Hot honey chicken tenders are one of those meals that always get my family excited. I first tried drizzling spicy honey over crispy chicken on a weeknight when I wanted something different for dinner. My youngest took a bite, smiled, and said, “Dad, make this every week.” Since then, hot honey chicken tenders have become a go-to in our kitchen.
The magic is in the balance: crunchy coating, juicy chicken, and a sticky glaze that mixes sweet and spicy in every bite. Over time, I’ve made them fried, baked, air fried, and even without breading or buttermilk. No matter the version, they always hit the spot.
In this article, you’ll get the full recipe, step-by-step instructions, pro tips, variations, serving ideas, and storage tricks. Everything you need to make hot honey chicken tenders at home is right here.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
If you’re wondering why these hot honey chicken tenders deserve a spot in your kitchen, it comes down to flavor, texture, and versatility. Here’s what makes them a favorite:
- Crispy outside, juicy inside, and packed with sweet heat
Golden crunch on the outside, tender chicken inside, and a hot honey glaze that balances sweetness with just the right kick. - Easy to adapt for oven, air fryer, or dietary needs
Make them fried for extra crunch, baked or air fried for a lighter option, or adjust with gluten-free or dairy-free swaps. - Perfect for family dinners, snacks, or parties
Serve them with classic sides for dinner, stack them in a sandwich, or set them out as finger food that everyone will love.
Key Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
To make the best hot honey chicken tenders, gather a few staple ingredients that bring flavor, crunch, and heat:
- Chicken tenders: Cut chicken breasts into strips, or use packaged tenderloins for convenience.
- Buttermilk brine: A mix of buttermilk, hot sauce, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper that locks in moisture and flavor. For dairy-free, swap in coconut milk with vinegar.
- Flour and cornstarch: A one-to-one blend creates a light, crispy crust. Potato starch is a good alternative.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for bold flavor.
- Egg wash: Whisked eggs with a splash of buttermilk to help the coating stick.
- Oil for frying: Use neutral oils such as canola, vegetable, or grapeseed. Avocado oil works for a healthier option.
- Hot honey sauce: Honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, cayenne, vinegar, and butter make the sticky glaze that ties everything together.
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe with Crispy Sweet Heat
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- whisk
- wire rack
- thermometer
- frying pot or deep fryer
- saucepan
- tongs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breasts)
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk (for egg wash)
- Neutral oil for frying (canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)
- 1 cup honey
- 2 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Whisk together buttermilk, hot sauce, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add chicken tenders and marinate 2 to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- In one bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. In another, whisk eggs with buttermilk, salt, and pepper.
- Dip tenders in flour, then egg wash, then back in flour. Place on a wire rack and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil to 375°F. Fry tenders in batches of 4 to 6 for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- For the hot honey sauce, combine honey, hot sauce, cayenne, red pepper flakes, vinegar, and butter in a saucepan. Heat until butter melts and sauce is smooth.
- Brush or spoon hot honey sauce over chicken tenders. Serve immediately with ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Let breaded tenders rest on a rack for 15 minutes before frying to keep the coating crisp.
- Keep oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F for even cooking.
- For a lighter option, bake or air fry the chicken instead of deep frying.
- Always glaze with hot honey sauce after cooking to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 640 kcal
- Protein: 37 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 154 mg
- Sodium: 2650 mg
- Sugar: 48 g
- Fiber: 1 g
How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Marinate the chicken: Mix the brine ingredients in a large bowl. Add tenders, cover, and refrigerate for 2 to 24 hours.
Prepare coating bowls: In one bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. In another, whisk eggs and buttermilk with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Bread the tenders: Dip each piece in flour, then egg wash, then back in flour. Press to coat well. Place on a wire rack and let rest 15 minutes.
Fry until golden: Heat oil to 375°F. Fry 4 to 6 tenders at a time for 3 to 4 minutes until crispy and cooked to 165°F inside. Drain on a rack.
Make the hot honey sauce: Simmer honey, hot sauce, pepper flakes, cayenne, vinegar, and butter until smooth.
Coat and serve: Brush or spoon sauce over the hot tenders. Serve right away with ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 640 kcal |
| Protein | 37 g |
| Carbohydrates | 70 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Sugar | 48 g |
| Sodium | 2650 mg |
Pro Tips, Variations, and Hot Honey Sauce for Chicken Tenders
Pro Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken Tenders
Making the best hot honey chicken tenders comes down to a few simple but important steps:
- Marinate for flavor and tenderness: Soak the chicken in the buttermilk brine for at least 2 hours. Overnight is even better for maximum juiciness.
