Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: Crispy, Sweet & Spicy Perfection!

Introduction

Imagine biting into crispy, golden chicken tenders, coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy hot honey glaze—the perfect balance of crunch, heat, and sweetness in every bite. That’s exactly what these hot honey chicken tenders deliver!

The first time I made this dish, I was blown away at how well the crunchy buttermilk coating paired with the warm, spicy honey sauce. It quickly became a favorite in my kitchen, and now, I can’t imagine making chicken tenders any other way!

This recipe is easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re making a casual family dinner, a game-day snack, or just craving something bold and flavorful. With a simple buttermilk marinade, a crispy flour-cornstarch coating, and a homemade hot honey sauce, you’ll have restaurant-quality chicken tenders from your own kitchen. If you love crispy, flavorful chicken, you might also enjoy these Mango Habanero Wings, which bring a fiery and fruity twist to classic wings.

Why This Recipe Works

Perfectly Crispy Coating

Achieving the ultimate crunchy texture is all about the right technique and ingredients:

• Buttermilk marinade – Tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with flavor.
• Flour and cornstarch blend – Creates a light, crispy coating that stays crunchy.
• Double-dredging method – Dipping the tenders twice in the flour mixture builds an extra-thick, crunchy crust.

With these steps, you’ll get crispy chicken tenders that hold up even after being coated in the hot honey sauce!

Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey Sauce

The key to this mouthwatering glaze is balancing sweetness with heat:

• Honey – Adds a rich, natural sweetness.
• Hot sauce – Provides just the right level of spiciness.
• Butter & spices – Blend everything together for a smooth, flavorful sauce.

This homemade hot honey sauce takes fried chicken to the next level by coating each tender with just the right amount of heat and sweetness.

What You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes preparing hot honey chicken tenders easier and ensures perfectly crispy results.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls and whisk – For preparing the buttermilk marinade and dry coating.
• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan – Ensures even frying and a golden, crispy crust.
• Tongs – Helps flip the chicken without damaging the coating.
• Wire rack – Allows excess oil to drain, keeping the tenders crispy.

Optional Tools for Enhanced Cooking

• Air fryer – A great alternative for a healthier, crispy version.
• Digital thermometer – Ensures the oil stays at the perfect frying temperature.
• Pastry brush – Helps evenly coat the tenders with the hot honey sauce.

With these tools, you’ll be ready to make restaurant-quality hot honey chicken tenders at home!

Ingredients

To make these crispy, spicy, and sweet hot honey chicken tenders, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients.

For the Chicken Tenders:

• Chicken tenders (1 lb) – Boneless, skinless strips for easy cooking.
• Buttermilk (1 cup) – Tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup) – Forms the crispy outer layer.
• Cornstarch (½ cup) – Enhances the crunch factor.
• Paprika (1 tsp) – Adds color and mild smokiness.
• Garlic powder (1 tsp) – Gives a savory depth.
• Salt (1 tsp) – Essential for seasoning.
• Black pepper (½ tsp) – Provides a mild heat.
• Cayenne pepper (½ tsp, optional) – For extra spice.
• Oil for frying – Vegetable or peanut oil works best.

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• Honey (⅓ cup) – The base for the glaze.
• Hot sauce (2 tbsp) – Brings the spicy kick.
• Butter (2 tbsp) – Helps the sauce coat the tenders smoothly.

Each ingredient plays a role in making these tenders crispy, flavorful, and perfectly coated in hot honey sauce!

Instructions for Making Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

These hot honey chicken tenders come together quickly with just a few simple steps. Follow these instructions for the perfect crispy, sweet, and spicy tenders!

1: Marinate the Chicken

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, and black pepper.
• Add the chicken tenders, making sure they are fully coated in the marinade.
• Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for enhanced flavor.

2: Prepare the Breading

• In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
• Lift the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drain off.
• Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, pressing firmly so the coating adheres.
• For an extra crispy crust, dip the coated tenders back into the buttermilk, then dredge them in the flour mixture again.

3: Fry the Chicken

• Warm oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
• Fry the tenders in batches for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).
• Transfer the fried tenders to a wire rack to drain excess oil.

4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

• Warm the butter over low heat in a small saucepan until fully melted.
• Add honey and hot sauce, then whisk until fully blended.
• Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes before taking it off the heat.

5: Coat the Chicken

• Brush or drizzle the hot honey sauce over the crispy tenders.
• Let them sit for a minute to absorb the flavors before serving.

For the best texture, serve immediately while the coating is crispy and the honey glaze is warm!

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders:

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• Author: Saad
• Total Time: 60 minutes (prep + marinating + cooking)
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

 

These crispy hot honey chicken tenders are coated in a crunchy buttermilk batter and drizzled with a sweet, spicy glaze. The perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch makes them a must-try for any occasion!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb chicken tenders, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 tbsp hot sauce
• 2 tbsp butter

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Instructions

• Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken tenders, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
• Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and coat in the flour mixture. For extra crispiness, dip back into the buttermilk and dredge again in the flour mixture.
• Fry the Chicken: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan. Fry tenders in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
• Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Stir in honey and hot sauce, whisking until smooth. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
• Coat the Chicken: Drizzle or brush the hot honey sauce over the crispy tenders. Let sit for a minute to absorb flavors before serving.

