Crispy, juicy, and dripping with a mouthwatering hot honey glaze, these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are an explosion of flavor in every bite! The golden-brown crust locks in all the juices, while the perfect balance of sweet honey and spicy heat takes this dish to another level. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family dinner, game night, or just to satisfy your comfort food cravings, these tenders will be a guaranteed hit. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make at home! With just a few simple steps marinate in buttermilk, coat in seasoned flour, fry to golden perfection, and drizzle with homemade hot honey you’ll have restaurant-quality fried chicken in no time. Pair them with crispy fries, a side of coleslaw, or your favorite dipping sauces for the ultimate meal. Once you try these, you’ll never go back to plain chicken tenders again!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil, for frying
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Add chicken tenders, cover, and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Prepare the Coating:
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Heat the Oil:
- Pour about 2 inches of oil into a deep skillet and heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Test readiness by dropping in a small pinch of flour—if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
Dredge the Chicken:
- Remove tenders from the marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Coat each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- For an extra crispy texture, dip back into the buttermilk and re-coat with flour.
Fry the Chicken:
- Fry in batches, ensuring tenders are not overcrowded.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce:
- In a saucepan, warm honey over low heat.
- Stir in hot sauce, chili flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Heat for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Glaze the Chicken:
- Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the crispy tenders or toss them for a more even coating.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Kcal: ~350-400 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
The Inspiration Behind Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
The concept of hot honey as a sauce has gained immense popularity in recent years, and for a good reason. The combination of chili-infused honey creates a contrast of flavors that complements crispy fried foods beautifully. This dish draws inspiration from classic Southern-style buttermilk fried chicken and Nashville hot chicken, but instead of using a dry spice rub or a fiery oil-based sauce, it gets its heat from a warm, sticky, and slightly spicy honey glaze.
Southern cuisine has long been known for its mastery of fried chicken, and adding a sweet and spicy glaze elevates the dish to new heights. The method of marinating chicken in buttermilk before frying ensures that the tenders are incredibly juicy on the inside while still achieving that signature crispy crunch on the outside. The hot honey sauce, made with just a few ingredients, is the perfect finishing touch that turns these chicken tenders into a flavor-packed delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor – The combination of crispy fried chicken and sweet, spicy honey creates a mouthwatering contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
- Crispy and Juicy Texture – The use of buttermilk in the marinade ensures the chicken remains tender and moist, while the flour coating and frying technique create a crunchy, golden-brown crust.
- Easy to Make – Despite its gourmet appearance and taste, this recipe is simple and requires only common kitchen ingredients.
- Customizable Spice Level – Whether you prefer mild heat or a fiery kick, you can easily adjust the amount of hot sauce and chili flakes in the honey glaze to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dish – This recipe is perfect for parties, gatherings, or family meals. Serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even as a sandwich filling for a hot honey chicken sandwich.
Tips for Making the Best Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
To achieve restaurant-quality results at home, keep these tips in mind:
1. Use Buttermilk for the Marinade
Buttermilk is a game-changer when it comes to fried chicken. It helps tenderize the chicken while adding a subtle tangy flavor. The acidity in buttermilk breaks down proteins, resulting in a more tender and juicy bite. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
2. Double Dredging for Extra Crispy Coating
For an ultra-crispy crust, coat the chicken in the flour mixture, dip it back into the buttermilk, and then dredge it in the flour mixture again. This extra layer of coating creates an incredibly crunchy texture once fried.
3. Use a Thermometer for Perfect Frying
One of the most common mistakes when frying chicken is cooking at the wrong temperature. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is fully cooked. If it’s too low, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy. The ideal frying temperature is around 350°F (175°C). Using a kitchen thermometer ensures that your oil is at the right temperature for crispy, perfectly cooked tenders.
4. Drain on a Wire Rack Instead of Paper Towels
After frying, avoid placing the chicken directly on paper towels, as this can cause the crust to become soggy. Instead, place the tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow excess oil to drip off while keeping the crust crispy.
5. Make the Hot Honey Sauce Warm
For the best consistency, warm the honey slightly before adding hot sauce and chili flakes. This helps the ingredients blend smoothly and creates a perfectly drizzling consistency.
6. Toss or Drizzle? Your Choice!
You can choose to drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken for a light, glossy coating or toss the tenders directly in the sauce for a more intense flavor. If you prefer a heavier glaze, tossing is the way to go.
What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
These tenders are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. Here are some delicious options to complete your meal:
- Classic French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries – A crispy, salty side dish that complements the sweet and spicy chicken perfectly.
- Coleslaw – A fresh and crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the heat and richness of the tenders.
- Mac and Cheese – Creamy and cheesy mac and cheese balances the spiciness of the hot honey sauce beautifully.
- Pickles – Tangy and acidic pickles help cut through the richness of fried chicken.
- Cornbread – A Southern staple that pairs wonderfully with hot honey flavors.
- Dipping Sauces – Although the tenders are already flavorful, serving them with additional sauces like ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or extra hot honey on the side adds even more variety.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely because these tenders are so addictive!), here’s how to store and reheat them properly:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the hot honey sauce separate to prevent the coating from getting soggy.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked tenders (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag.
- Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soft instead of crispy.
Conclusion:
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are a game-changing dish that brings together the best of crispy fried chicken and a bold, sweet-spicy glaze. Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner, a party, or just to treat yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
The secret lies in the combination of buttermilk-marinated chicken, a perfectly seasoned crispy coating, and the mouthwatering drizzle of homemade hot honey. The contrast of flavors spicy, sweet, crispy, and juicy creates a truly unforgettable bite.
What’s even better is that this dish is easily customizable. You can tweak the spice level, play around with different types of honey, or even turn them into sandwiches or sliders for a fun twist.