Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe

Intro

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe is one of those dishes that happened by accident in my kitchen and instantly became a repeat favorite. You know those meals where you take one bite, pause for a second, and think, Oh… this is dangerous? That’s exactly what these chicken tenders are.

They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and finished with a sticky, sweet-heat glaze that clings to every crunchy bite. The honey brings warmth and comfort, while the heat sneaks up slowly and keeps things exciting. It’s bold without being overwhelming, indulgent without being fussy, and honestly, way too easy to fall in love with.

If you like sweet and spicy flavors together, this Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe is about to earn a permanent spot in your kitchen.

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What Are Hot Honey Chicken Tenders?

Hot honey chicken tenders are crispy breaded chicken strips that are either fried or baked, then drizzled or tossed in hot honey sauce. The sauce is usually made with honey, chili flakes or hot sauce, butter, and sometimes vinegar for balance.

The magic is in the contrast. You get crunch, juiciness, sweetness, and heat all at once. It’s comfort food with a little attitude.

They’re perfect as a main dish, party food, game-day snack, or even tucked into a sandwich.

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Equipment List

You don’t need anything fancy to make these. Just basic kitchen tools:

• Mixing bowls
  
• Whisk
  
• Measuring cups and spoons
  
• Shallow bowls for breading
  
• Large skillet or frying pan
  
• Tongs
  
• Wire rack or paper towels
  
• Small saucepan (for hot honey)
  

Simple tools, big flavor.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders

• 1½ pounds chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Breading

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

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For Frying

Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying

For the Hot Honey Sauce

• ½ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1–2 teaspoons red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional but recommended)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix gently so everything is coated. Cover and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This step keeps the chicken juicy and tender.

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Step 2: Prepare the Breading

In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This combination gives the tenders that extra crispy coating.

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Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks well. Set aside on a plate while the oil heats.

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Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat about 1½ inches of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken tenders in batches. Fry for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towels.

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Step 5: Make the Hot Honey

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, butter, chili flakes, hot sauce, vinegar, and salt. Stir gently until the butter melts and everything is smooth. Do not boil—just warm it through.

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Step 6: Finish and Serve

Drizzle the hot honey over the crispy chicken tenders or toss them gently to coat. Serve immediately while they’re hot and sticky.

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Why This Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe Works

This recipe balances flavor and texture perfectly. The buttermilk keeps the chicken tender, the cornstarch adds crunch, and the hot honey sauce ties everything together.

The sweetness hits first, then the heat follows. It’s not aggressive—it’s inviting. That’s what makes these tenders so addictive.

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What They Taste Like

Every bite is layered and satisfying.

• Crunchy coating with real texture
  
• Juicy, well-seasoned chicken inside
  
• Warm honey sweetness
  
• Gentle heat that builds slowly
  

It’s the kind of food that makes people close their eyes for a second when they eat it.

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My First Time Making Hot Honey Chicken

The first time I made these, I was just experimenting. I had chicken tenders, a jar of honey, and a craving for something fun. I drizzled the sauce on without thinking too much—and suddenly I was standing at the stove eating straight from the pan.

That’s how I knew this recipe was a keeper.

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Serving Ideas

These tenders are incredibly versatile. Try serving them with:

• Creamy coleslaw
  
• French fries or waffle fries
  
• Mac and cheese
  
• Cornbread
  
• Inside a sandwich with pickles
  
• On a salad for a sweet-spicy twist
  

They work for casual dinners and special occasions alike.

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Baking or Air Fryer Option

If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake or air fry them.

Baking:
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway.

Air Fryer:
Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway.

Drizzle with hot honey right after cooking.

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Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders

• Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying
  
• Adjust chili flakes to control heat
  
• Always drizzle hot honey while the chicken is hot
  
• Use cornstarch for extra crunch
  

These little details make a big difference.

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Make-Ahead and Storage

You can bread the chicken a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge. Fry just before serving for best texture.

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Frying oil that’s too cold (leads to soggy chicken)
  
• Boiling the honey sauce (kills the flavor)
  
• Skipping seasoning in the chicken itself
  

Season every layer—it matters.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe is comforting, exciting, and incredibly satisfying. It feels indulgent but still approachable. You don’t need special skills—just a love for good food.

As a female home cook who lives for bold flavors, this recipe reminds me that sometimes the best dishes are the ones you didn’t overthink.

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Final Thoughts From My Kitchen

If you’re craving something crispy, sweet, spicy, and completely irresistible, this Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s messy in the best way, full of flavor, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

Make extra. Trust me.