There’s a certain joy that comes from hearing the soft crunch of perfectly fried chicken tenders—it’s an irresistible invitation to gather around the table. When I first indulged in hot honey chicken tenders at a cozy local eatery, I was immediately enchanted by the enchanting combination of sweet and spicy. This dish isn’t just another meal; it’s a celebration of flavor that has become a staple in my kitchen.
Perfect for those busy weeknights, these tenders are quick to whip up yet packed with a gourmet flair that will impress anyone you serve them to. What truly sets them apart is their customizable spice level. Whether you like a mild touch of heat or a fiery kick, you can tailor this recipe to suit your family’s taste preferences. Dive into a world where crispy meets sticky, and get ready for a delightful culinary adventure that’s bound to become a family favorite!
Why Love Hot Honey Chicken Tenders?
Crispy, Flavorful Delight: These tenders are perfectly fried to a golden crisp, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor.
Customizable Spice Level: Whether you’re a heat enthusiast or prefer milder flavors, adjust the spice to fit your taste!
Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is simple and fast without sacrificing quality.
Crowd-Pleasing: Great for family dinners or game day snacks, they cater to everyone’s cravings.
Unique Twist: Elevate your chicken game with the sweet and spicy hot honey that adds a special touch!
Versatile Pairings: Enjoy these tenders alone or pair them with sides like coleslaw or macaroni and cheese for a balanced meal.
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Ingredients
For the Hot Honey Sauce
• Honey – Adds sweetness and serves as the base for the hot honey sauce; substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor.
• Cider Vinegar – Provides acidity to balance the sweetness; lemon juice can also be used as a substitute.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Introduces heat, so adjust according to your spice preference or replace with jalapeño powder for a different kick.
• Cayenne Pepper – Increases spiciness; omit for a milder flavor or swap with smoked paprika for warmth without heat.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; you can use regular salt in the same quantity.
For the Chicken Tenders
• Egg – Acts as a binding agent for the coating; can be replaced with a flax egg for a vegan option.
• Buttermilk – Tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor; use regular milk with a splash of vinegar as a substitute.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure for the coating; try gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
• Garlic Powder – Adds savory flavor; fresh garlic can be minced for a more robust taste.
• Onion Powder – Delivers depth of flavor; fresh onions can be sautéed and mixed into the coating if preferred.
• Paprika – Contributes mild flavor and color; can be substituted with smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
• Dried Thyme – Imparts herbal notes; omit or use Italian seasoning for a different herbal blend.
• Chicken Tenderloins – The main protein source; chicken breasts can also be cut into strips as an alternative.
• Oil for Frying – Necessary for achieving that perfect crispy exterior; vegetable or canola oil works best.
These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders combine crispy texture with a sweet and spicy glaze, making them a delightful dish to share or enjoy alone!
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
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Make the Hot Honey: In a saucepan, mix together honey, cider vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and salt. Simmer this mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes, then let it cool to thicken slightly.
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Prepare Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until combined. In another bowl, blend the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, and dried thyme, creating a flavorful coating for the chicken.
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Coat Chicken: Take each chicken tenderloin and dip it into the egg mixture first. Then, transfer it to the flour mixture, ensuring it is generously coated. Shake off any excess flour before moving on.
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Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 375°F. Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil, frying them in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Serve: Once the chicken tenders are perfectly fried, drizzle them generously with your prepared hot honey. For extra sweetness, serve additional honey on the side as a delightful dipping sauce.
Optional: Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders?
Elevate your meal experience with sides that perfectly complement the crispy, sweet, and spicy goodness of your chicken tenders.
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Creamy Macaroni and Cheese: This classic comfort food adds richness, making every bite feel like a warm hug from a friend.
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Fresh Cucumber Salad: Crisp, refreshing cucumbers sprinkled with herbs offer a light balance to the heat of the hot honey. It’s like a cool breeze on a warm day!
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Garlic Butter Roasted Broccoli: The nutty flavor of roasted broccoli pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy chicken, creating a symphony of taste and texture.
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Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet meets spicy in this dynamic duo. The caramelized flavor of sweet potatoes can stand up to the boldness of the tenders, making it a delightful combination.
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Coleslaw: This crunchy, tangy side adds a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, crispy chicken, ensuring your plate is well-balanced.
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Refreshing Lemonade: A chilled glass of lemonade cuts through the heat, offering a zesty counterbalance to the sweet, spicy notes in your meal.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: End the meal on a sweet note! These warm cookies are a family favorite and complement the spicy flavors perfectly.
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Honey Butter Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits drizzled with honey butter deliver a sweet and comforting side that elevates the main dish beautifully.
These pairings will create a memorable dining experience, leaving your family and friends coming back for more!