Notes

• For a milder version, reduce the hot sauce and omit the cayenne.
• Want extra spice? Add red pepper flakes to the honey sauce.
• Air Fryer Option: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Best served immediately for maximum crunch.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (including marinating setup)
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes (inactive time, but included in total)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes (frying in batches + making sauce)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Per Serving
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 19g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: hot honey chicken tenders, crispy chicken, spicy honey glaze, fried chicken, easy chicken tenders

Tips and Hacks for Perfect Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

How to Keep Chicken Tenders Extra Crispy

• Use cornstarch in the breading – It helps create a lighter, crunchier coating.
• Fry in small batches – Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature, making the tenders soggy.
• Drain on a wire rack – Instead of paper towels, which can trap steam and soften the crust.

Adjusting the Spice Level

• Milder heat? Reduce the hot sauce and skip the cayenne pepper.
• Extra spicy? Add more cayenne or mix in red pepper flakes to the hot honey sauce.

Air Fryer Version for a Healthier Option

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Spray the basket with oil and arrange tenders in a single layer.
• Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Best Way to Coat Tenders in Sauce

• Drizzle for light flavor – Keeps the coating crispy.
• Toss in a bowl for full coverage – Ensures every bite has sweet heat.
• Brush for an even glaze – Helps control how much sauce each tender gets.

With these hacks, you’ll get perfectly crispy, flavorful, and spicy-sweet tenders every time!

Nutrition Score (Per Serving)

Each serving of hot honey chicken tenders provides a delicious balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates while packing bold flavor.

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 19g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on portion sizes, cooking method, and ingredient brands.

Serving & Storage

Best Ways to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

These tenders are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, but they pair perfectly with a variety of sides:

• Classic sides: Coleslaw, fries, cornbread, or mac and cheese.
• Healthier options: Roasted veggies, a crisp salad, or grilled corn.
• Dipping sauces: Ranch, blue cheese dressing, or extra hot honey sauce for more heat. For a creamy, savory contrast, try pairing them with this Smoked Queso Dip, which adds a smoky, cheesy kick.

How to Store Leftover Chicken Tenders

• Keep in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.
• Use parchment paper between layers to prevent them from getting soggy.

Best Way to Reheat for Maximum Crispiness

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Air fryer: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy.
• Avoid microwaving – It makes the coating soggy instead of crispy.

By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy crispy hot honey chicken tenders even days later!

Variations of Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Want to switch up the flavors? Try these delicious variations for a unique twist on classic hot honey tenders!

1. Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

• Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the hot honey sauce for a tangy, spicy kick.
• Perfect for those who love a sweet, spicy, and slightly tangy glaze.

2. Garlic Parmesan Honey Tenders

• Toss the fried tenders in garlic butter before drizzling with hot honey.
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, savory twist. For the easiest way to grate Parmesan cheese like a pro, check out this guide from Allrecipes.

3. Maple Hot Chicken Tenders

• Swap honey for pure maple syrup to create a deep, smoky sweetness.
• Great for pairing with buttermilk waffles or biscuits for a Southern-inspired meal!

With these variations, you can customize your hot honey chicken tenders to match your cravings!

FAQs About Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

What’s the best way to keep chicken tenders crispy?

• Always drain them on a wire rack instead of paper towels.
• Avoid covering them while they’re still hot, as trapped steam softens the crust.

What does hot honey sauce taste like?

• It’s a sweet and spicy blend, with the richness of honey, a buttery finish, and a fiery kick from hot sauce.
• You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne and hot sauce.

Which side dishes pair well with hot honey tenders?

• Classic comfort sides: Coleslaw, fries, cornbread, or mac and cheese.
• Healthier options: Roasted veggies, a crisp salad, or grilled corn.

What makes chicken tenders unhealthy?

• Deep frying increases calories and fat content.
• Using sugary sauces can add extra sugar.
• For a healthier option, try air frying or baking instead.

With these answers, you’ll know exactly how to enjoy, customize, and store your hot honey chicken tenders!

Conclusion

Hot honey chicken tenders offer the perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors, making them an irresistible choice for any meal. Not only does the buttermilk marinade keep the chicken tender and juicy, but also the double-dredging technique ensures a crunchy, golden coating. Moreover, the homemade hot honey sauce brings just the right balance of sweetness and heat, creating a flavor-packed bite every time.

Whether you’re making these for a casual family dinner, game-day snack, or weekend treat, they are sure to be a hit. Additionally, with a few simple tweaks, you can customize the spice level or try one of the delicious variations. For instance, adding garlic Parmesan or swapping honey for maple syrup can bring a whole new depth of flavor.

In short, by following the right frying techniques and using fresh ingredients, you can achieve restaurant-quality tenders at home. So why wait? Make a batch today, and let us know how they turned out! In the meantime, share your favorite way to enjoy hot honey chicken tenders in the comments!