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mango habanero chicken tenders
Bakeanna

Mango Habanero Chicken Tenders

Make mango habanero chicken tenders with a bold sweet-heat glaze and ultra-crispy coating. These 7 expert tips guarantee perfect results every single time.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 SERVINGS
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Video

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken Tenders
  • 1 lb chicken tenders or chicken breast sliced into strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Oil for frying
For the Mango Habanero Sauce
  • 1 ripe mango fresh or frozen
  • 1 –2 habanero peppers seeds removed for less heat
  • 2 –3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar or rice vinegar
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce optional
  • 1 –2 garlic cloves
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tbsp butter

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a bowl combine:
  2. buttermilk
  3. garlic powder
  4. onion powder
  5. salt
  6. pepper
  7. Add the chicken tenders and mix well.
  8. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator).
Prepare the Coating
  1. In another bowl mix:
  2. flour
  3. cornstarch
  4. paprika
  5. salt
  6. pepper
  7. Remove chicken from marinade.
  8. Coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture.
  9. Press the coating so it sticks well.
Make the Mango Habanero Sauce
  1. In a blender combine:
  2. mango
  3. habanero peppers
  4. honey
  5. vinegar
  6. lime juice
  7. soy sauce
  8. garlic
  9. salt
  10. Blend until completely smooth.
  11. Pour the mixture into a small saucepan.
  12. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  13. Stir in the butter until melted and glossy.
  14. Set aside.
Fry the Chicken
  1. Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes until:
  3. golden brown
  4. crispy
  5. fully cooked inside.
  6. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Toss in the Sauce
  1. Place the hot chicken tenders in a bowl.
  2. Pour warm mango habanero sauce over them.
  3. Toss gently until evenly coated.
Serve
  1. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Video