Storage Tips for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Fridge: Store leftover hot honey chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This keeps them fresh and flavorful.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken tenders in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer or oven for best results. This method maintains their crispy texture, ensuring they taste just like fresh.
Serving Suggestion: When serving leftovers, drizzle with a little extra hot honey to revive their delicious flavor!
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own!
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Spicy Boost: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes to the hot honey for a fiery kick that heat lovers will adore.
Elevate the flavor profiles by infusing spices into the sauce. A pinch of chili powder can also work wonders! -
Citrus Zing: Mix a teaspoon of orange or lime zest into the hot honey for a bright, refreshing note.
This variation brightens the dish and adds a delightful zing that pairs beautifully with the sweet honey. -
Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the flour mixture for added earthiness.
These herbs infuse the coating with aromatic flavors that will intrigue your taste buds. -
Crispy Oven-Baked: Instead of frying, bake the chicken tenders on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for about 20 minutes.
This healthier version still produces a satisfying crunch when coated properly and drizzled with hot honey! -
Maple Magic: Swap honey with maple syrup for a unique twist on your chicken tenders.
The rich, warming notes of maple create an indulgent flavor that’s perfect for cozy nights. -
Sweet & Savory: Add a tablespoon of soy sauce to the hot honey for an umami kick that balances the sweetness.
This variation adds depth to the sauce, making it an exciting combination that will surprise your guests. -
Coconut Crunch: Substitute regular flour with shredded coconut in the coating for a delightful tropical crunch.
Your tenders will take on a whole new dimension, providing both texture and unexpected sweet notes! -
Cheesy Delight: Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese into the flour mixture for a savory, cheesy coating.
This addition transforms the tenders into a rich and comforting dish that pairs perfectly with the hot honey drizzle.
Expert Tips for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
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Temperature Check: Monitor oil temperature closely. Too low and your chicken will be greasy; too high and it will burn. Aim for 375°F for crispiness.
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Double Coat: For extra crunch, dip the coated chicken back into the egg mixture and then back into the flour mixture before frying. This makes your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders irresistible!
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Sauce It Right: Drizzle hot honey over the tenders just before serving for maximum flavor impact. If your family prefers less spice, serve sauce on the side.
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Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy within 4 days and reheat in an air fryer for the best texture.
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Custom Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes to achieve your desired heat level. Don’t hesitate to experiment!
Make Ahead Options
These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the hot honey sauce up to 3 days in advance, as it stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply combine honey, cider vinegar, crushed red pepper, cayenne, and salt in a saucepan, simmer, then cool before refrigerating. Additionally, you can coat the chicken tenders in the flour mixture up to 24 hours ahead, keeping them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry for the freshest taste. When it’s time to serve, just dip the chicken in the egg mixture and fry as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy delicious, crispy tenders with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chicken for my Hot Honey Chicken Tenders?
Absolutely! For the juiciest results, I recommend using chicken tenderloins, as they are naturally tender and cook quickly. If you can’t find them, you can slice chicken breasts into strips. Just ensure they are evenly cut for consistent cooking!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very! Place leftover hot honey chicken tenders in an airtight container; they will last in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to reheat them, I often suggest using an air fryer or an oven, as this will keep the tenders crispy instead of soggy.
Can I freeze Hot Honey Chicken Tenders?
Absolutely! To freeze, first let the cooked chicken tenders cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour until solid. Afterward, transfer the tenders to a freezer bag and store them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer—just adjust the time accordingly.
How can I adjust the heat level in my hot honey sauce?
Great question! If you want to tone down the spiciness, simply reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper in the hot honey mixture. Alternatively, you can substitute them with jalapeño powder for a milder flavor. Taste as you go and find the perfect balance that suits your family’s preferences.
Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
Definitely! To make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water and let sit for 5 minutes). For the buttermilk, use non-dairy milk with a splash of vinegar. You can even make a vegan honey alternative using agave syrup mixed with cayenne for a spice kick!
How do I prevent the coating from falling off while frying?
Very important! To ensure the coating sticks well, shake off any excess flour before frying, and make sure to let the coated chicken rest for about 5 minutes before placing it in the hot oil. This allows the flour to adhere better to the chicken, leading to a crispy and intact coating throughout the frying process.
Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders for Family Fun Nights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the Hot Honey: In a saucepan, mix together honey, cider vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and salt. Simmer for about 5 minutes, then let it cool to thicken slightly.
- Prepare Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk. In another bowl, blend flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, and dried thyme.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin into the egg mixture, then into the flour mixture, ensuring a generous coating.
- Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 375°F. Fry the coated tenders for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve: Drizzle the chicken tenders with hot honey and serve with extra honey on the side.