Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you love that magical combination of crispy, juicy chicken and a sticky-sweet-spicy glaze, Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are about to become your new obsession. Every bite delivers irresistible crunch followed by a gentle smolder of homemade hot honey that’s as addictive as it is easy to make at home!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders is probably already in your kitchen! Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that signature crunch, deep flavor, and spicy-sweet finish—you’ll want to choose good-quality basics for the best results here.

• Chicken tenderloins (1 lb): The star of the show! These are juicy and cook quickly. Be sure to remove the tough white tendon for the best bite.
• Buttermilk (2 cups): Adds tang and tenderizes the chicken, helping the coating stick for maximum crunch.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The main structure for your crispy coating—fluffy yet hearty.
• Cornstarch (1/2 cup): The secret to an ultra-light, shatteringly crisp crust.
• Garlic powder (2 tsp) & Onion powder (1 tsp): Build layers of flavor right in the breading—nothing bland here!
• Paprika (1 tsp): Adds subtle warmth and color to your coating.
• Oregano (1 tsp): Gives a herbal note that balances the heat and honey.
• Salt (1 1/2 tsp) & Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the crust—taste matters!
• Hot sauce (1/2 cup): Choose your favorite for a custom kick in the hot honey bath.
• Honey (1/2 cup): Sweet, sticky, and essential for balancing the heat.
• Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil like canola or peanut for best flavor and high heat tolerance.

Variations

The beauty of Hot Honey Chicken Tenders is how easily they adapt to your favorite flavors or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to get playful—there are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own while keeping things deliciously crispy and craveable.

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap in a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to keep the tenders celiac-friendly—no one will even notice the difference!
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount or type of hot sauce in your honey glaze for anything from a gentle tingle to a fiery finish.
• Oven-Baked Version: Skip the deep fry: arrange coated tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet, mist lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F until golden and crisp.
• Air Fryer Crunch: Prep as directed, then air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes for a lighter but still crispy finish.
• Add-Ons: Try stirring a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes into the breading or honey glaze for even more heat and depth.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing the chicken tenderloins in a bowl with the buttermilk and half your spice blend. This quick marinade works wonders, infusing every bite with flavor while helping the flour coating cling like a dream. Letting it sit just 20 minutes at room temperature is all it takes—don’t skip this part!

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

In a large paper bag or zip-top bag, combine the flour, cornstarch, and remaining spice mix. Give it all a good shake or whisk—this combination is the secret to those signature, ultra-crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders.

Step 3: Flour-Coat the Tenders

Working one at a time, lift each marinated chicken strip from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, and drop it into the bag with your flour mixture. Shake well and press gently if needed—every millimeter should be completely coated. For extra crunch, you can even double-coat (dip briefly back in buttermilk, then flour again) for a super substantial crust.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F. Fry the tenders in batches (don’t crowd the pan) for roughly 3 minutes per side, or until golden, crunchy, and cooked through. For best results, transfer straight to a wire rack or paper-towel lined plate as you go—it keeps them perfectly crisp.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While your chicken is cooking, whisk together the hot sauce and honey in a small saucepan. Bring it just to a bubble and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, whisking until glossy and thickened. This is the luscious drizzle that makes Hot Honey Chicken Tenders unforgettable!

Step 6: Coat and Serve

Once your chicken is done frying and drained, pour on (or brush) that warm hot honey sauce until every tender is glistening. Grab extra napkins—you’re ready to eat!

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

For that picture-perfect finish, sprinkle your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with fresh chopped parsley, snipped chives, or a light shower of flaky sea salt right after saucing. A few thin jalapeño rings make a bold, eye-catching topper if you love it hot!

Side Dishes

Pair these spicy-sweet wonders with cool, creamy coleslaw, classic French fries, buttered corn on the cob, or even a refreshing cucumber salad. The bold flavors play beautifully with simple, comforting sides!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Hot Honey Chicken Tenders into sliders with soft rolls and crunchy pickles, pile them into a bowl for game day snacking, or slice and tuck into wraps for a fiery take on lunch. For a showstopper, serve on a platter with plenty of extra sauce for dunking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Hot Honey Chicken Tenders should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty and safe to eat for up to three days—hello, easy lunch or snack!

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken tenders cool totally, then freeze in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. This way, your tenders stay separate and easy to reheat by the handful—perfect for future cravings.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat Hot Honey Chicken Tenders in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy. Pop them in at 375°F for a few minutes—just until warmed through and the coating is once again irresistibly crunchy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving that perfect hit of crunch, sweet, and a little heat, give these homemade Hot Honey Chicken Tenders a try. They’re pure comfort and guaranteed to bring smiles (plus a little napkin-wiping fun) to the table. I can’t wait for you to enjoy them as much as I do!

Print