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
-
Make the Hot Honey: In a saucepan, combine honey, cider vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, and salt. Simmer this mixture over low heat for about 5 minutes, then let it cool to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
-
Prepare Chicken: In one bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk. In another bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, paprika, and dried thyme until well combined, creating a flavorful coating for the chicken.
-
Coat Chicken: Take each tenderloin, dip it into the egg mixture to coat, then roll it in the flour mixture. Ensure to shake off any excess flour for a perfect crunch!
-
Fry Chicken: Heat your oil to 375°F in a deep skillet or frying pan. Carefully place the tenders in batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Cook until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
-
Serve: Drizzle your crispy chicken tenders with the hot honey sauce, and serve any remaining sauce on the side for extra sweetness and heat as a dipping delight.
Optional: Enjoy with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
- Perfect Temperature: Make sure your oil is at 375°F before frying. This ensures your chicken tenders will be crispy and not greasy.
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the hot honey sauce for a milder flavor.
- Frying in Batches: Fry chicken tenders in small batches to maintain the oil temperature, resulting in evenly cooked, crispy hot honey chicken tenders.
- Rest After Frying: Let the fried chicken rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a few seconds to absorb excess oil, keeping the tender texture intact.
- Leftover Storage: Store any leftover tenders in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 4 days, and reheat them in an oven or air fryer for the best results.
What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders?
Creating a delicious meal is all about complementary flavors and textures that enhance your main attraction.
-
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese: The rich, cheesy goodness balances the spicy kick of the tenders, providing a comforting contrast. This duo is a classic that warms the soul!
-
Tangy Coleslaw: The crunch and acidity of coleslaw cut through the sweetness, offering a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of chicken.
-
Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that beautifully pairs with the hot honey sauce, while their soft texture contrasts with the crispy tenders.
-
Garlic Bread: The savory, buttery flavors of garlic bread make it a delightful side, perfect for soaking up any extra hot honey sauce.
-
Cucumber Salad: A light, crisp cucumber salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette brings a refreshing crunch to every mouthful of tenders, balancing out the heat!
-
Iced Tea or Lemonade: A sweet and refreshing drink to wash it all down, complementing the spicy notes of the chicken tenders while keeping the meal vibrant and light.
-
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Why not finish off with a sweet treat? The warm, gooey cookies are a delightful way to round out this flavorful meal, bringing smiles all around!
These pairings will elevate your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders experience, creating a feast that’s as enjoyable as it is delicious!
Make Ahead Options
These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken in buttermilk for up to 24 hours in advance to ensure they’re tender and flavorful. Additionally, prepare the hot honey sauce ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; just reheat it gently before serving to maintain its sticky consistency. To save even more time, you can coat the chicken tenders and place them on a lined baking sheet, ready for frying the day of. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, simply heat the oil and fry the tenders until they’re golden brown, resulting in a delicious, quick dinner that’s just as good as fresh!
Storage Tips for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken tenders in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag where they can last for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy crispy tenders again, reheat in an oven at 375°F or an air fryer until heated through, avoiding the microwave to preserve texture.
Serving Suggestions: Drizzle with extra hot honey before serving to elevate the flavors and enjoy the sweet and spicy goodness again!
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Variations
Customize your tender experience and elevate the flavor profile with these delicious variations!
-
Honey Substitutes: Swap out regular honey for unique varieties like lavender or orange blossom for distinctive tastes.
-
Dairy-Free Option: Use non-dairy milk and a flax egg to create a fantastic vegan version that everyone can enjoy.
-
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley to the coating mixture for an aromatic twist that complements the chicken beautifully.
-
Air Fryer Method: Cook these tenders in an air fryer at 400°F for 12-15 minutes for a healthier, crispy exterior without all the oil.
-
Spicy Kick: Incorporate chipotle powder into the hot honey sauce for an exciting flavor explosion that adds smoky heat.
-
Crunchy Coating: Mix in crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture that kids will love.
-
Sweet & Savory Balance: Drizzle the tenders with a balsamic glaze before serving for a harmonious blend of sweet and tart that will wow your taste buds.
Each variation offers a unique twist, inviting you to explore and find your personal favorite as you perfect this recipe!
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting honey, go for a variety that’s thick and golden, such as wildflower or clover, which will provide the best sweetness to your hot honey sauce. For chicken, choose tenderloins that are pink and plump without any dark spots; they should feel firm to the touch. Fresh herbs should be vibrant and fragrant, while spices and powders should be fresh to ensure maximum flavor.
How should I store leftover hot honey chicken tenders?
After you’ve enjoyed your chicken tenders, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will maintain their quality for up to 4 days. When you want to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in an oven at 375°F or in an air fryer for about 5-7 minutes to restore that delightful crispiness.
Can I freeze hot honey chicken tenders?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, allow the cooked chicken tenders to cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag, where they will last up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them straight from the freezer in an oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
What should I do if my chicken tenders end up soggy?
Very! If this happens, it could be due to frying at too low of a temperature or overcrowding the pan. Always preheat your oil to 375°F before adding the chicken and fry in batches to maintain that crispy exterior. If you find your tenders are already soggy, place them on a wire rack in the oven at 200°F for 10-15 minutes; this will help regain some of that crispiness.
Are hot honey chicken tenders safe for children and people with allergies?
Of course! If you’re serving these tenders to children or those with spice sensitivities, you can adjust the heat by using less crushed red pepper flakes in the hot honey sauce. Additionally, make sure to read labels carefully for ingredients that may trigger allergies, especially if you substitute any ingredients, like using a flax egg for egg allergies or gluten-free flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
How can I customize the spice level in the hot honey sauce?
Absolutely! To tailor the spice level, simply adjust the quantity of crushed red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer it spicier, add more of these ingredients; if you’d rather keep it milder, reduce them significantly. You can also experiment with adding a dash of hot sauce for an additional kick or using milder peppers if you’re looking for flavor without overwhelming heat.
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders for a Sweet and Spicy Feast
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, combine honey, cider vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, and salt. Simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes, then let it cool.
- In one bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk. In another bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, paprika, and dried thyme.
- Dip each tenderloin into the egg mixture to coat, then roll it in the flour mixture.
- Heat oil to 375°F in a skillet. Fry tenders in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Drizzle the chicken tenders with hot honey sauce, serving extra on the side.