Golden, crispy, and coated in a sweet-heat glaze, these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders take classic fried chicken to the next level. Each bite delivers the perfect crunch, followed by the rich, spicy kick of hot honey that lingers in the best way possible. Whether served with a side of fries, on a sandwich, or dipped in extra sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also packed with bold flavors that balance the smoky heat with the natural sweetness of honey. If you’re looking to impress at a game night, spice up your meal rotation, or just satisfy a crispy chicken craving, this dish is the ultimate go-to. Best enjoyed hot and fresh, these tenders will have everyone coming back for more!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk mixture, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Repeat for extra crispiness.
- Fry the tenders in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack or paper towel.
- For the hot honey glaze, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Heat until fully combined and slightly thickened.
- Brush or drizzle the hot honey glaze over the crispy chicken tenders. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 35 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: The Ultimate Sweet and Spicy Chicken Delight
If you love the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy, then Hot Honey Chicken Tenders will quickly become one of your favorite dishes. This mouthwatering recipe takes classic fried chicken to the next level by drizzling or tossing the crispy tenders in a homemade hot honey glaze. The result? A crunchy bite that starts sweet and finishes with a fiery kick!
This dish is not only a hit for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or meal prep but also works as an impressive party dish when served with different dipping sauces. Whether you love spicy food or prefer a hint of heat, this recipe is completely customizable to match your spice tolerance.
What Makes Hot Honey Chicken Tenders So Special?
Hot honey chicken tenders are special because they combine two of the best flavors—sweet and spicy—in a way that perfectly complements crispy, golden-fried chicken. The crunchy breading locks in moisture, making each bite juicy and flavorful, while the hot honey glaze coats the chicken in a delicious sticky-sweet layer that keeps you coming back for more.
The hot honey sauce is what sets this dish apart from traditional fried chicken tenders. The addition of honey balances the heat from hot sauce and cayenne, giving the dish a bold yet approachable flavor profile that even spice-sensitive eaters can enjoy. Plus, the glaze gives the chicken a beautiful sheen, making it even more appetizing when served.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Texture: The crispy outer layer contrasts beautifully with the juicy, tender chicken inside.
- Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of honey tones down the heat, making it the perfect sweet-spicy combo.
- Easy to Make: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers fantastic results.
- Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne to match your personal preference.
- Versatile: Serve them as a meal, an appetizer, or even in a sandwich for an irresistible hot honey chicken sandwich.
The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Chicken Tenders
One of the most important aspects of this recipe is achieving the perfect crispy coating. Here are some key tips to ensure you get the best texture every time:
- Use a Buttermilk Marinade: Soaking the chicken tenders in buttermilk before breading helps tenderize the meat and adds a slight tangy flavor.
- Double Dredging: Coating the chicken in seasoned flour, dipping it back into buttermilk, and then dredging again creates a thick, crispy crust that stays crunchy even after adding the glaze.
- Cornstarch is Key: Adding cornstarch to the flour mixture makes the coating extra light and crispy, giving the chicken that signature crunch.
- Fry at the Right Temperature: Keeping the oil at 350°F (175°C) ensures that the chicken cooks evenly without absorbing too much oil.
- Let the Chicken Rest After Frying: Placing fried chicken on a wire rack instead of paper towels helps maintain its crunch while draining excess oil.
The Magic of Hot Honey Sauce
The hot honey glaze is what transforms this dish from ordinary fried chicken to an unforgettable, flavor-packed meal. This sauce combines honey, hot sauce, butter, and apple cider vinegar to create the ultimate sweet and spicy drizzle.
Here’s why this glaze works so well:
- Honey Adds Natural Sweetness: It gives the sauce a thick, sticky consistency while mellowing out the heat.
- Hot Sauce Brings the Kick: The type of hot sauce you use will affect the spiciness and flavor depth of the sauce.
- Butter Adds a Velvety Finish: Melted butter makes the glaze smooth and coats the chicken tenders beautifully.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Balances Everything: A little acidity rounds out the flavors, making the glaze pop without being overwhelming.
The best part? You can adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce. If you prefer extra heat, you can sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne for an extra spicy boost.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for a variety of serving styles. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy them:
- As a Main Dish: Serve alongside coleslaw, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, or fries for a comforting meal.
- In a Sandwich: Add them to a brioche bun with pickles and slaw for the ultimate hot honey chicken sandwich.
- As an Appetizer: Serve them on a platter with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or extra hot honey.
- With a Side Salad: Pair them with a fresh, crisp arugula or spinach salad to balance out the richness.
- On Waffles: Go full Southern-style by pairing these with buttermilk waffles and a drizzle of extra hot honey.
Best Dipping Sauces for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
If you love dipping your chicken tenders, here are a few sauces that complement the sweet and spicy flavors perfectly:
- Ranch Dressing: The cool, creamy texture helps tame the heat.
- Blue Cheese Dressing: Perfect for those who love bold, tangy flavors.
- Honey Mustard: Adds an extra sweet and tangy kick.
- Extra Hot Honey: If you can handle the heat, drizzle on some extra hot honey for more spice.
- Chipotle Mayo: Smoky and spicy, this sauce adds a new dimension to the dish.
How to Store and Reheat
If you have leftovers (which is rare because these are so delicious), you can store and reheat them without losing their crispiness:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the Oven: Place on a baking sheet and heat at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Use an Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for maximum crispiness.
- Avoid Microwaving: This will make the tenders soggy instead of crispy.
Conclusion
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves crispy, juicy fried chicken with a kick of sweet and spicy flavor. Whether you’re making them for dinner, a party, or just to treat yourself, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and satisfaction.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can recreate restaurant-quality chicken tenders in your own kitchen. Plus, the customizable spice level and serving options make them a crowd-pleasing favorite.
So, next time you’re in the mood for something crispy, juicy, and flavor-packed, whip up a batch of Hot Honey Chicken Tenders—you won’t regret it!