, you will be able to serve up a dish that will make your guests’ taste buds dance with joy. And if you cannot finish them all at once, don’t worry! You can easily store and reheat them for later consumption without losing any of their delicious qualities.
So what are you waiting for? Get your chicken tenders or wings ready, gather up the necessary ingredients, and let’s get cookin’. Trust me – this recipe is a winner that will have everyone coming back for more.
Copycat Wings and Things Chicken Tenders and Hot Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 cup franks original red hot cayenne pepper sauce
Instructions
- Deep fry chicken tenders.
- Melt butter and hot sauce together.
- Add vinegar to the butter and hot sauce mixture.
- Pour this over the deep fried chicken tenders.
- Add some cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!