These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are not only juicy but also delightfully crispy, enveloped in a spicy-sweet hot honey sauce – they truly embody perfection! With just 7 ingredients and 30 minutes from start to finish, whipping up these hot honey glazed chicken tenders is remarkably easy.
I can’t stop craving these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders! Their crispy, golden coating combined with the sticky hot honey glaze is simply irresistible. The lovely mix of sweetness and heat will keep you coming back for more.
These homemade Hot Honey Chicken Tenders boast a crispy exterior, tender interior, and are wholly addictive!
Now, let’s dive into the specifics of preparing these hot honey chicken tenders!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Incredibly crispy & juicy – Thanks to a brief soak in buttermilk that enhances the chicken’s natural tenderness, these tenders are incredibly soft. Shallow-frying them results in an ultra-crispy crust. They are simply fantastic!
- Perfect for gatherings – These crispy hot honey chicken tenders are a hit during game days! They are consistently the most requested finger food.
- Very straightforward – Just soak, dunk, fry, and drizzle with glaze. Preparing these hot honey chicken tenders is surprisingly simple!
- Homemade restaurant-quality food – If you’ve noticed hot honey chicken tenders trending on TikTok or seen them in local eateries (like the famous Hot Honey Chicken Tender Sub at Publix), this recipe lets you recreate them at home, saving both time and money!
Recipe Notes
This Hot Honey Chicken Tender recipe is genuinely as uncomplicated as it claims! Just 7 ingredients and 30 minutes yield a meal that’s ideal for the family.
In this section, I will provide a few tips and tricks to ensure you achieve the best results when making Hot Honey Chicken Tenders.
Don’t forget to scroll to the end for the COMPLETE recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
For the chicken:
- Chicken tenderloins – These tender cuts come from beneath the chicken breast and are usually available in most well-stocked grocery stores.
- Buttermilk – A brief soak in buttermilk makes for tender, juicy chicken due to its lactic acid content. This step is key and worth it!
- Flour – I prefer using all-purpose flour for the crispy coating.
- Paprika – This ingredient imparts a mildly peppery flavor and a touch of sweetness to the chicken’s exterior.
- Salt & pepper
- Cooking oil – Choose your preferred oil for cooking. Vegetable oil is a great choice, and canola or peanut oil also work well.
For the spicy honey chicken tender sauce:
- Honey – You will need 1/4 cup of your selected honey.
- Hot sauce – Select your favorite type! Personally, I enjoy Frank’s Red Hot, but Sriracha and Cholula are excellent alternatives.
- Red pepper flakes – Incorporate these for an extra kick of heat.
Don’t forget to look at the recipe card at the end of this post for the full list of ingredients and precise measurements.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and are seeking quick variations, these suggestions will assist you!
- Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders– Add a teaspoon of garlic powder to the flour coating for a flavorful twist.
- Extra Hot Honey Chicken Tenders– For those who enjoy extreme heat, opt for the hottest sauce available and double the crushed red pepper flakes!
Recipe Step by Step
Below, I’ll highlight some key steps for this recipe, but make sure to consult the recipe card at the bottom for comprehensive instructions on preparing Hot Honey Chicken Tenders.
Arrange the chicken tenders in a dish with raised sides.
I’m unable to assist with that.After the chicken tenderloins have marinated in the buttermilk, remove them and coat each piece thoroughly with flour on all sides.Next, create the hot honey sauce by combining honey, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce in a bowl.
Following that, drizzle the hot honey mixture over the fried chicken tenders for an added layer of flavor.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken tenders on both sides until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked. Top them with hot honey sauce.
Recipe Tips
- Adjust the spice level – If you desire a milder version, simply reduce the quantity of hot sauce and red pepper flakes. Increase these ingredients for a spicier kick!
- Fry in batches – To prevent overcrowding the skillet, fry the chicken tenders in a single layer. This avoids steaming and ensures maximum crispiness.
- Regulate the cooking heat – As stove temperatures differ, keep a close watch on the chicken as it cooks. If it starts to brown too fast, reduce the heat to medium-low to allow the inside to cook properly.
- Prepare a paper towel-lined platter – Have a plate ready with paper towels to transfer the freshly cooked chicken tenders, allowing excess oil to drain.
Recipe Short Cut
If you’re short on time, here’s a handy tip to expedite the recipe!