- Rest breaded tenders before frying: Letting the coated chicken sit on a wire rack for 15 minutes helps the crust set, so it fries up extra crispy.
- Maintain the right oil temperature: Keep oil between 350°F and 375°F. Use a thermometer so the chicken cooks evenly without burning.
- Check doneness with a thermometer: For safe and juicy results, chicken should reach 165°F inside.
Variations and Hot Honey Sauce Ideas
One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Here are a few tasty twists:
- Gluten-free tenders: Swap the flour for gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, or even crushed corn flakes for crunch.
- Dairy-free version: Replace buttermilk with coconut milk and vinegar. You’ll still get tender, flavorful chicken.
- Low-carb option: Skip the breading and bake or air fry the chicken, then glaze with hot honey sauce.
- Hot honey sauce variations: Add more cayenne for extra heat, stir in a little smoked paprika for depth, or mix with butter for a milder glaze.
This flexibility makes hot honey chicken tenders a recipe you can come back to again and again, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making a weeknight dinner.
Serving Ideas, Storage, and Reheating Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Best Ways to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
These tenders are versatile, which makes them a hit for any occasion. Try them with:
- Classic comfort sides: Fries, onion rings, or creamy mac and cheese pair perfectly with the sweet and spicy glaze.
- Lighter options: A crisp coleslaw, garden salad, or roasted vegetables balance the richness of the chicken.
- Sandwich style: Pile tenders into a bun with lettuce, pickles, and extra sauce for a mouthwatering hot honey chicken sandwich.
- Game day platter: Serve tenders alongside spicy glazed chicken wings or sliders for the ultimate crowd-pleasing spread.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Crispy Results
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unsauced tenders for up to 2 months. Reheat before glazing with hot honey.
- Reheating: Use the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness. Heat at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Avoid the microwave: It makes the coating soggy and takes away that crunch you worked for.
With the right storage and reheating methods, your hot honey chicken tenders will taste just as good the next day as they did when you pulled them from the fryer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
What is hot honey sauce made of?
Hot honey sauce is typically made with honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, vinegar, and butter. The sweetness of honey balances the heat from the spices, creating that signature sweet and spicy glaze.
Do you put hot honey on chicken before or after cooking?
Always add hot honey sauce after cooking. Brushing or spooning the sauce over freshly fried, baked, or air-fried chicken keeps the coating crispy while adding sticky, flavorful heat.
What does hot honey go well on?
Hot honey goes beyond chicken. It’s delicious on pizza, roasted vegetables, biscuits, cornbread, sandwiches, and even drizzled over cheese boards. The sweet and spicy combo works in both savory and sweet dishes.
How to make hot honey for fried chicken?
To make hot honey, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, vinegar, and butter in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth, then drizzle over fried chicken.
What pairs well with hot honey chicken?
Hot honey chicken tenders pair well with fries, coleslaw, mac and cheese, onion rings, and roasted vegetables. For parties, serve them with ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard dipping sauce.
Is hot honey chicken healthy?
Hot honey chicken tenders are indulgent, especially when fried. For a lighter option, bake or air fry them with less oil, or skip the breading for a lower-carb version.
Is hot honey just honey and chili?
Hot honey is more than just honey and chili. Most recipes include vinegar, pepper flakes, cayenne, and butter to balance sweetness, heat, and tang.
What is hot honey flavor?
Hot honey flavor is a mix of sweet and spicy. The honey provides natural sweetness, while chili or hot sauce adds heat that lingers without being overpowering.
Does hot honey sauce taste like honey?
Yes, hot honey sauce still tastes like honey, but with a spicy kick. The added heat enhances the natural sweetness, creating a bold flavor that’s both familiar and exciting.
Hot honey chicken tenders bring together the irresistible trio of crunch, juicy chicken, and sticky sweet heat. Whether you go the fried route or opt for baked, air fryer, or no-breading versions, this recipe gives you flexibility without compromising flavor. Use the tips, variations, and storage advice above to make it your own.
If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy my Hot Honey Chicken recipe for thighs and wings, and my Easy Chicken Cutlets in Oven for a lighter, crispy chicken option.
That crispy coating with the dip looks insane! My kind of comfort food — crunchy, juicy, and full of flavor 😋