These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are juicy and crispy, generously slathered in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce – they truly have it all! With only 7 ingredients and 30 minutes from start to finish, whipping up these hot honey glazed chicken tenders is remarkably simple.
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I can’t get enough of these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders! Their crispy golden crust and sticky hot honey glaze make them simply irresistible. The enjoyable blend of sweetness and heat will keep you coming back for more.
These homemade Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and utterly addictive!
Let’s dive into the details of making these hot honey chicken tenders!
Why I ADORE this recipe!
- Exceptionally crispy & juicy – These chicken tenders are wonderfully tender due to a brief soak in buttermilk that elevates the meat’s natural tenderness. They are then shallow-fried to create a delightfully crispy coating. They are absolutely fantastic!
- Perfect for parties – These crunchy hot honey chicken tenders are especially popular during game days! They rank as the most requested finger food.
- Extremely simple – Just soak, dunk, fry, and drizzle with glaze. Preparing these hot honey chicken tenders is honestly a breeze!
- Homemade restaurant-style dish – If you’ve spotted hot honey chicken tenders on TikTok or at local eateries (like the renowned Hot Honey Chicken Tender Sub at Publix), this recipe lets you recreate them at home, saving you both time and money!
Recipe Highlights
This Hot Honey Chicken Tender recipe is just as straightforward as it seems! With just 7 ingredients and 30 minutes, you can prepare a meal that’s perfect for the family.
In this section, I will share some handy tips and tricks to ensure you achieve the best results when crafting Hot Honey Chicken Tenders.
Be sure to scroll down to the end for the COMPLETE recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
For the chicken:
For the spicy honey chicken tender sauce:
- Honey – You will need 1/4 cup of your preferred honey.
- Hot sauce – Choose your preferred variety! I particularly enjoy Frank’s Red Hot, though Sriracha or Cholula are also excellent options.
- Red pepper flakes – Include these for an extra kick of heat.
Be sure to consult the recipe card at the conclusion of this post for the complete list of ingredients and their measurements.
Recipe Variations
- Hot Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders– Incorporate a teaspoon of garlic powder into the flour coating for a garlicky flavor twist.
- Extra Hot Honey Chicken Tenders– If you love heat, utilize the spiciest sauce available and double the amount of crushed red pepper flakes!
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Here, I’ll provide an overview of the key steps for this recipe, but make sure to check the recipe card below for comprehensive instructions on preparing Hot Honey Chicken Tenders.
Recipe Tips
- Adjust the spice level – If you prefer a milder hot honey flavor, simply reduce the amount of hot sauce and crushed red pepper flakes. Conversely, increase the quantities if you prefer a hotter taste!
- Fry in a single layer – Avoid overcrowding the skillet with chicken tenders, as this can result in steaming rather than frying. For the crispiest results, cook them in a single layer.
- Watch the cooking temperature – Because stove temperatures can fluctuate, keep an eye on your chicken as it cooks. If it begins to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low to ensure the inside cooks fully.
- PrepareA plate lined with paper towels – Have a plate prepared with paper towels to transfer the freshly fried chicken tenders, allowing for the absorption of excess oil.
## Recipe Short Cut
If you’re short on time, here’s an efficiency tip to expedite this recipe!
– **Prepare in advance** – Mix the sauce and coating beforehand to save some preparation time. The sauce can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to four days, while the flour mixture can remain covered on the countertop until you’re ready to use it.
## What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
This protein-rich dish captures the essence of classic American flavors and pairs excellently with a range of traditional side dishes.
Choose one or more options from this selection to create a wholesome and balanced meal that features both classic and lighter choices.
### Side Dish Ideas
## Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers after cooking this dish, consider it a win! They store and reheat well, making them perfect for another delightful meal.
To properly store leftovers, divide them into portion-sized servings and place them in an airtight container.
## Recipe FAQs
Should I soak chicken tenders in milk?
For especially tender and juicy chicken, I suggest it! Buttermilk is the ideal choice for soaking chicken.
Is hot honey actually spicy?
This can vary depending on your individual spice tolerance and the type of hot honey you use! Generally, it does have a spicy component. One advantage of making it yourself is that you can adjust the heat level to suit your preferences.
## Additional Simple Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I encourage you to check out more easy recipes for those busy evenings!
Explore all of my *easy chicken recipes here*, or take a look at a few of our readers’ favorites listed below.