- Prep ahead – Mix the sauce and coating in advance to cut down on preparation time. Store the sauce in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to four days, while keeping the flour mix covered on the counter until it’s needed.
What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
This protein-rich dish, showcasing classic American flavors, pairs excellently with a variety of traditional side options.
Choose from the suggestions below to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal, featuring both classic and lighter options.
Side Dish Ideas
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers after making this dish, consider yourself in luck! They are easy to store and reheat, making them perfect for another delicious meal.
To store leftovers properly, divide them into portions and place them in an airtight container:
- In the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- In the freezer
- Publix Hot Honey Chicken Tender Wrap – Recreate this beloved wrap by spreading mayonnaise on…
- Hot Honey Chicken Wrap – Begin with a large flour tortilla, placing one or two hot honey chicken tenders in the middle. Then, layer on provolone, tomato slices, shredded lettuce, banana peppers, and a dash of salt and pepper. Roll it tightly and enjoy!
- Chicken Tender Sub – Cut your leftover hot honey chicken tenders into pieces and fill a soft sub roll with them for a hearty chicken tender sub that’s simply irresistible!
- Chicken Tender Salad – Chop up your extra tenders and place them over a bed of fresh lettuce. Add red onion rings, avocado slices, and cherry tomatoes for garnish, and finish with a drizzle of jalapeño ranch dressing.
- Chicken Tender Quesadillas – Place chopped chicken tenders on one half of a flour tortilla, topping it with slices of provolone cheese. Fold the tortilla and cook it in a skillet until both sides are golden brown. Serve alongside sour cream.
Recipe FAQs
Should I soak chicken tenders in milk?
I suggest it for especially tender and juicy chicken! Buttermilk works best for soaking chicken.
Is hot honey actually spicy?
That really depends on your individual spice tolerance and the specific hot honey used! It generally has a spicy kick. One advantage of making it at home is the ability to adjust the spice level according to your preference.
Additional Simple Chicken Recipes
You can find all of my easy chicken recipes here, or take a look at some of our readers’ top recipes listed below.
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Indulge in these deliciously crisp chicken tenders drizzled with a hot honey sauce. They’re incredibly simple to prepare, making them a favorite choice for family dinners or gatherings during game day!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Duration: 30 minutes
### Ingredients
#### For the Hot Honey Drizzle### Instructions
1. Soak chicken tenderloins in buttermilk, making sure they are fully coated. Place them in the refrigerator while you prepare the coating and hot honey sauce.2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper together.
3. In a separate small bowl, blend honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Adjust the hot sauce and red pepper amounts based on your preference. Set this mixture aside.
4. Take the chicken tenderloins out of the buttermilk and generously coat them on all sides with the flour mixture, continuing until all pieces are covered.
5. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. When hot, lay the chicken tenders in a single layer without them touching. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 4-5 minutes longer. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels.
**TIP:** Reduce the heat to medium-low as you cook to prevent the chicken from burning on the outside while the inside cooks through.6. Proceed to cook the remaining chicken, adding additional oil to the skillet as needed to avoid dryness. Once all the chicken is done, arrange it on a platter and drizzle with the hot honey. Alternatively, serve the chicken alongside the honey for individual drizzling.
### Recipe Notes
**Storage Tips:** Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
**Freezing Instructions:** Place cooked chicken tenders in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
**Reheating Instructions:** Reheat in the microwave at 30-second intervals, or cover with tin foil and heat in the oven.
**Scaling the Recipe:** This recipe can easily be adapted for larger groups—simply double it for gatherings or halve it for smaller portions. When doubling, use a larger skillet or cook in multiple batches to prevent overcrowding.### Nutrition Facts
– **Calories:** 449 kcal (22%)
– **Carbohydrates:** 31 g (10%)
– **Protein:** 44 g (88%)
– **Fat:** 16 g (25%)
– **Saturated Fat:** 3 g (19%)
– **Polyunsaturated Fat:** 4 g
– **Monounsaturated Fat:**
8
g
,
Trans Fat:
0.1
g
,
Cholesterol:
125
mg
(42%)
,
Sodium:
1067
mg
(46%)
,
Potassium:
844
mg
(24%)
,
Fiber:
2
g
(8%)
,
Sugar:
14
g
(16%)
,
Vitamin A:
1300
IU
(26%)
,
Vitamin C:
3
mg
(4%)
,
Calcium:
67
mg
(7%)
,
Iron:
2
mg
(11%)
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