Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

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Introduction

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are the ultimate blend of crispy, juicy chicken and a bold, sweet-spicy glaze that hits all the right notes. Picture golden, perfectly fried tenders coated in a crunchy exterior, then drizzled with a rich honey sauce that packs just the right amount of heat. The sweet, fiery combination creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether as a main dish, appetizer, or snack, these tenders are a guaranteed hit, perfect for those who crave that sweet and spicy balance.

The first time I made these, I was amazed by how the crispy coating paired perfectly with the hot honey glaze. As I dipped the tenders into the sauce, the scent of the spicy sweetness filled the air, and I couldn’t wait to take that first bite. The crunch and kick were everything I hoped for—and the tenders were gone before I knew it.

What I love most about Hot Honey Chicken Tenders is how they offer the perfect balance of flavor, heat, and texture. You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese for a cooling contrast, or go all-in with extra honey drizzle. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a cozy meal at home, or just craving something exciting, these chicken tenders are a bold, irresistible choice that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Perfect for:

  • Family dinners
  • Game day snacks
  • Casual gatherings
  • Meal prep
  • Fans of spicy-sweet dishes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Hot Honey Chicken Tenders will become your new favorite:

  • Sweet and Spicy: The combination of honey and chili flakes creates the perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
  • Crispy Coating: The tenders are coated in a crunchy breading that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken inside.
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these tenders make for a fast and satisfying meal or snack.
  • Perfect for Dipping: The hot honey sauce is perfect for drizzling or dipping, making each bite more flavorful.
  • Customizable Heat Level: You can adjust the spiciness of the hot honey sauce to suit your taste by varying the amount of chili flakes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders:

  • 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken Tenders: Tender cuts of chicken that are perfect for frying and get wonderfully crispy when coated.
  • Buttermilk: Adds moisture and helps tenderize the chicken, while allowing the coating to stick.
  • Hot Honey Sauce: A mix of honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes creates the signature sweet and spicy glaze.
  • Breadcrumbs: Use panko for extra crunch or regular breadcrumbs for a finer coating.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Optional for adding more heat to the coating and sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  2. Marinate in Buttermilk: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Prepare the Coating:

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper (optional), salt, and black pepper.
  2. Prepare Egg Mixture: In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until beaten.
  3. Prepare Breadcrumbs: In a third shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

Coat the Chicken:

  1. Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each tender first in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.

Fry the Chicken:

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the Tenders: Carefully place the chicken tenders into the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary. Fry for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the tenders from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Hot Honey Sauce:

  1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chili flakes. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and warm.
  2. Adjust the Heat: Taste the sauce and adjust the chili flakes or hot sauce to your preferred heat level.

Toss the Chicken in Sauce:

  1. Coat the Tenders: Drizzle or toss the fried chicken tenders in the hot honey sauce, ensuring they’re well-coated.

How to Serve

  • With Dipping Sauce: Serve with extra hot honey sauce on the side for dipping.
  • With Fries or Potato Wedges: Pair with crispy fries or potato wedges for a complete meal.
  • On a Salad: Add the tenders to a fresh green salad for a sweet and spicy twist.
  • With Coleslaw: Serve with a side of creamy coleslaw for a nice balance of flavors.
  • As a Sandwich: Place the tenders on a bun with lettuce and pickles for a spicy chicken sandwich.

Additional Tips

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer: Fry the chicken tenders in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  • Adjust Heat to Taste: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of hot sauce and chili flakes in the sauce.
  • Make it Crispy: For extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken tenders by dipping them back into the flour mixture after the egg and breadcrumbs.
  • Keep the Chicken Warm: If making in advance, keep the fried tenders warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven until ready to serve.
  • Use Fresh Oil: Make sure the oil is fresh and at the correct temperature for frying to avoid sogginess.

Recipe Variations

  1. Lemon Hot Honey Tenders: Add lemon zest to the hot honey sauce for a tangy twist.
  2. Garlic Parmesan Hot Honey Tenders: Toss the tenders in melted butter and garlic before adding the hot honey sauce.
  3. Sriracha Honey Tenders: Replace the hot sauce with sriracha for a different flavor profile.
  4. Smoky Hot Honey Tenders: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce for a smoky depth.
  5. Honey Mustard Tenders: Swap the hot sauce for Dijon mustard for a milder flavor.
  6. Crispy Baked Hot Honey Tenders: Bake the tenders in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
  7. BBQ Hot Honey Tenders: Use barbecue sauce as the base for the hot honey sauce for a smoky-sweet flavor.
  8. Buffalo Hot Honey Tenders: Mix buffalo sauce with honey for a spicy-sweet blend.
  9. Chipotle Hot Honey Tenders: Add chipotle chili powder to the sauce for a smoky, spicy heat.
  10. Maple Hot Honey Tenders: Replace honey with maple syrup for a sweeter, milder glaze.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Freeze uncooked, breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry when ready to serve.
  • Storage: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

Special Equipment

  • Skillet or Deep Fryer
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Tongs
  • Small Saucepan (for making sauce)

FAQ

  1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders? Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into strips to use in place of tenders.
  2. Can I make these in the air fryer? Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  3. What kind of hot sauce should I use? Use any hot sauce you prefer, such as Frank’s RedHot, Cholula, or Tabasco.
  4. Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
  5. How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce? Add more honey for a sweeter sauce or reduce the amount for a more balanced flavor.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are a perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken and a sweet and spicy sauce that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether served as a main course, snack, or appetizer, these tenders bring the perfect balance of heat and sweetness in every bite. The crispy coating gives way to juicy chicken, while the hot honey sauce adds a mouthwatering layer of flavor with its spicy kick and sweet finish.

Quick to prepare and incredibly tasty, these tenders are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or family dinner. Enjoy them fresh and hot for the best flavor experience, and serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for a complete meal.

I can’t wait to see your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make this recipe your own. Don’t forget to share any fun twists in the comments. Happy cooking!

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