What the heck is this?
These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are what happens when crispy fried chicken meets a spicy-sweet flavor bomb. Think golden, crunchy tenders straight from the fryer (or air fryer or oven — your call), then tossed or drizzled in a sticky hot honey glaze that hits all the right notes: sweet, spicy, buttery, and totally finger-lickin’. They’re the ultimate game-day snack, lazy dinner, or anytime-you-want-to-feel-like-a-chicken-wing-champion meal. Pair ’em with fries, slaw, or just eat them standing over the stove like a gremlin. No judgment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– That crunch? Unreal.
– Hot honey sauce is dangerously good (and only 3 ingredients!)
– Baked, air fried, or deep fried — choose your adventure
– You can make ’em ahead and reheat like a pro
– Way better than fast food and super easy
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Tenders:
– 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– ½ tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Breading:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crisp)
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp paprika
– ½ tsp cayenne (optional if you like a kick)
– Freshly ground black pepper
For Frying (if using):
– Neutral oil (vegetable, canola) for frying
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
– ½ cup honey
– 1–2 tbsp hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or your fave)
– 1 tbsp butter
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix chicken tenders with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let that marinate at least 30 minutes (overnight if you can for max flavor).
Step 2: Prep the Breading
In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, cayenne, and pepper. Dredge each marinated tender in the flour mix, pressing it in so the coating sticks. Let them rest on a wire rack while the oil heats — this helps them get even crispier.
Step 3: Fry, Bake, or Air Fry
To Fry: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
To Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray breaded tenders with cooking spray and bake on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
To Air Fry: 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying lightly with oil for that golden finish.
Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan, heat honey, hot sauce, and butter over medium heat until bubbly and smooth. Taste and adjust heat level if needed. Want it spicier? Add a pinch of chili flakes.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Toss the cooked tenders in the hot honey or drizzle it over the top right before serving. Sprinkle with a little sea salt or fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.
Serving Suggestions
– Over waffles for a spicy-sweet brunch moment
– With ranch or blue cheese for dipping
– On a brioche bun with pickles and slaw for the ultimate sandwich
– Serve with roasted sweet potatoes, mac & cheese, or a crisp salad for balance
Switch It Up
– Go Nashville-style: Add a spoonful of cayenne to the sauce and brush it on
– Honey Garlic twist: Swap hot sauce for chili garlic sauce and a dash of soy
– Gluten-free? Use GF flour and cornmeal blend for coating
– Vegan? Sub in tofu or cauliflower and use maple syrup + hot sauce
Make-Ahead Tips
– Breaded uncooked tenders can be frozen. Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag — fry or bake straight from frozen (just add time).
– Hot honey sauce keeps in the fridge for 1–2 weeks — reheat gently before using.
– Leftovers? Reheat in an oven or air fryer to bring the crisp back.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Sure, but it won’t get as crispy and juicy. Use the sauce over crispy frozen tenders if you’re in a pinch.
Q: Is hot honey super spicy?
A: Not really. You can adjust the heat with more or less hot sauce. Mild or fiery — it’s up to you.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
A: Absolutely. Just slice them into strips and treat them the same way — they’ll be extra juicy.
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: Sweet, Spicy, and Seriously Addictive
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are what happens when crispy fried chicken meets a spicy-sweet flavor bomb. Think golden, crunchy tenders straight from the fryer (or air fryer or oven — your call), then tossed or drizzled in a sticky hot honey glaze that hits all the right notes: sweet, spicy, buttery, and totally finger-lickin’. They’re the ultimate game-day snack, lazy dinner, or anytime-you-want-to-feel-like-a-chicken-wing-champion meal. Pair ’em with fries, slaw, or just eat them standing over the stove like a gremlin. No judgment.
Ingredients
For the Tenders:
– 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– ½ tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Breading:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crisp)
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 tsp paprika
– ½ tsp cayenne (optional if you like a kick)
– Freshly ground black pepper
For Frying (if using):
– Neutral oil (vegetable, canola) for frying
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
– ½ cup honey
– 1–2 tbsp hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot or your fave)
– 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix chicken tenders with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let that marinate at least 30 minutes (overnight if you can for max flavor).
Step 2: Prep the Breading
In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, cayenne, and pepper. Dredge each marinated tender in the flour mix, pressing it in so the coating sticks. Let them rest on a wire rack while the oil heats — this helps them get even crispier.
Step 3: Fry, Bake, or Air Fry
To Fry: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
To Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray breaded tenders with cooking spray and bake on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
To Air Fry: 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying lightly with oil for that golden finish.
Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan, heat honey, hot sauce, and butter over medium heat until bubbly and smooth. Taste and adjust heat level if needed. Want it spicier? Add a pinch of chili flakes.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
Toss the cooked tenders in the hot honey or drizzle it over the top right before serving. Sprinkle with a little sea salt or fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
– Over waffles for a spicy-sweet brunch moment
– With ranch or blue cheese for dipping
– On a brioche bun with pickles and slaw for the ultimate sandwich
– Serve with roasted sweet potatoes, mac & cheese, or a crisp salad for balance
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~490 kcal per serving
- Fat: ~22g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Protein: ~35g