Crispy, juicy, and drenched in a mouthwatering sweet-heat glaze, Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food with a fiery twist. Each bite brings together perfectly seasoned, golden chicken with an irresistibly sticky sauce that dazzles your taste buds. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or just want something delicious to nibble while you binge your favorite show, this dish strikes just the right balance of savory, spicy, and sweet. Let’s roll up our sleeves and make some magic in the kitchen tonight!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Hot Honey Chicken Tenders lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Every component plays a specific role—building flavor, achieving the perfect crunch, or adding that iconic sweet and spicy kick.
- Chicken Tenders: Choose fresh, tender cuts for juicy results that stay moist through frying.
- Buttermilk: This tangy bath tenderizes the chicken and helps the breading adhere like a dream.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for a golden, crispy crust.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds that crave-worthy crunch you want in every bite.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the chicken with a rich, savory note beneath the layers of spice.
- Smoked Paprika: Offers a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the breading.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer, making each bite pop with flavor.
- Black Pepper: A gentle bite of warmth that complements the spice of the honey sauce.
- Eggs: Acts as the glue, binding the breading to the chicken tenders.
- Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfectly fried tenders.
- Honey: The backbone of your hot honey glaze—its sweetness balances the heat.
- Hot Sauce: Go bold—the right hot sauce transforms this into a sticky, spicy treat.
- Butter: Adds richness to the glaze, making it silky and decadent.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken tenders in a bowl with buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes—longer if you have the time. This simple step ensures every tender is juicy, flavorful, and primed to grab hold of all that glorious breading. The buttermilk not only tenderizes but also imparts a subtle tang that shines through every bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls: one for your seasoned flour and panko mixture, one for your beaten eggs, and one for the marinated chicken. Mixing the flour with crunchy panko, savory garlic powder, smoky paprika, salt, and black pepper means every layer gets its moment in the spotlight. Having this assembly line ready will make the coating process a breeze.
Step 3: Dredge the Tenders
Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Coat thoroughly in the flour mixture, dip into the beaten eggs, and then roll once more in the flour mix for an extra-crispy double coating. This extra dip is what gives Hot Honey Chicken Tenders their signature crunch!
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it to 350°F. Fry the chicken in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan, for 5 to 6 minutes per side. The aim is deep golden brown and wonderfully crisp on the outside, while the inside stays tender and moist. Set the finished tenders on a wire rack to drain and keep them crispy.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the chicken rests, make your hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter, then stir in the honey and hot sauce. Warm just until bubbling for a luscious blend that’s spicy, sweet, and utterly addictive. This sauce is what sends Hot Honey Chicken Tenders over the top!
Step 6: Sauce and Serve
Drizzle the spicy-sweet sauce liberally over the fresh-from-the-fryer chicken tenders, or serve it on the side for dipping. Either way, those golden pieces are ready to bring fireworks to your dinner table.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
Finish your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, thinly sliced green onions, or even a pinch of flaky sea salt for an extra pop of flavor and color. For added Southern flair, try topping with a few tangy pickles—the acidity perfectly counters the richness and heat of the honey sauce.
Side Dishes
These tenders are begging for classic sides. Serve them up with creamy coleslaw, buttery mashed potatoes, or a pile of crispy fries. If you want to turn things up, lay your chicken over fluffy waffles for a brunch-worthy treat that hits all the right notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, slice the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders and pile them atop a bed of dressed greens for a fiery salad. Tuck them into toasted buns with lettuce and pickles for a spicy chicken sandwich, or serve on skewers for an appetizer everyone will rave about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover tenders cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the hot honey sauce separate so you can drizzle it fresh for each serving.
Freezing
These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders freeze beautifully. Lay the cooled chicken on a baking sheet and place in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—perfect for future cravings!
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat your chicken tenders in a 400°F oven or air fryer until heated through. Pop the glaze in the microwave or a small saucepan to warm, then drizzle over your tenders. Skip the microwave for the chicken if you want to avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Simply slice boneless chicken breasts or thighs into strips about the size of traditional tenders. The results will be just as delicious and perfect for soaking up that sweet-spicy glaze.
How spicy is the hot honey sauce?
You control the heat! With two tablespoons of hot sauce, the glaze offers a nice kick without overwhelming the honey’s sweetness. For more spice, add an extra splash or a pinch of cayenne to the breading.
Is baking an option for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders?
If you prefer to bake, arrange the breaded tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, spritz with oil, and bake at 425°F for around 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll still get satisfyingly crispy, though nothing quite matches the crunch of frying!
What’s the best hot sauce to use?
That’s totally up to you and your heat preference. Classic favorites like Frank’s RedHot or Crystal keep things balanced, but if you love a bigger burn, try something with more kick—or experiment until you find your perfect blend.
Can I make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap all-purpose flour and panko for your favorite gluten-free versions. The marinating and double-coating method still work perfectly, giving you crunchy tenders with a gluten-free twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Hot Honey Chicken Tenders have a permanent spot on my “ultimate comfort foods” list. From the shatteringly crisp crust to that sticky, spicy-sweet glaze, every bite delivers pure happiness. Gather your favorite people and give these a spin—you might just find yourself making a double batch next time!
Print
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are a perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken tenders coated in a flavorful breading and drizzled with a sweet and spicy honey sauce. A delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
Hot Honey Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine buttermilk and chicken tenders, marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Breading: Mix flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Beat eggs in a separate bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip chicken in flour mixture, then eggs, back into flour for double coating.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil to 350°F, fry tenders in batches for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: Melt butter, mix in honey and hot sauce. Drizzle over cooked chicken tenders or serve on the side.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading mixture.
- Serve with pickles or over waffles for a Southern twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
