Death Tenders and Beer Cheese Recipe

This Death Tenders and Beer Cheese recipe combines ultra-crispy fried chicken tenders, a blazing homemade habanero hot sauce, and rich, creamy beer cheese for the ultimate game day indulgence. Featured on Bring on the Karbs, hosted by Josh Karbelnik, this bold comfort food creation balances crunchy texture, fiery heat, and cheesy richness in every unforgettable bite.

The Inspiration

The star of the dish is the homemade habanero hot sauce. Fresh habaneros are blended with garlic, onion, red bell pepper, vinegar, and water to create a vibrant sauce that delivers serious heat while maintaining depth and balance. Rather than relying solely on spice, the sauce develops layers of flavor from the sweetness of red pepper, the sharpness of vinegar, and the savoriness of garlic and onion.

To balance the heat, Josh Karbelnik pairs the spicy chicken with a rich beer cheese sauce made from reduced beer, evaporated milk, sharp cheddar, and jalapeño jack cheese. The result is a creamy, slightly tangy dip that complements the fiery tenders perfectly.

On Bring on the Karbs, comfort food is all about embracing indulgence and having fun in the kitchen. This recipe reflects that philosophy by combining crispy fried chicken, homemade hot sauce, and decadent beer cheese into one unforgettable game day experience.

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
2 eggs
2 tbsp kosher salt
2 tbsp cracked black pepper
2 tbsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp plus 1/2 tsp curry powder, divided
1/2 can evaporated milk
1 (12 oz) can beer
1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
1 cup jalapeno jack cheese, shredded
5 habaneros
1 red bell pepper
5 oz (250 ml) white vinegar
4 oz (100 ml) water
5 cloves garlic
¼ onion, chopped
Neutral oil for frying, such as canola or vegetable oil

Method

Heat enough oil for deep frying in a large heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven to 400 F (204 C).
Add beer to a pot on high heat and reduce by half. Add evaporated milk and heat on low. Just before boiling add cheese and take off the heat.
In another pot on high heat, add habaneros, garlic, red pepper, vinegar, water, and onion and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. Blend to make hot sauce.
Slice each chicken breast in thirds and place in buttermilk with 1 tsp curry powder. Beat eggs and add them to buttermilk and chicken.
In a bowl, mix flour, corn starch, salt, pepper, cayenne and 1/2 tsp curry powder.
Dip chicken in flour mix and back in buttermilk, then again in flour. Carefully add to the hot oil and fry until cooked.
Coat with hot sauce and serve with beer cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the tenders alongside celery sticks, carrot sticks, pickle spears, or coleslaw to provide refreshing contrast to the heat. These cooling accompaniments help balance the intensity of the habanero sauce while adding freshness to the meal.

For a complete comfort-food feast, pair the tenders with loaded fries, onion rings, potato wedges, soft pretzels, or macaroni and cheese. The beer cheese can also double as a dip for fries and pretzels, making it a versatile addition to the table.

Cold beverages such as lemonade, iced tea, sparkling water, or soft drinks pair exceptionally well with the spicy chicken. Their refreshing qualities help cleanse the palate between bites and complement the richness of the beer cheese.

Whether served as a main course or a shareable appetizer, these tenders are guaranteed to be one of the first dishes to disappear from the table.

Final Thoughts

This Death Tenders and Beer Cheese recipe is a celebration of bold comfort food, combining crispy fried chicken, fiery homemade habanero hot sauce, and creamy beer cheese into one unforgettable dish. Every bite delivers layers of texture and flavor, from the crunchy coating and juicy chicken to the rich cheese sauce and spicy finish.

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