Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are the perfect blend of crispy, tender chicken with a spicy-sweet kick. The chicken tenders are coated in a flavorful breading and fried to golden perfection, then drizzled with a homemade hot honey sauce made from honey, hot sauce, and a touch of vinegar. The result is a crunchy, juicy chicken tender with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that will keep you coming back for more. Whether served as an appetizer, main dish, or snack, these tenders are sure to be a hit!

The first time I made Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, I was craving something with a little bit of spice and sweetness, and this dish hit all the right notes. The crispy chicken paired so well with the tangy and sweet hot honey, making each bite irresistible. What I love most about these tenders is how easy they are to make, but they still have a big wow factor. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce, and the honey gives them that sweet finish. Whether you’re serving them with fries, salad, or just on their own, Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are a must-try!

Perfect for:

• Game days
• Family dinners
• Casual gatherings
• Sweet and spicy lovers
• Chicken enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders will become your new favorite dish:

• Sweet and Spicy Perfection: The hot honey glaze offers a balanced blend of heat and sweetness that elevates each tender.
• Crispy and Crunchy: The chicken tenders are coated in a crispy breading that locks in juiciness and texture.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
• Quick and Easy to Make: With minimal prep and cooking time, you can serve this dish in less than 30 minutes.
• Versatile Meal: Serve with fries, salad, or your favorite dipping sauces for a variety of meal options.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet honey flavor makes it a hit with kids, while the heat adds excitement for adults.
• Finger-Licking Good: The combination of crispy chicken and sticky glaze will have everyone reaching for more.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The tenders taste just as good the next day when reheated.
• Elevated Comfort Food: These tenders bring a gourmet twist to a classic comfort food.
• Affordable Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to prepare without a special trip to the store.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• ½ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for extra heat)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Sliced green onions

Ingredient Highlights

• Hot Sauce: Adds the perfect amount of heat and flavor to the glaze.
• Honey: Brings sweetness to balance the spiciness in the sauce.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Create an extra-crispy coating for the tenders.
• Chili Flakes: Provide an optional extra layer of heat to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Tenders:

1. Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and set aside.
2. Prepare the Dredging Station: In one bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip it in the beaten eggs, and then coat it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
4. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken tenders in batches, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate.

Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce:

5. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and chili flakes (if using).
6. Heat the Sauce: Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warmed through and slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

Coat the Chicken Tenders:

7. Glaze the Chicken: Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the fried chicken tenders or toss them in a bowl to coat them evenly with the sauce.

Serve:

8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy while hot.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders:

• With Fries: Serve with crispy fries or wedges for a classic combo.
• On a Salad: Add sliced tenders to a green salad for a sweet and spicy twist.
• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch, blue cheese, or extra hot sauce for dipping.
• In a Wrap: Add to a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch or sour cream.
• With Rice: Pair with steamed rice and veggies for a complete meal.
• As an Appetizer: Serve as finger food at parties with toothpicks or skewers.
• In a Sandwich: Serve on a bun with pickles and lettuce for a delicious chicken sandwich.
• With Cornbread: Pair with cornbread for a hearty, southern-inspired meal.
• For a Snack: Enjoy the tenders alone as a flavorful snack or appetizer.

Additional Tips

• Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to control the spiciness to your preference.
• Crispier Coating: For an extra crispy finish, double-dip the tenders (coat in flour, egg, breadcrumbs, then repeat).
• Rest After Frying: Let the fried tenders rest for a couple of minutes on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
• Use a Thermometer: Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
• Make it Extra Sweet: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the hot honey sauce.

Recipe Variations

• BBQ Honey Tenders: Replace the hot sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor.
• Crispy Baked Tenders: For a healthier option, bake the tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Lemon Honey Tenders: Add lemon zest to the hot honey sauce for a citrusy twist.
• Spicy Buffalo Honey Tenders: Mix in some buffalo sauce for an extra kick.
• Asian-Inspired Tenders: Use soy sauce, ginger, and garlic in the sauce for an Asian twist.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based chicken tenders and substitute egg with a flax egg for a vegan version.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet or Deep Fryer: For frying the chicken tenders to crispy perfection.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
• Tongs: For easy handling of the chicken tenders while frying.
• Small Saucepan: For making the hot honey sauce.
• Paper Towels: For draining excess oil from the fried tenders.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these tenders in advance?
   Yes, the tenders can be fried in advance and reheated in the oven. Just add the hot honey sauce before serving.
2. How long can I store leftovers?
   Leftover tenders can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
3. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
   Yes, frozen tenders can be used, but they may require a longer cooking time.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
5. Can I make the hot honey sauce spicier?
   Yes, add more hot sauce or include extra chili flakes for a more intense heat.
6. How do I prevent the tenders from becoming soggy?
   Ensure the tenders are well-drained on paper towels after frying, and avoid adding the sauce until just before serving.
7. Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?
   Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
8. What is the best dipping sauce for these tenders?
   Ranch, blue cheese, or a creamy garlic dip are excellent choices.
9. Can I make these tenders without the glaze?
   Yes, the tenders are delicious on their own, even without the hot honey glaze.
10. How do I keep the tenders crispy after frying?
    Keep the tenders on a wire rack to allow air circulation and prevent sogginess.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are a deliciously crispy and juicy treat with the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The chicken tenders are coated in a seasoned breading and fried until golden and crunchy. Once crispy, they’re drizzled with a hot honey sauce, which combines the sweetness of honey with a kick of heat from hot sauce or chili flakes. This combination creates an irresistible contrast that makes each bite both fiery and sweet.

The dish is perfect for serving as a snack, appetizer, or part of a main course. You can pair them with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese to cool down the heat and add extra creaminess. These tenders are great for a crowd, game day snacks, or a fun dinner for the family.

I can’t wait to see how your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!