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Wingstop Mango Habanero Chicken Tenders

Wingstop Mango Habanero Chicken Tenders - recipe card
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Crispy, golden chicken tenders coated in a sweet-heat mango habanero glaze. The crunchy exterior gives way to juicy, tender chicken, while the sauce delivers a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and fiery kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup mango habanero sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 lb chicken breast tenders (about 8–10 tenders)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup water (for egg wash, optional)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups, enough for 2 inches depth)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken tenders in a shallow dish and pour the buttermilk over them. Turn to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to tenderize and season the meat.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned coating will create a crisp, flavorful crust.
  3. In a separate shallow bowl, beat the egg with 1/2 cup water to make an egg wash. This helps the dry coating adhere properly.
  4. Set up a dredging station: remove a tender from the buttermilk, let excess drip off, then dip in the egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken to ensure an even, thick crust. Place the breaded tender on a wire rack and repeat with all tenders. Let the coated tenders rest for 10 minutes so the coating sets.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast iron) to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C) as measured with a deep-fry thermometer, or until a small piece of bread sizzles immediately when added.
  6. Working in batches of 2-3 (avoid overcrowding), carefully place the tenders into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
  7. Once all tenders are fried, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes to ensure the coating stays crispy and any residual oil is rendered. This finishing step helps maintain the crunch.
  8. While the tenders bake, make the mango habanero sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the mango habanero sauce and butter. Warm over low heat, stirring, until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy. Keep warm over lowest heat.
  9. When the tenders are ready, remove them from the oven and immediately toss them in the warm mango habanero sauce until each tender is fully coated. The residual heat will help the sauce cling to the crust.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. For best texture, serve right after tossing in the sauce—the tenders will soften slightly while the sauce sets.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For freezing, place un-sauced fried tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes (from chilled) or 15-18 minutes (from frozen) until hot and crispy. Reheat sauce separately and toss just before serving to maintain maximum crunch. For a less spicy version, reduce cayenne and use a mild mango sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, air-fry the breaded tenders at 380°F (193°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, instead of deep-frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: wingstop copycat, mango habanero, chicken tenders, spicy chicken, crispy chicken, sweet and spicy, game day snack, fried chicken, appetizer, air fryer

Find it online: https://copycatkitchenco.com/wingstop-mango-habanero-chicken-tenders/