If you love crispy, juicy chicken tenders coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze, then this Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe is perfect for you! These tenders are deep-fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a homemade hot honey sauce that brings the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
Whether you’re looking for a game-day snack, a quick weeknight dinner, or just a delicious twist on classic fried chicken, this recipe will become a household favorite. Plus, we’ll share different cooking methods—including air frying and baking—so you can enjoy these tenders however you like!
Love chicken recipes? You might also want to try this Best Chicken Chop Recipe or this Grilled Chicken Wrap Recipe for more tasty options!
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Before we start, let’s gather everything we need for crispy fried chicken tenders and homemade hot honey sauce.
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into strips)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- 1 ½ tablespoons hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Looking for a different chicken-based dish? Try this Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe for a delicious, comforting meal.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Add the chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for best results).
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
- In one shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- In a second dish, whisk the eggs.
- In a third dish, add the panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk.
- Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Dip into the egg wash.
- Finally, coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken tenders in batches, avoiding overcrowding.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
For a healthier option, check out these Low-Sodium Chicken Recipes for lighter alternatives.
The Secret to the Perfect Hot Honey Sauce
The key to amazing hot honey sauce is balancing sweetness and heat. Here’s how to make it:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter.
- Add honey, hot sauce, cayenne, smoked paprika, and apple cider vinegar.
- Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until fully combined.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Want to explore more spicy chicken recipes? Try this Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe for a creamy, spicy dip that’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Frying vs. Baking vs. Air Frying: Which Method is Best?
There are multiple ways to cook hot honey chicken tenders, depending on your preference for crispiness, healthiness, and convenience. Let’s break down the pros and cons of frying, baking, and air frying.
1. Frying (Traditional Method)
✅ Best for maximum crispiness and flavor
✅ Golden, crunchy coating
❌ Requires more oil
❌ Higher in calories
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the breaded chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
2. Baking (Healthier Option)
✅ Uses less oil
✅ Still crispy if properly prepared
❌ Takes longer than frying
❌ Less crunchy than deep frying
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place breaded chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Lightly spray with oil for better crispiness.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Air Frying (Crispy & Healthy Alternative)
✅ Crispy without deep frying
✅ Uses very little oil
❌ Can dry out the chicken if overcooked
❌ Might not be as crunchy as deep-fried
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
If you enjoy air-fried chicken, you might also like this Carnivore Diet Chicken Recipe for a protein-packed meal!
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Hot honey chicken tenders pair well with a variety of dips and sides. Here are some great serving ideas:
Best Dipping Sauces:
- Ranch dressing – cools down the heat
- Blue cheese dip – for a tangy contrast
- Honey mustard – complements the sweet and spicy flavor
- Buffalo sauce – for extra heat
Perfect Side Dishes:
- Coleslaw – adds crunch and freshness
- Mac and cheese – creamy, cheesy goodness
- Sweet potato fries – a sweet and savory combo
- Cornbread – balances the spice with a soft texture
Looking for more meal ideas? Try these Chicken Breakfast Recipes for a delicious way to start your day!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Hot honey chicken tenders taste best fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them crispy:
How to Store:
- Let the chicken cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat:
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side.
- Avoid microwaving—it makes the breading soggy.
For another delicious crispy chicken meal, check out this Recipe for Chicken Pastry!
Variations and Customization Ideas
One of the best things about hot honey chicken tenders is how versatile they are! You can easily adjust the recipe to match your flavor preferences, dietary needs, or spice tolerance. Here are some fun ways to customize your tenders:
1. Extra Spicy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders 🌶️
If you love extra heat, try these modifications:
- Add 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- Mix a few dashes of Tabasco or sriracha into the buttermilk marinade.
- Use a spicier hot sauce for the hot honey glaze, such as habanero or ghost pepper sauce.
2. Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders 🍯
For a sweeter, smokier twist, replace the hot honey glaze with a BBQ-infused honey sauce:
- Mix ¼ cup BBQ sauce with ¼ cup honey.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika and garlic powder for depth.
3. Gluten-Free Hot Honey Chicken Tenders 🍗
If you’re avoiding gluten, simply:
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for breading.
- Swap all-purpose flour for almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
4. Dairy-Free Version 🥛🚫
If you’re lactose intolerant or avoiding dairy:
- Replace buttermilk with coconut milk or almond milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- Use dairy-free butter in the hot honey sauce.
Want more chicken-based meal ideas? Try this Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe for another delicious option!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make the crispiest, juiciest hot honey chicken tenders, avoid these common mistakes:
1. Not Marinating the Chicken Long Enough
- Marinating in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (ideally overnight) helps make the chicken extra tender and flavorful.
