Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Introduction

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are a mouthwatering combination of crispy, golden-brown chicken and a sweet-and-spicy honey glaze. This recipe takes classic chicken tenders to the next level with a crunchy coating and a sticky, flavorful drizzle that balances heat and sweetness perfectly.

The first time I made these, they were an instant crowd-pleaser. The tenders came out perfectly crispy, and the glaze added just the right amount of kick to keep everyone coming back for more. What’s great about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can dial up the spice for those who love extra heat or tone it down for a milder flavor. Pair them with a side of fries, a crisp salad, or even some cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have at home. Whether you’re cooking them for a game day snack, a quick dinner, or a party appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them!

Perfect for:

• Game day snacks
• Family dinners
• Party appetizers
• Spicy food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Here’s why Hot Honey Chicken Tenders will become a favorite in your household:

• Sweet and Spicy Flavor: The hot honey glaze is the perfect mix of heat and sweetness, making these tenders irresistibly flavorful.
• Crispy Coating: The chicken is coated in a seasoned breading and fried (or baked) to perfection for that satisfying crunch.
• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious dish in no time.
• Versatile: Serve these tenders as a main dish, appetizer, or pair them with sides for a full meal.
• Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the spice level of the glaze to suit your taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders:

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 pound chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breasts)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying (or cooking spray for baking)

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• ½ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot or Sriracha)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Tenders: These cook quickly and stay juicy, making them perfect for this recipe.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Add extra crunch to the coating.
• Honey: Provides sweetness that balances the heat of the glaze.
• Hot Sauce: Choose your favorite brand to customize the flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness to the glaze for a silky finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders:

Prepare the Chicken Tenders:

1. Set Up Dredging Stations: Place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs in three separate shallow bowls. Add the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the breadcrumbs and mix well.
2. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the eggs, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Repeat for all tenders.
3. Heat the Oil: If frying, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. If baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cook the Chicken:

4. Fry or Bake:
   • For frying: Cook the chicken in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
   • For baking: Arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Make the Hot Honey Glaze:

5. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and cayenne pepper (if using). Heat over low heat, stirring until the butter is melted and the ingredients are well combined. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Dish:

6. Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the cooked chicken tenders or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley or red pepper flakes for an extra touch.

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are versatile and can be served in various ways:

• With Dipping Sauces: Pair with ranch, blue cheese, or extra hot honey glaze for dipping.
• As a Main Dish: Serve alongside mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• In a Sandwich: Add the tenders to a toasted bun with lettuce, pickles, and more hot honey for a delicious sandwich.
• As an Appetizer: Arrange them on a platter for a crowd-pleasing party snack.

Additional Tips FOR Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Make the most of your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with these tips:

• Balance the Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce or chili flakes to the honey glaze. Taste-test as you go to find the perfect balance.
• Double-Coat for Extra Crunch: For ultra-crispy chicken tenders, dip them in the egg wash and flour mixture twice before frying or baking.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption while keeping it juicy.
• Experiment with Honey: Try different types of honey, such as clover, wildflower, or even spicy honey, to create unique flavor profiles.
• Make It Air Fryer-Friendly: For a healthier option, air-fry the chicken tenders at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk or a seasoned brine for at least an hour to tenderize the meat and infuse flavor.
• Customize the Coating: Add spices like paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
• Serve with Cooling Sides: Pair the spicy tenders with cooling sides like ranch dressing, coleslaw, or a cucumber salad for balance.
• Prep Ahead: Bread the chicken tenders in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a few hours before cooking to save time.
• Glaze Strategically: Toss the tenders in the hot honey glaze right before serving to maintain their crispiness while ensuring they’re well-coated.

Recipe Variations FOR Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Here are some variations to try:

• Extra Spicy Hot Honey Tenders: Double the cayenne pepper in the glaze for a fiery kick.
• Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders: Replace the hot sauce with BBQ sauce for a sweet and smoky flavor.
• Air-Fried Chicken Tenders: Cook the tenders in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.
• Honey Mustard Glaze: Swap the hot sauce with Dijon mustard for a tangy, milder glaze.
• Asian-Inspired Tenders: Add a splash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to the glaze for an Asian twist.

Freezing and Storage FOR Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

• Freezing: Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Special Equipment FOR Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Deep Fryer – For perfectly frying the chicken tenders.

Candy or Deep-Fry Thermometer – To monitor oil temperature for consistent frying.

Mixing Bowls (Various Sizes) – For dredging, breading, and mixing the hot honey sauce.

Wire Rack with Baking Sheet – To let the chicken rest after frying, keeping it crisp.

Silicone Basting Brush – For coating the chicken tenders with hot honey sauce evenly.

Kitchen Tongs – To safely handle the chicken during frying and coating.

Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot – An alternative to a deep fryer for frying the chicken.

Microplane Zester – For zesting citrus (if adding lemon zest to the hot honey).

Immersion Blender – To blend the hot honey sauce smoothly, if needed.

Cooling Rack or Mesh Strainer – For draining fried chicken to avoid excess grease.

Frequently Asked Questions FOR Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
   Yes, slice chicken breasts into strips to create your own tenders.
2. Can I make the glaze less spicy?
   Yes, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use a milder hot sauce.
3. Can I bake the tenders instead of frying?
   Absolutely! Baking at 400°F (200°C) yields crispy results with less oil.
4. How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
   Pat the chicken dry before coating and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the tenders.
5. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
   Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

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Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are a delicious combination of crispy, juicy chicken and the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish, appetizer, or snack, these tenders are guaranteed to be a hit. Drizzled with homemade hot honey sauce, they bring a bold twist that everyone will love.

This recipe is simple to make yet packed with flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, game-day gatherings, or any occasion that calls for something irresistible. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces and sides for a meal that will disappear in no time.

I’d love to see how your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!