Get ready for the ultimate flavor explosion—Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders! These golden, crunchy tenders are coated in a perfectly seasoned breading and finished with a drizzle of sweet, spicy hot honey. They’re everything you love about classic chicken tenders but with a bold, irresistible twist. Whether you’re making them for a casual weeknight dinner, game day, or a fun weekend treat, trust me, these will be a hit!
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Why You’ll Love Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders
Crispy & Crunchy: The perfect crunch in every bite thanks to a double-breading technique.
Sweet & Spicy Perfection: The hot honey glaze balances sweetness with just the right amount of heat.
Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just simple, foolproof crispy tenders.
Kid-Friendly with a Kick: You can adjust the spice level to suit everyone’s taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack.
Ingredients in Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders are packed with flavor and made with simple ingredients you probably already have!
Chicken Tenders: Juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up all the crispy coating.
Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and gives it that signature Southern-style taste.
Hot Sauce: A little heat in the marinade ensures flavor in every bite.
Flour: The base for the crispy breading.
Cornstarch: Adds extra crunch to the coating.
Seasonings: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for bold flavor.
Eggs: Help the breading stick to the chicken.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and airy, they create the perfect crispy texture.
Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or peanut oil for the crispiest results.
Hot Honey: A blend of honey and hot sauce (or red pepper flakes) for the ultimate drizzle.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Make Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken tenders and let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).
Prepare the Breading Station: In one bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
Bread the Chicken: Remove each tender from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dip into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs. Press the crumbs in for extra crispiness.
Fry to Perfection: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the tenders in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Hot Honey: In a small saucepan, warm the honey and mix in hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Drizzle over the crispy chicken tenders just before serving.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces—ranch, honey mustard, or extra hot sauce!
Nutrition Facts
How to Serve Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders
With Dipping Sauces: Pair with ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.
Over Waffles: Make it a Southern-inspired dish by serving over waffles with extra hot honey.
With a Side of Fries: Classic crispy fries or sweet potato fries make the perfect combo.
In a Sandwich: Toss them in a bun with coleslaw and pickles for an epic chicken sandwich.
On a Salad: Chop them up and serve over a fresh green salad for a crispy, flavorful topping.
Additional Tips
Use a Thermometer: Keep the oil at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked tenders.
Double Bread for Extra Crunch: Press the breadcrumbs in well to create a crispier crust.
Make Them in the Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Adjust the Heat Level: Add more or less hot sauce to the honey glaze depending on your spice tolerance.
Keep Them Warm: Place cooked tenders on a wire rack in a low oven (200°F) to keep them crispy before serving.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these tenders in the oven instead of frying?
A1: Yes! Bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Q2: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
A2: Absolutely! Just slice them into strips and follow the same steps.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q4: How do I reheat them without losing crispiness?
A4: Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes or in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F.
Q5: Can I make these ahead of time?
A5: Yes! You can bread the chicken and refrigerate for a few hours before frying.
Q6: What’s the best oil for frying?
A6: Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for the crispiest results.
Q7: Can I make them gluten-free?
A7: Yes! Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Q8: How do I make my own hot honey?
A8: Simply mix honey with hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes and warm slightly before drizzling.
Q9: Can I freeze cooked chicken tenders?
A9: Yes! Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Q10: Can I use store-bought hot honey instead of making my own?
A10: Of course! Store-bought hot honey works just as well and saves time.
Final Thoughts
These Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders are a game-changer—crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy all at once. They’re easy to make, totally customizable, and absolutely addicting. Whether you serve them as a snack, dinner, or party appetizer, they’ll be the first thing to disappear. Give them a try and get ready for your new favorite chicken recipe!
Print
Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Tenders
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These crispy baked chicken tenders are coated in a flavorful, spiced breading and finished with a sticky, sweet, and spicy hot honey sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner, snack, or appetizer!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
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2 lbs boneless chicken tenders
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons + 1/2 cup flour (or gluten-free flour)
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2 tablespoons grated parmesan
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1 egg, beaten
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2 tablespoons hot sauce
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
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Olive oil or melted butter, for brushing
For the Hot Honey:
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1/2 cup honey
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2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
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1-3 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
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3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For Serving:
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Green onions, cilantro, or parsley, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
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Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
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In a large bowl, toss the chicken with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Add 2 tablespoons flour and parmesan, then toss again to coat.
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Pour in the beaten egg and hot sauce. Mix until the chicken is fully coated.
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Add the remaining ½ cup flour, smoked paprika, and turmeric, tossing well to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
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Arrange the chicken pieces evenly on the baking sheet. Brush with olive oil or melted butter for extra crispiness.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Make the Hot Honey:
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While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, warm together honey, hot sauce, cayenne, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder over low heat. Do not boil.
Serve:
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Drizzle the warm hot honey sauce over the crispy tenders or serve on the side for dipping. If the sauce thickens, reheat for 5 seconds in the microwave before serving.
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Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, or parsley and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 302
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg