Name: Firecracker Chicken Tenders | Sweet and Spicy Chicken Tender Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Chicken Breasts; 2 cups All Purpose Flour; 2 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper; 2 tsp Garlic Powder; 1 cup Franks Red Hot; 1/3 cup Brown Sugar; 1 tsp Rice Vinegar; 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes; 2 Eggs

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If you’re looking to add a fiery kick to your dinner rotation, this is the recipe for you! These Fried Firecracker Chicken Tenders are sure to be a family favorite with their bold flavors, tender chicken, and a spicy sauce that’s as explosive as a firecracker on the Fourth of July. Forget about ordering takeout! Make these quick and easy chicken tenders for a memorable homemade meal that’ll leave your taste buds buzzing!

Firecracker Chicken Tenders on a white plate with parsley garnish

Why This Is A Spice Lover’s Dream

Sizzle in No Time. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.

Simple Prep. Making these chicken tenders is a breeze. Just coat the chicken, fry it up, toss in the sauce, and you’re ready to enjoy a taste sensation!

Customizable Heat, You control the spice level. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your family’s taste – from mildly smoldering to a full-on flavor explosion.

Ingredients To Grab

Ingredients to make Firecracker Chicken Tenders

Chicken Breasts– Opt for fresh or frozen chicken breasts, depending on what’s available and convenient for you. Just ensure they are defrosted before breading.

Flour– All-purpose flour works perfectly for creating that crispy, golden coating.

Eggs– You’ll need a couple of eggs to create a binder for the flour mixture.

Vegetable Oil– Use a neutral vegetable oil for frying, such as canola or vegetable oil.

Hot Sauce– The star of the show! Choose your favorite hot sauce (I love to use Frank’s when I’m wanting something perfectly spicy), whether it’s the classic buffalo sauce or something with a little extra kick.

Brown Sugar: To balance out the heat with a touch of sweetness, you’ll need a little sugar.

Red Pepper Flakes– Add an additional layer of heat to your spicy chicken tenders.

Garlic Powder– Garlic powder adds a savory depth of flavor to the sauce.

Salt and Pepper– Season to taste to enhance the natural flavors of the dish.

How To Make Firecracker Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders being breaded in flour and egg mixture

Prepare the Chicken. In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, mix the flour with garlic powder, a pinch of salt and pepper. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat it in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well coated. Repeat the steps so the chicken is double breaded.

Chicken tenders being deep fried in vegetable oil

Fry the Chicken. Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken tenders and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165F. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Make the Firecracker Sauce. In a separate bowl, combine hot sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Adjust the hot sauce and brown sugar to reach your desired level of spiciness and sweetness.

Chicken tenders being tossed in Firecracker sauce

Toss in the Sauce. In a clean skillet, heat the firecracker sauce over low heat until it begins to simmer. Add the fried chicken tenders and toss them in the sauce until they are evenly coated.

Closeup image of Firecracker chicken on a white plate

Serve and Enjoy. Plate your fiery chicken tenders and garnish with some chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color.

Tips And Tricks

Keep your oil at the perfect temperature. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. It should be around 350°F for perfect frying.
Double up the breading. For an extra crispy coating, double-dip the chicken tenders in the egg and flour mixture.
Swap out the cut of chicken. If you prefer chicken tenders or thighs, feel free to use them instead of chicken breasts.

Variations

Add a dash of smokiness. For a smoky twist, add a dash of smoked paprika to the flour mixture.
Sprinkle on some citrus. Create a tangy version by adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the sauce.
Put it between some buns. Make it a meal by serving your firecracker chicken tenders on a bun or sub sandwich roll to create a perfectly spicy sandwich.

What To Serve With Firecracker Chicken Tenders

These Fried Firecracker Chicken Tenders are a spicy delight on their own, but you can balance the heat with some refreshing sides:

Creamy Coleslaw– The creaminess of coleslaw is a perfect complement to the fiery tenders.
Cornbread– Serve up some sweet and savory cornbread for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Sliced Cucumbers– Cool, crunchy cucumber slices provide a refreshing contrast to the heat of the chicken.
Dipping Sauce– Dip these tasty tenders in ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even sour cream to help tame the spice.

How Long Do They Last?

While these chicken tenders are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain that crispy crunch.

More Irresistible Chicken Recipes

Firecracker Chicken Pin with text overlay

These Fried Firecracker Chicken Tenders are sure to light up your dinner table with their spicy and explosive flavor. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready for a taste sensation that’ll leave you craving more.