Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Introduction

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are the ultimate combination of crispy, golden-brown chicken and a sweet, spicy kick. These tender, juicy chicken strips are coated in a seasoned breading that fries to perfection, then drizzled with a delicious hot honey sauce for just the right balance of heat and sweetness. The result is a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to party appetizers.

I still remember the first time I made these, and they disappeared off the plate faster than I could fry the next batch. The contrast between the crunchy coating, tender chicken, and sticky hot honey glaze makes each bite irresistible. And the best part? You can easily customize the heat level—keep it mild for a gentle zing or crank it up for spice lovers.

These tenders are incredibly versatile. Pair them with classic dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese, serve them over waffles for a sweet-and-savory twist, or add them to a salad for a bold, flavorful topping. No matter how you serve them, Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are bound to become a favorite!

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Game day snacks
• Party appetizers
• Chicken lovers
• Sweet and spicy food enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Here’s why Hot Honey Chicken Tenders will become your new favorite dish:

• Crispy and Juicy Chicken: The chicken tenders are coated in a seasoned breading that creates a crispy, crunchy texture while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside.
• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Heat: The hot honey sauce offers a perfect balance of spicy heat and sweet honey, complementing the crispy chicken beautifully.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, on a salad, or with your favorite sides like fries or coleslaw.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and simple to follow, perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned pros.
• Customizable Spice Level: You can adjust the level of heat in the honey sauce to suit your taste by adding more or less hot sauce.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders:

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1.5 pounds chicken tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra smokiness)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Tenders: These are naturally tender and juicy cuts of chicken, ideal for breading and frying, ensuring the perfect texture.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create an extra crispy coating that’s light and airy, giving the chicken a crunch that stays crispy even after adding the sauce.
• Hot Honey Sauce: The honey provides natural sweetness, while the hot sauce adds the necessary heat, balanced perfectly with the tang of apple cider vinegar.
• Spices and Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika add depth and flavor to the chicken’s breading, enhancing its overall taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Breading: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until smooth. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
2. Coat the Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then dip it into the egg mixture, followed by the panko breadcrumbs, pressing down lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. Set the breaded tenders aside on a plate.

Make the Hot Honey Sauce:

3. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir over medium heat until the sauce is warm and well-combined, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.

Fry the Chicken Tenders:

4. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the Chicken Tenders: Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Toss and Serve:

6. Coat with Hot Honey Sauce: Once the chicken tenders are fried, drizzle the hot honey sauce over them, or toss them in the sauce to ensure each tender is coated.
7. Serve: Serve the hot honey chicken tenders immediately with your favorite sides and dipping sauces.

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

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

• With Dipping Sauces: Pair with ranch, blue cheese, or more hot sauce for extra dipping options.
• As an Appetizer: Serve as an appetizer for your next party or game day gathering alongside other finger foods.
• On a Salad: Add the tenders to a salad for a spicy, crunchy protein boost.
• With Fries or Coleslaw: Serve with classic sides like crispy fries or tangy coleslaw for a full meal.
• In a Wrap or Sandwich: Place the tenders in a wrap or sandwich for a spicy chicken sandwich or wrap.

Additional Tips for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Here are some tips to ensure your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly every time:

• Maintain the Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at the right temperature is key to achieving a crispy, golden coating. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken tenders in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can cause the tenders to stick together and fry unevenly.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a less spicy variety.
• Use a Thermometer: Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 165°F (74°C).
• Rest the Chicken: Let the fried tenders rest on paper towels for a few minutes to remove excess oil and maintain crispiness.
• Serve Immediately: These tenders are best served right away while they’re still hot and crispy. If you need to make them ahead of time, consider reheating in the oven for the best results.

Recipe Variations for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Here are 10 variations you can try for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders:

• Crispy Baked Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: Instead of frying, bake the breaded chicken tenders at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Buffalo Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: Use buffalo sauce instead of hot sauce for a tangier, spicier twist.
• Crispy Spicy Lemon Chicken Tenders: Add lemon zest to the honey sauce for a citrusy addition alongside the heat.
• Honey Mustard Hot Chicken Tenders: Mix honey mustard with hot sauce for a different kind of sweet and spicy sauce.
• Garlic Parmesan Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: Top the tenders with grated parmesan and a sprinkle of garlic powder for a rich flavor profile.
• Sweet Chili Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: Combine sweet chili sauce with hot honey for an Asian-inspired twist.
• Cajun Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: Add Cajun seasoning to the breading for a spicy, smoky flavor.
• Maple Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: Swap the honey for maple syrup for a different type of sweetness.
• Honey Garlic Hot Chicken Tenders: Add minced garlic to the honey sauce for a savory addition.
• Korean-Inspired Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: Use gochujang (Korean chili paste) in place of hot sauce for a more complex, fermented flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

• Freezing: These chicken tenders freeze well. After frying, allow them to cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for the best crispiness.
• Storage: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness.

Special Equipment for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders easier:

• Deep Fryer or Thermometer: A deep fryer or a thermometer will help you maintain the oil at the correct temperature for perfect frying.
• Shallow Bowls for Breading: Use three shallow bowls to easily coat the chicken in the breading, egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs.
• Large Skillet: A large skillet works well for frying the chicken, ensuring enough space for the tenders to cook evenly.
• Paper Towels: Use paper towels to drain excess oil from the chicken after frying.
• Small Saucepan: A small saucepan is perfect for warming the hot honey sauce.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

Frequently Asked Questions for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

1. Can I make these tenders in advance?
   Yes, you can bread the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours before frying. However, they’re best served fresh for the crispiest texture.
2. Can I make these tenders gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the breading.
3. Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?
   Yes, you can bake the tenders at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
4. How spicy is the hot honey sauce?
   The spice level can be adjusted by using more or less hot sauce, so feel free to make it as spicy or mild as you like.
5. Can I freeze the breaded chicken before frying?
   Yes, you can freeze the breaded chicken tenders and fry them directly from frozen. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.

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Conclusion

Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken is the ultimate fusion of crispy, juicy chicken and a rich, sticky-sweet glaze with just the right hint of savory garlic. This irresistible dish works as both a main course or a shareable appetizer, making it a versatile favorite for any occasion. The crispy battered chicken pieces soak up the flavorful honey garlic sauce, creating a mouthwatering combination of textures and tastes that’s sure to impress.

This recipe is easy to follow, and you can tweak it to match your personal flavor preferences—add some chili flakes for heat or garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for extra flair. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner, date night, or a dinner party, Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken will be the star of the table!

Don’t forget to snap a photo of your dish, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your creations. Happy cooking!