If you’re searching for a perfect blend of crispy, spicy, and sweet, look no further than this Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe. These chicken tenders are marinated to tender perfection, coated in a flavorful, seasoned crust, then fried until gloriously golden and crunchy. The crowning glory is the sticky, vibrant hot honey glaze that delivers a mouthwatering balance of heat and sweetness. Whether it’s a snack, appetizer, or main course, this recipe is sure to become your new favorite go-to comfort food that surprises and delights with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role in delivering flavor, texture, and color. From the rich tang of buttermilk to the aromatic spices and the sweet-spicy hot honey sauce, every component is essential to making this dish truly shine.
- Chicken tenderloins: The star protein of the dish, tender and perfect for quick frying.
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and helps tenderize the chicken for juicy results.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the base for a crisp, golden crust.
- Cornstarch: Mixed with flour, it boosts the crunch factor significantly.
- Garlic powder: Gives the crust a subtle aromatic garlicky note.
- Onion powder: Adds depth and savory undertones.
- Paprika: Brings mild smoky flavor and beautiful color.
- Oregano: Offers a touch of herbal complexity.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all flavors.
- Hot sauce: Delivers the spicy kick in the sticky glaze.
- Honey: Adds wonderful sweetness to temper the heat.
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfect frying.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Marinate Your Chicken for Maximum Tenderness
Start by blending salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Then, toss the chicken tenderloins in half of this spice blend along with buttermilk. This marination step is absolutely key—it tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with savory notes. Let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes to get that perfect juicy base.
Step 2: Create the Crispy Coating
Mix the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and the remaining spices in a large sealable bag or bowl. Dredge each marinated chicken tender in this flour mixture to coat thoroughly. This double-layered mixture ensures your chicken will have the crunch factor that makes every bite so addictive.
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or a heavy skillet. Carefully fry the coated tenders for roughly 3 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Use a wire rack to drain excess oil—this keeps that crisp crust intact and prevents sogginess.
Step 4: Whip Up the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan, gently heat hot sauce and honey on medium heat, whisking frequently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy. This glaze is where the magic happens, flawlessly merging heat and sweetness to elevate the dish.
Step 5: Toss and Serve Immediately
Coat the fried succulent chicken tenders evenly in your fresh hot honey glaze. Serve them piping hot to truly enjoy the explosion of flavors and crispy textures. This final step is what makes this Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe utterly irresistible.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
To add a bit of fresh contrast, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, or thinly sliced scallions on top. A light dusting of sesame seeds or a few chili flakes will give the dish extra visual appeal and a subtle flavor pop.
Side Dishes
These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders go wonderfully with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad to balance out the sweetness and spice. Creamy mashed potatoes or a cooling cucumber yogurt sauce can also be great accompaniments to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving them stacked on a platter with small bowls of extra hot honey for dipping. You can also turn them into sliders with brioche buns and pickles for a fun twist. Another crowd-pleaser is slicing the tenders and tossing them into a crunchy salad or wrap for a quick lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover hot honey chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool them completely before storing to keep that crispy coating from getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken tenders by laying them on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transferring them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just remember to freeze before tossing in the hot honey sauce for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your frozen or refrigerated chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the crust soft. Add fresh hot honey sauce after reheating for that perfect finish.
FAQs
Can I use another cut of chicken instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts or thighs can work well, but adjust cooking time accordingly since thickness varies. Tenderloins remain the easiest and fastest choice for even cooking.
Is buttermilk necessary for marinating?
Buttermilk is ideal because its acidity helps break down proteins to tenderize the chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk, a mix of milk and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice can be a substitute.
How spicy is this Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe?
The heat level is balanced—mildly spicy from the hot sauce but mellowed by the sweetness of honey. You can adjust the ratio of hot sauce to honey to make it hotter or sweeter based on your preferences.
Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?
Yes! For a healthier option, bake them at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried, but still delicious when tossed in hot honey sauce.
What type of hot sauce works best?
A classic cayenne-based hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot pairs beautifully in this recipe, providing tangy heat without overpowering the sweetness.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe in your culinary arsenal, you’re all set to wow your family and friends with a dish that hits all the right notes of crunch, spice, and sweetness. It’s comfort food elevated to new levels, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. Go ahead—give it a try and watch how this dish quickly becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
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Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and bursting with a perfect balance of sweet heat. Buttermilk-marinated chicken tenderloins are coated in a seasoned flour and cornstarch blend, fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a luscious hot honey sauce made with honey and spicy hot sauce. This quick and easy recipe makes a delicious appetizer or main dish that’s perfect for game day or a family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins, white tendon removed
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tsp salt (from the spice blend)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (from the spice blend)
- 1 tsp paprika (from the spice blend)
- 1 tsp oregano (from the spice blend)
- 2 tsp garlic powder (from the spice blend)
- 1 tsp onion powder (from the spice blend)
Coating
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- Spices: Remaining half of the salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder (approximately 3/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder)
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
Frying
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare Spice Blend and Marinate: In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Reserve half of this spice blend. Place chicken tenderloins in a bowl with the reserved half of the spices and buttermilk. Stir gently to coat and let marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare Coating: In a large sealable bag or bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and remaining half of the spice blend. Mix well to evenly distribute spices in the flour mixture.
- Coat Chicken Tenders: Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dip each tender into the flour mixture, ensuring full and even coating to achieve a crispy crust when fried.
- Heat Oil and Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the coated chicken tenders for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Drain cooked tenders on a wire rack to maintain crispiness and remove excess oil.
- Make Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the hot sauce and honey. Whisk frequently and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce and Serve: Place the fried chicken tenders in a large bowl, pour the hot honey sauce over them, and toss gently to coat evenly. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken tenders by repeating the buttermilk and flour coating steps.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey sauce to make it more or less spicy according to your preference.
- Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for perfectly fried tenders.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a cooling contrast.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
