Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe

Hot honey chicken tenders are the perfect blend of crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors. These golden-brown chicken tenders, coated in a tantalizing hot honey glaze, are ideal for appetizers, main courses, or even game-day snacks. This recipe offers the ultimate comfort food experience with a crunchy coating and a balanced sweet-heat glaze that’s guaranteed to impress.

In this article, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and ways to customize the dish to suit your preferences. Whether you’re frying for extra crunch or baking for a lighter option, these hot honey chicken tenders will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful Contrast: The combination of sweet honey and spicy chili flakes creates a flavor profile that’s addictive and satisfying.
2. Crispy Perfection: The panko breadcrumb coating delivers a crunch that stays crisp even after adding the hot honey sauce.
3. Versatile Dish: Serve it as a party appetizer, a main dish, or even a finger food for casual get-togethers.
4. Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the spice level to make it as mild or as fiery as you like.
5. Kid-Friendly Option: Skip the spice in the glaze for a version everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

For the Chicken Tenders:

• Chicken Tenders: 1 lb (450g), cleaned and trimmed.
• Flour Mixture:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Egg Wash:
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
• Breadcrumb Coating:
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Buttermilk (optional): ½ cup, for soaking the chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying.

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• Honey: ½ cup
• Hot Sauce: 1 tablespoon (adjust to taste)
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon (adjust to preference)
• Unsalted Butter: 1 tablespoon
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (optional, for tanginess).

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Optional Buttermilk Soak:
   • Soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk for 30 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor.
   • Pat them dry with paper towels before breading.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

1. Set Up Breading Stations:
   • In one shallow dish, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
   • In a second dish, beat the eggs.
   • In a third dish, add the panko breadcrumbs.
2. Bread the Tenders:
   • Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
   • Dip into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
   • Roll in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently for an even coating.
3. Double-Coating Option:
   • For extra crispy tenders, repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb step for a thicker crust.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil:
   • In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry in Batches:
   • Fry the tenders in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
   • Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Drain:
   • Transfer the fried tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a small saucepan, mix honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, butter, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Heat and Stir:
   • Warm over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
   • Taste and adjust the spice level or sweetness as needed.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

1. Drizzle or Toss:
   • Place the fried chicken tenders on a serving platter and drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over them.
   • Alternatively, toss the tenders in a bowl with the sauce for an even coating.
2. Serve:
   • Serve immediately while the tenders are hot and crispy. Garnish with extra red pepper flakes or fresh parsley for added flair.

Tips for Success

1. Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature. Too hot, and the chicken will burn; too cool, and it’ll absorb excess oil.
2. Keep It Crispy: Fry in small batches and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the crunch.
3. Adjust the Spice: Customize the hot honey sauce by increasing or reducing the red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
4. Make Ahead: Bread the chicken a few hours before frying and refrigerate for quick preparation later.
5. Oven Option: For a healthier version, bake the breaded tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving Suggestions

Hot honey chicken tenders are versatile and pair beautifully with various sides:

• Classic Sides: Serve with fries, coleslaw, or mashed potatoes.
• Dipping Sauces: Ranch, blue cheese dressing, or additional hot honey sauce.
• Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
• Game Day Spread: Include them in a party platter with sliders and wings.

Variations to Try

1. Spicy Upgrade: Use a spicier hot sauce or add cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
2. Sweet and Smoky: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the hot honey sauce for a smoky undertone.
3. Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
4. Air Fryer Option: Cook the breaded tenders in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Vegan Version: Use tofu or cauliflower as a substitute for chicken, and maple syrup for the honey.

Storing and Reheating

1. Storage: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can bread the chicken in advance and refrigerate it until ready to fry. The hot honey sauce can also be prepared ahead and reheated when needed.

2. What Kind of Hot Sauce Should I Use?

Choose your favorite! Tabasco, Frank’s RedHot, or sriracha all work well, depending on your preferred level of spice.

3. Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks can be used. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Conclusion

These hot honey chicken tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and sweet. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party, making a family dinner, or just satisfying a craving, this recipe delivers big on flavor and texture.

Try them today, and don’t forget to customize the spice level to suit your taste. Pair them with your favorite sides, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience!

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe

These hot honey chicken tenders are a delicious combination of crispy, golden chicken tenders paired with a sweet and spicy honey sauce. The heat from the chili flakes and the sweetness of the honey creates the perfect balance of flavor. This recipe is easy to prepare and will surely satisfy any craving for something crispy with a kick.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Shallow dish (for breading)
• Large skillet or deep fryer
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Paper towels (for draining)
• Small saucepan (for the hot honey sauce)

Ingredients

  

• For the Chicken Tenders:
• 1 lb 450g chicken tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup buttermilk optional, for soaking
• Vegetable oil for frying
• For the Hot Honey Sauce:
• ½ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce adjust to taste
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to heat preference
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar optional, for tanginess

Instructions

 

• Prep the Chicken:
• If desired, soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk for 30 minutes to tenderize and add flavor. This is optional but recommended for extra juicy tenders.
• Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels before breading.
• Breading the Chicken:
• In one shallow dish, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
• In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
• Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
• Then, dip the tender into the beaten eggs, followed by the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken for an even coating.
• Frying the Chicken:
• Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. The oil should reach about 350°F (175°C).
• Fry the chicken tenders in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) indicates the chicken is fully cooked.
• Remove the chicken from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Making the Hot Honey Sauce:
• In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, butter, and apple cider vinegar (if using).
• Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted, and the sauce is well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the heat or sweetness if needed.
• Coating the Chicken:
• Once the chicken tenders are fried and crispy, drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the tenders or toss them in a bowl with the sauce until evenly coated.
• Serve:
• Serve the hot honey chicken tenders immediately while they’re hot and crispy. You can garnish with extra red pepper flakes or chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Video

Notes

Adjust the spice: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes. For more heat, add more chili flakes or a spicier hot sauce.
Crispy Tenders: For extra crispy tenders, double coat the chicken—dip it in the flour mixture, then the egg, then breadcrumbs, and repeat once more with egg and breadcrumbs.
Oven option: If you prefer baking, place the breaded tenders on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Make ahead: The chicken can be breaded and refrigerated for a few hours before frying. You can also store the fried tenders in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven for crispiness.
Enjoy your hot honey chicken tenders with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a dipping sauce of your choice!

Keyword Hot Honey Chicken Tenders