Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: Sweet, Spicy, and Seriously Addictive

If you’ve never tried Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, you’re in for a treat. This dish is the perfect mashup of crispy, golden chicken and sweet-spicy hot honey drizzle. The kind of food that makes your taste buds perk up and leaves you reaching for just one more bite.

I first made these tenders during a family movie night. We wanted something comforting, fun to eat, and a little different from the usual takeout. When that sticky, spicy honey hit the crispy crust of the chicken, I knew I’d found a keeper.

Whether you’re serving them for game day, family dinner, or just a crave-worthy snack, these tenders always deliver.

What Are Hot Honey Chicken Tenders?

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are crispy fried or oven-baked chicken strips coated with seasoned breading and finished with a drizzle of homemade hot honey. The balance of sweet, heat, and crunch makes this recipe a total standout.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Ultra crispy outside, tender and juicy inside
• Sweet and spicy flavors in every bite
• Easy to make at home
• Perfect for dipping or layering into sandwiches

Ingredients for Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

this Recipe

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika

For the Breading:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispness)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Hot Honey:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

How to Make Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• Mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
• Add chicken strips, stir to coat, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

• Remove chicken from buttermilk marinade.
• Dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to coat well.

Step 4: Fry or Bake

• To Fry: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry tenders in batches for 5–7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• To Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place breaded tenders on a greased baking rack. Spray lightly with oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey

• In a small saucepan, warm honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes over low heat. Do not boil.
• Drizzle over cooked chicken tenders.

Tip: Serve extra hot honey on the side for dipping—it’s that good.

Optional Add-Ons and Swaps

• Swap hot sauce with sriracha or chili oil for variety.
• Use panko in the breading for extra crunch.
• Add pickle juice to the marinade for a tangy twist.
• Serve in slider buns with slaw for mini sandwiches.

What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

• Creamy coleslaw
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Cornbread
• Mac and cheese
• Dill pickles or pickled onions

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best crispiness.
• Avoid microwaving if possible—it softens the crust.

Nutrition Notes

These chicken tenders are indulgent but can be adjusted:

• Bake instead of fry for a lighter version.
• Use gluten-free flour if needed.
• Control the heat by adjusting hot sauce levels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the best honey to use for hot honey?

Use pure clover or wildflower honey. Avoid thick creamed varieties.

Can I make these in the air fryer?

Yes! Preheat to 400°F and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray lightly with oil.

Is this kid-friendly?

Reduce or omit the hot sauce for a milder version kids can enjoy.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs work well—just cut them into strips.

How spicy is hot honey?

It’s mild to medium heat depending on the hot sauce. You can easily adjust.

Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Chicken Tenders

These Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders hit all the right notes—crunchy, sweet, spicy, and totally satisfying. They’ve become a family favorite at my house and are always a hit when we have friends over.

Try them once, and you’ll see why they deserve a spot in your regular recipe rotation. Trust me, the sticky hot honey glaze is worth every drop.

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