Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Love sweet heat? This Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe combines crunchy chicken tenders with sticky honey, butter, chili flakes, and spice.
Equipment
- 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)
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.