These hot honey chicken tenders are my absolute go-to when I’m craving something that’s both crispy and saucy with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. The combination of perfectly seasoned, golden-brown chicken tenders drizzled with a sticky hot honey glaze creates a dish that’s restaurant-quality but made right in your own kitchen. I love how the sweet honey tames the heat just enough to make these addictive without being overwhelming.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Serving Size: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love It
I’m completely obsessed with these hot honey chicken tenders for so many incredible reasons:
- Perfect Balance: The sweet honey perfectly balances the spicy heat for a flavor that’s absolutely addictive
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: These taste like they came from your favorite chicken restaurant but cost a fraction of the price
- Crispy Perfection: The double-dredging technique creates an incredibly crunchy coating that stays crispy
- Customizable Heat: You can adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences
- Quick Weeknight Dinner: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Tenders
- 2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1½ cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 5 finely minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Double-Crispy Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic granules
- 2 teaspoons onion granules
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 3 teaspoons coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the Hot Honey Glaze
- 1 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons white distilled vinegar
- ½ stick unsalted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine chicken tenders with buttermilk, hot sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat all pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station
In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and all the dry seasonings. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with ½ cup buttermilk, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Fill a heavy pot with oil to about halfway and heat to 375°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy – this temperature is crucial for crispy results.
Step 4: Double-Dredge for Maximum Crispiness
Remove tenders from marinade, letting excess drip off. First, coat in seasoned flour mixture, then dip in egg wash, then back into flour mixture. Press the coating firmly to help it stick.
Step 5: Rest Before Frying
Place breaded tenders on a wire rack and let them rest for 15 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better and creates extra crispiness.
Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection
Carefully add 4-6 tenders to hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd. Fry for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
Step 7: Make the Irresistible Hot Honey Sauce
While chicken fries, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, cayenne, vinegar, and butter in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until butter melts and mixture is smooth.
Step 8: Toss and Serve
Once all tenders are cooked, brush or toss them with the hot honey sauce. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
These hot honey chicken tenders are perfect for various occasions:
- Game Day Spread: Serve with ranch dressing, celery sticks, and cold beer
- Family Dinner: Pair with coleslaw, mac and cheese, and biscuits
- Party Appetizer: Cut into smaller pieces and serve with toothpicks
- Sandwich Style: Serve on brioche buns with pickles and lettuce
Tips for Customization
Make these chicken tenders your own with these delicious variations:
- Air Fryer Version: Cook at 390°F for 8-9 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Baked Option: Bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping once
- Spice Level: Adjust cayenne and hot sauce to your heat preference
- Different Honeys: Try flavored honeys like wildflower or clover for unique tastes
- Coating Variations: Add different spices like smoked paprika or chipotle powder
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 497
- Protein: 47g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fat: 9g
- Sodium: Moderate to high (from breading and sauce)
- Iron: Good source (from chicken)
FAQs
Can I make these without the marinade?
While the marinade adds incredible flavor and tenderness, you can skip it if you’re short on time. Just season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before breading.
How do I keep the coating crispy?
The key is proper oil temperature (375°F), not overcrowding the pan, and draining on a wire rack instead of paper towels. The double-dredging technique also helps create extra crispiness.
Can I make the hot honey sauce less spicy?
Absolutely! Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use a milder hot sauce. You can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooked tenders in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the coating soggy.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. Avoid olive oil as it has a lower smoke point and can burn at frying temperatures.
(https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a63541779/hot-honey-chicken-recipe/)
(https://dishedbykate.com/hot-honey-chicken-tenders/)
(https://www.billyparisi.com/hot-honey-chicken-tenders/)
(https://www.thegoldenbalance.com/recipes/recipe-n59za)
(https://wellnessbykay.com/honey-hot-chicken-tenders/)
(https://tomatoestomahtos.com/2025/03/16/crispy-hot-honey-chicken-tenders/)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-8Q_v7RjvQ)
(https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/hot-honey-chicken-tenders/)
(https://www.simplyrecipes.com/hot-honey-chicken-recipe-8662793)