2. Skipping the Cornstarch in the Breading
- Cornstarch makes the crust lighter and crispier. Skipping it can result in a dense, doughy breading.
3. Overcrowding the Frying Pan
- Frying too many tenders at once drops the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Always fry in small batches for the best results.
4. Using the Wrong Oil for Frying
- Use oils with a high smoke point (like vegetable, peanut, or canola oil). Avoid olive oil—it burns too quickly!
5. Not Letting the Chicken Rest After Frying
- After frying, let the tenders rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This keeps them crispy instead of soggy.
If you’re looking for a healthier chicken alternative, check out these Low-Sodium Chicken Recipes for nutritious and tasty ideas.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
1. Best Dipping Sauces
Pairing your hot honey chicken tenders with the right dipping sauce can enhance the flavors even more! Here are some favorites:
- Classic Ranch – cools down the heat
- Blue Cheese Dip – adds tangy richness
- Garlic Aioli – creamy and garlicky
- Buffalo Sauce – for extra spice
- Honey Mustard – balances sweetness with tang
Looking for another game-day favorite? Check out this Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe for a creamy, spicy appetizer!
2. Best Side Dishes
Hot honey chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides:
- Coleslaw – adds a crunchy, refreshing contrast
- Mac and Cheese – creamy and comforting
- Sweet Potato Fries – enhances the sweet & spicy flavors
- Cornbread – a classic Southern side
- Grilled Vegetables – for a lighter pairing
Want more chicken-based meal ideas? Try this Grilled Chicken Wrap Recipe for a quick and satisfying lunch option.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
While hot honey chicken tenders are best enjoyed fresh, you can still keep them crispy and delicious with proper storage and reheating methods.
1. How to Store Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
To maintain the best texture and flavor, follow these steps:
- Let them cool completely before storing to prevent condensation from making them soggy.
- Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
2. Best Ways to Reheat Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
To restore their crispy texture, avoid microwaving, which makes the breading soft. Instead, try:
Oven Method (Best for Crispiness)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Heat for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air Fryer Method (Quick & Crispy)
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place tenders in a single layer.
- Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Stovetop Method (Great for Small Batches)
- Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until hot and crispy.
Love crispy chicken? Try this Carnivore Diet Chicken Recipe for another high-protein, delicious meal!
Fun Ways to Use Leftover Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
If you have extra tenders, repurpose them into new and exciting meals instead of just reheating:
1. Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich 🍔
- Toast a brioche bun and spread a little extra hot honey sauce.
- Add crispy chicken, lettuce, and pickles.
- Top with ranch or garlic aioli for extra flavor.
2. Hot Honey Chicken Wrap 🌯
- Slice the tenders and wrap them in a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
- Drizzle with ranch or honey mustard for a creamy finish.
Looking for a delicious wrap idea? Check out this Grilled Chicken Wrap Recipe for another tasty option!
3. Spicy Chicken & Waffles 🧇🔥
- Serve the tenders on buttermilk waffles with extra hot honey drizzle.
- Add a pat of butter and a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect sweet & savory combo.
4. Hot Honey Chicken Salad 🥗
- Chop the tenders and toss them with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and shredded cheese.
- Drizzle with a honey-lime dressing for a fresh, flavorful meal.
5. Spicy Chicken Breakfast Tacos 🌮
- Slice the tenders and serve them in warm tortillas.
- Add scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, and a little extra hot honey sauce.
For more breakfast-friendly chicken recipes, check out these Chicken Breakfast Recipes for unique ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make hot honey chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours before frying. This helps the coating stick better!
2. How do I adjust the spice level?
- Mild: Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the hot honey sauce.
- Medium: Stick to the recipe as written.
- Extra Hot: Add extra cayenne or ghost pepper hot sauce.
3. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray with oil for extra crispiness.
4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, but they take a few minutes longer to cook.
5. What is the best way to reheat leftover tenders?
For the crispiest texture, reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
Love spicy chicken? Check out this Frank’s Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe for another bold, flavorful dish!
Conclusion
These hot honey chicken tenders are crispy, juicy, and packed with sweet and spicy flavors. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry them, they make a perfect meal for game days, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving something delicious!
Want more amazing chicken recipes? Try these:
- Best Chicken Chop Recipe – Perfect for a flavorful pan-fried meal!
- Recipe for Chicken Pastry – A comforting dish for chicken lovers!
- Carnivore Diet Chicken Recipes – Great high-protein options!